Baby showers have long been the default celebration for expectant parents, but many millennials and Gen Zers are embracing a different kind of gathering: the nesting party. Instead of games and gift registries, guests come ready to work—assembling furniture, cooking freezer meals and organising nurseries. These hands‑on gatherings respond to modern parents’ desire for community and practical help. In fact, Pinterest’s 2025 trend report noted a 205 percent rise in searches for nesting parties. This article explains what nesting parties are, why they’re gaining traction and how to plan one, while sharing my own experiences.
What Makes a Nesting Party Different
A nesting party gathers a small group of friends and family to help expectant parents prepare their home for a baby. Guests may assemble the crib, baby‑proof rooms, wash and fold tiny clothes or cook meals to freeze. Parenting expert Kimberly King describes it as “emotional support and hands‑on prep” for parents who need more than another onesie. For families expecting their second or third child, a nesting party can replace a baby shower; for first‑time parents it can complement one. The focus is on service over spectacle—building a village rather than a Pinterest‑perfect party.
Beyond those headline tasks lie dozens of smaller jobs that often overwhelm expectant parents. Someone needs to set up diaper changing caddies in key rooms, each stocked with wipes, diapers and a clean swaddle. Another person might sanitise bottles and breast‑pump parts, organise a medicine cabinet with infant acetaminophen and saline drops, or check expiration dates on family prescriptions. Friends can stock the refrigerator and pantry with healthy snacks for late‑night feeds, label shelves so visitors can easily find things, or pack hospital bags with essentials like phone chargers, snacks and lip balm. Postpartum recovery baskets filled with cooling pads, soothing sprays, peri bottles and nursing‑friendly tops can be assembled and placed near the bed and bathroom. Splitting these chores among loving hands ensures nothing important is forgotten and eases the mental load on the parents‑to‑be.
Why They’re Trending
Meaningful Community
Many new parents feel isolated and overwhelmed. Nesting parties counter that by creating a support network before the baby arrives. According to perinatal mental health physician Jill Zechowy, having friends pitch in reduces the risk of postpartum depression. Parenting specialist Dana Kampman adds that hands‑on help provides a lifeline for stretched parents. Millennials and Gen Zers are particularly drawn to this communal support.
Recent surveys underscore why this village matters. A 2023 Pew Research Center report found that 62 percent of parents said being a parent was at least somewhat harder than they expected, while a Nestlé study reported that over half of new parents felt intense social pressure about how to raise their children. In such a climate, having loved ones actively help—rather than merely comment from the sidelines—can relieve stress and reduce anxiety. Nesting parties transform passive observers into participants, shifting the narrative from judgement to genuine support.
Practicality and Sustainability
With living costs rising, parents appreciate the economic benefits of help prepping the nursery or stocking the freezer. A morning spent cooking lasagna, chili and muffins yields meals for weeks. Nesting parties also align with eco‑friendly values: they generate less waste than a typical shower and encourage reusable supplies. Guests bring tools, ingredients or spare gear rather than disposable decorations.
Shifting Traditions
Millennial and Gen Z parents often prefer experiences over material goods. Nesting parties reflect this shift. Guests share time and labour instead of purchasing another bouncy chair. The result is deeper connections and more useful contributions. Pinterest’s trend report calls nesting parties “what baby showers should have always been,” emphasising community over consumerism.
Roots in Community Traditions
Although the term “nesting party” feels contemporary, the idea of collective labour to support families is not new. In farming and tight‑knit communities, neighbours often participated in barn raisings, quilting bees and communal harvests—events where everyone lent hands knowing assistance would be returned when needed. Many articles compare nesting parties to Amish barn raisings, where an entire structure goes up in a day, and at the same time social bonds are strengthened. Nesting parties revive this spirit of mutual aid, adapting it to prepare for a baby rather than a barn. They remind us that welcoming a new life has long been a community project, not just a private affair.
Planning Your Party
Set the Date and Host
Aim for the final trimester but before the due date—weeks 32 to 36 work well. This gives parents enough energy and time to finish remaining tasks. Although expectant parents can host, it’s usually easier to have a close friend or family member organise invitations, manage supplies and coordinate the day.
Make a Flexible To‑Do List
Meet with the parents‑to‑be to list priorities. Typical tasks include assembling furniture, decorating the nursery, baby‑proofing, cooking meals and organising baby gear. Instead of detailing every step, group tasks by area: nursery setup, kitchen prep, safety checks and meal prep. This keeps the list manageable and allows guests to gravitate toward activities that suit their skills. Incorporate one fun element—writing affirmations or decorating a onesie—so the party still feels like a celebration.
