Why ‘nesting parties’ are replacing baby showers — and how to plan one that truly helps

Traditional baby showers often leave expectant parents with piles of duplicate gifts but little practical preparation for bringing baby home. What if your pre-baby celebration actually prepared you for parenthood instead of just adding clutter?

Pinterest searches for “nesting party” have skyrocketed 205% in early 2025 compared to last year, while TikTok is flooded with parents sharing their experiences. Modern parents are craving something different: less stuff, more substance.

What is a nesting party?

A nesting party is a gathering focused on preparing parents-to-be for baby’s arrival through practical help rather than gift-giving. Instead of playing games and opening presents, guests roll up their sleeves to help with tangible tasks like meal prepping, organizing baby clothes, or assembling furniture.

“Support is essential for reducing the risk of postpartum depression,” explains Dr. Jill Zechowy, perinatal mental health physician. “[Nesting parties] remind parents that they aren’t alone—and that it’s OK to ask for help,” she told Parents Together.

The result is a modern-day support circle that leaves parents feeling well prepared rather than overwhelmed with seventeen different blankets, three high chairs, and a nursery overflowing with gear.

Why nesting parties are gaining popularity

The shift toward nesting parties reflects a broader cultural move toward “experiences over excess, community over clutter” in parenting celebrations, according to Neat Method.

Nesting parties create a supportive network of reliable helpers the growing family can call upon during the postpartum period. They’re also surprisingly cost-effective—”There is no expectation for guests – they don’t need to spend anything to celebrate,” notes Bjarni Baby.

For the parents-to-be, hosting the gathering at home means “no worrying about getting there or the nearest toilet,” a significant comfort during late pregnancy. Plus, they avoid being “left with bundles of baby gifts to find new homes for” like traditional showers often produce.

Practical nesting party activities that truly help

Freezer meal prep station

Have guests bring ingredients for simple freezer meals. Together, assemble and package meals that can be easily reheated after baby arrives. Label each with cooking instructions and expiration dates.

“Meal prepping is consistently rated as one of the most helpful postpartum supports,” notes the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Consider creating a shared document where guests can sign up for meal ingredients to avoid duplicates.

This hands-on activity directly addresses the challenging postpartum period when cooking healthy meals becomes nearly impossible with a newborn’s demands.

Baby-proofing brigade

Form teams to tackle basic baby-proofing tasks around the home. While newborns aren’t mobile yet, completing these tasks before sleep deprivation sets in is invaluable.

Tasks might include installing outlet covers, securing furniture to walls, adding cabinet locks, setting up baby gates, and checking smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. According to Cradlewise, “Parents-to-be are feeling the pressure of getting everything just right,” making this practical help particularly meaningful.

Nursery organization

The nursery often needs significant setup that can feel overwhelming to expecting parents. Have guests help with washing and folding baby clothes, setting up diaper changing stations, organizing baby essentials by size and type, assembling furniture, and creating an efficient feeding station.

This is “all about getting things done with your sleeves rolled up, not just sipping punch and unwrapping onesies,” as the Atlanta Journal-Constitution aptly describes. The assembly aspect has become so popular that some are hosting dedicated “assembly parties” where friends gather specifically to put together cribs, changing tables, and other furniture.

Resource creation

Beyond physical tasks, have guests create resources that will support the new parents:

A contact list of local resources (lactation consultants, pediatricians, etc.), a postpartum support calendar for meal delivery and check-ins, a playlist of soothing songs for baby, or a collection of quick, nutritious snack ideas for busy parents can all prove invaluable in those early weeks.

How to plan a nesting party that makes a difference

Timing is everything

Schedule your nesting party during the third trimester, ideally 4-6 weeks before your due date. This timing capitalizes on the natural “nesting instinct” while ensuring you have time to complete any unfinished tasks before baby arrives.

“Nesting parties typically occur a few weeks before the due date during the nesting period,” explains the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. This timing allows for maximum preparation without cutting it too close to delivery.

Guest list considerations

Keep the gathering intimate with people who will genuinely help rather than socialize. Bjarni Baby emphasizes that nesting parties are typically “smaller gatherings” compared to traditional baby showers.

Consider including close friends and family members who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves, people with relevant skills (the friend who’s handy with tools, the neighbor who’s an organizational wizard), and a mix of guests who can handle different types of tasks.

Clear communication is key

When inviting guests, clearly explain the concept of a nesting party and list specific tasks you need help with. Suggest what guests might bring (ingredients for freezer meals, organizational tools, etc.) and emphasize that their presence and help is the gift.

This clear framing helps guests understand the purpose-driven nature of the event and come prepared to contribute meaningfully.

Create a comfortable atmosphere

While the focus is on productivity, creating a welcoming environment matters. Provide simple refreshments and snacks, create a playlist of upbeat music, take breaks for rest and socializing, and consider a potluck approach to feeding everyone.

As Bjarni Baby points out, hosts may only need to provide “some nibbles and food for everyone,” making the event low-cost compared to traditional showers.

Making it meaningful beyond the tasks

While practical help is the primary focus, don’t miss the opportunity to create meaningful connections. Have each guest write a note of encouragement for tough postpartum days, create a photo or video documenting the day’s accomplishments, take a moment to express gratitude to your support network, and establish connections between helpers who might coordinate postpartum support.

These thoughtful touches transform a work party into something that nurtures the parents emotionally as well as practically.

Embracing modern pregnancy celebrations

Nesting parties represent a thoughtful shift in how we celebrate and support expecting parents. They acknowledge that what many parents truly need isn’t more stuff but practical support and community.

As we move toward more mindful approaches to parenthood, the nesting party offers an opportunity to transform a traditional celebration into something that truly prepares families for the journey ahead. It’s not just about preparing a space for baby—it’s about strengthening the community that will help sustain new parents through one of life’s most profound transitions.