What the Heck is a Nesting Party?

Do you know what a nesting party is? I didn’t! I heard the term and had no idea what it meant, so I did what I always do…my research deep dive! I searched the internet, and asked new parents what they thought of the concept.

So…What is a Nesting Party?

A nesting party is defined as coming together with people you care for to prepare for your new baby.

To me it sounds like a solution to a problem many people don’t even realize they have…ASKING FOR HELP.

In our video series we have a whole video called Mentally and Physically Preparing for your baby. In this video we talk about how hard it can be to ask for help, and to come up with a list of requested tasks to put on your door for when people come and visit the baby. I think this nesting party idea kicks it up a notch!

I know when I had my daughter, I felt so overwhelmed. Needing to paint, but you’re supposed to avoid paint fumes when pregnant. Needing to put together the crib, but having difficulties managing the heavy pieces. Knowing I wanted to prep meals, but feeling too tired and large to cook dinners for myself most nights! And if someone asks for help I’m the type to say “oh no, no I’m fine.”

I think nesting parties are a fun spin on “painting parties” that some people are having. Asking your friends over to help you with a task seems just downright practical. Especially when you can return the favor someday.

What Things Can People Help With at a Nesting Party?

• Putting together baby furniture
• Washing and hanging/folding baby clothes
• Painting the nursery
• Setting up changing and nursing stations
• Prepping freezer meals
• Putting together activity bags for an older sibling
• And honestly anything else you might need help with!

Does a Nesting Party Take The Place of a Baby Shower?

I think the jury is still out on this one. It’s so new that there isn’t a social norm yet. My personal opinion is that a new parent deserves both! A baby shower is usually a larger event where family friends and even acquaintances are invited. A nesting party is something that people closer with the parents would be more likely to attend.

Bringing up a Baby in the 21st Century

Bringing home my love for this concept is that it’s a mix of old and new traditions.

Old Traditions:

Way back when humans used to live in close-knit communities. Not only hey can I borrow some sugar, but actually spending days near our neighbors. Cooking together, raising children together, sharing and trading labor and tasks. Parents these days feel extremely isolated, and sometimes judged or inadequate if they ask for help. It it not normal or natural to parent alone!

New Traditions:

Nesting parties don’t feel gendered or boxed in. They aren’t pink or blue. They aren’t just for moms. I see a world where dads invite their friends over with their tool kits and beers. Where gay families or surrogate or adoptive families don’t feel uncomfortable having a baby shower without a pregnant belly to show off. Where it’s not about who got the most expensive gift, but who is able and willing to give the gift of themselves.

Would you have a nesting party? If I had to do it over again I sure the heck would!