Breaking tasks into zones also helps ensure nothing is overlooked. For example, under “kitchen prep” guests can wash baby bottles and pump parts, label shelves so helpers know where to find snacks and create a coffee or tea station for sleepless nights. “Bathroom prep” might include stocking the medicine cabinet with infant pain reliever and baby‑safe bath products, setting up a postpartum recovery basket near the toilet with peri bottles, cooling pads and sitz bath herbs, and installing a nightlight. “Car prep” involves properly installing the car seat, attaching a car mirror to keep an eye on the baby and placing a spare changing kit in the trunk. Thinking through each area of the home helps families identify tasks they might not have considered and ensures the finished nest truly supports life with a newborn.
Gather Supplies
Ask guests to bring specific items: tools (screwdrivers, anchors), storage containers, cleaning supplies, meal ingredients or reusable containers. Encourage practical gifts like diapers, wipes or gift cards for meal delivery. By sharing resources, everyone contributes without overspending.
Invite the Right People
Keep the guest list small—usually under 15 people—to maintain an intimate atmosphere. Include family, close friends and experienced parents who can offer demonstrations (like installing a car seat). For newcomers to an area, adding neighbours or members of parenting groups helps expand their support network.
Prepare the Space
Before guests arrive, designate work zones (kitchen, nursery, living room), clear clutter and set out refreshments. Soft music, comfortable seating and plenty of water create a welcoming atmosphere. Have a plan for pets and older siblings so they can participate safely or stay busy elsewhere.
Hosting the Nesting Party
Start with introductions and a brief explanation of the day’s goals. A simple icebreaker—such as sharing each person’s favourite childhood book or parenting tip—sets a warm tone. Next, walk everyone through the to‑do list and invite guests to choose tasks that match their skills or preferences. One person might naturally gravitate to meal prep, while another prefers assembling the crib.
Having a designated “taskmaster” is invaluable. This person answers questions, keeps track of progress and ensures that the expectant parents aren’t peppered with logistical queries. They can also call out when it’s time to switch activities or take a break. A loose schedule helps the day flow: perhaps an hour for meal prep, followed by 30 minutes for baby‑proofing and finishing with nursery organisation. Build in regular pauses for drinks, snacks and conversation. Some hosts incorporate a brief relaxation activity, such as a guided meditation or a gratitude circle, to allow everyone to reflect on the significance of the occasion.
Creative touches can make the work feel festive. A “diaper bouquet bar,” where guests arrange rolled diapers and baby essentials into bouquets, turns practical supplies into art. A journaling station with prompts like “Advice for sleepless nights” or “Hopes for the new baby” invites heartfelt messages. If the expectant parents have older children, set up a craft table where siblings decorate onesies or paint small canvases for the nursery. These stations provide a break from physical tasks and create keepsakes the family will treasure.
As the party winds down, gather everyone to admire the progress. Photograph the newly organised nursery, the freezer stocked with meals or the shimmering diaper bouquets. Thank each guest sincerely—whether with a group toast, a short speech or small parting gifts like homemade cookies or potted plants. Expressing gratitude reinforces the sense of community and encourages ongoing support after the baby arrives.
Comparing Baby Showers and Nesting Parties
Baby showers still have their place, especially for celebrating first pregnancies and receiving needed items. However, the two events serve different purposes:
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Focus: Showers centre on gift‑giving and games; nesting parties emphasise teamwork and practical tasks.
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Guest list: Showers often include a wider circle; nesting parties are smaller and more intimate.
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Timing: Showers happen mid‑pregnancy; nesting parties occur later, when tasks are clearer.
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Gifts: Showers encourage registry purchases; nesting parties appreciate practical items or contributions of time and labour.
Many families choose to host both, reaping the benefits of gifts and support. Others, especially those with ample supplies from previous children, prefer to skip the shower and focus on building their community through a nesting party.
Benefits Beyond the To‑Do List
Emotional Lift
The final stretch of pregnancy can be physically draining and emotionally fraught. Having friends and family gather to tackle chores sends a powerful message: you are loved and supported. This emotional lift often carries into the postpartum period, as guests who helped during the nesting party check in and offer assistance later.
Practical Help
A nursery assembled with care, a freezer stocked with meals and a living room free of hazards reduce stress when the baby arrives. Small tasks like washing bottles or folding clothes may seem trivial, but collectively they free up precious time for recovery and bonding. Learning how to install a car seat or operate baby gear alongside knowledgeable friends boosts confidence and competence.
These skills also foster cross‑generational connections. Grandparents and seasoned parents can teach younger adults how to swaddle a baby or calm a crying newborn, passing down traditions and wisdom. Conversely, tech‑savvy friends can share tips for using white‑noise machines or creating a digital baby announcement. This exchange of knowledge enriches everyone involved and strengthens family ties.
Community and Longevity
Perhaps the greatest benefit of a nesting party is the community it fosters. The collaborative spirit often deepens relationships, turning guests into ongoing sources of help and camaraderie. This support network reduces feelings of isolation and may decrease the likelihood of postpartum depression.
Because nesting parties encourage vulnerability—inviting others into your home to witness half‑finished nurseries and laundry baskets—the bonds formed are grounded in authenticity rather than appearances. Guests who have shared in the mundane realities of baby prep are more likely to offer real help once the baby arrives, whether that means dropping off dinner or taking the infant for a walk while the parents nap. The party thus becomes a rehearsal for the mutual aid and reciprocal care that define a resilient community.
Cost and Sustainability Advantages
By focusing on activities and reusable supplies, nesting parties are often more budget‑friendly than showers laden with single‑use decorations or unnecessary gifts. Preparing meals together reduces future spending on takeout, and practical gifts like reusable silicone bags or freezer organisers align with eco‑conscious values.
Tips for Success
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Set clear expectations: Tell guests what to wear, what to bring and what kind of tasks are planned so they arrive prepared.
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Prioritise tasks: Tackle the most important jobs first in case energy wanes. Keep the list flexible so guests can switch roles or take breaks.
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Make it social: Balance work with fun. Share stories, play music and integrate a simple craft or affirmation activity to maintain a celebratory tone.
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Show gratitude: Express thanks during and after the party. A heartfelt message or small treat goes a long way.
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Follow up: Let guests know how their efforts made a difference once the baby arrives. Sharing the impact reinforces bonds and may inspire them to host or attend future nesting parties.
Personal Reflection
I hosted my first nesting party during my second pregnancy. At first I worried that asking friends to scrub my kitchen and fold laundry might feel awkward. However, the response was overwhelmingly positive. My friends organised a meal‑prep station in the kitchen and an assembly zone in the nursery. One friend taught us how to install the car seat properly, while another set up a cosy breastfeeding corner with pillows and snacks. In between tasks we swapped birth stories and parenting tips. By the end of the day, my freezer was full of labelled containers, my nursery was ready and my stress had melted away. More importantly, I felt surrounded by a circle of support that lasted long after my baby’s arrival.
Since then, I’ve both hosted and attended several nesting parties, each reflecting the parents’ needs and personalities. At one gathering for a first‑time mother living in a tiny apartment, we spent the morning decluttering closets and transforming a corner of the living room into a nursery nook. We hung art, assembled a mini crib and set up a rolling cart stocked with diapers, burp cloths and a white‑noise machine. At another party for a second‑time parent, the focus was on preparing freezer meals and organising childcare plans for the older sibling. We chopped vegetables, stirred big pots of chili and lasagna, then labelled meals and loaded them into the freezer. Meanwhile, an experienced dad demonstrated how to adjust a double stroller and install a toddler car seat next to an infant seat.
What struck me across these events was how freely wisdom and encouragement flowed. Friends without children learned how to swaddle and burp a baby; grandparents discovered the wonders of modern baby carriers. We laughed at our mistakes—assembling a crib backwards on the first try—and celebrated our successes. In each case, the parents felt more prepared and less alone. Seeing everyone rally around them reminded me that raising a child has always been, and should still be, a collective endeavour.
Conclusion
Nesting parties exemplify a modern approach to celebrating new life—one that prioritises practical help, sustainability and emotional support. In an era when many parents feel isolated, these gatherings create a village that begins its work before the baby is born. By choosing to host or attend a nesting party, you’re joining a movement that values community over consumption and service over spectacle. Whether as a stand‑alone celebration or alongside a traditional shower, a nesting party can ease the transition into parenthood and forge connections that endure beyond the newborn phase. In my experience, the memories and bonds formed during these parties have been as nourishing as the meals stocked in my freezer.