Skip the Games, Stock the Freezer: Why Nesting Parties Are Taking Over
Baby showers are evolving, and the buzz around nesting parties is only growing. This fresh take on pre-baby celebrations focuses on something many new parents need most: practical support. According to Parents, searches for nesting parties surged on Pinterest by 205%, with people seeking ideas for meal prep, organizing baby cabinets, and more.
Unlike traditional showers, where guests bring gifts and play games, nesting parties center on helping parents prepare for their new baby. Guests pitch in to assemble cribs, wash baby clothes, and stock the freezer with ready-to-eat meals. The goal? To ease the overwhelming pre-baby workload and foster a sense of community.
Renee Patrone Rhinehart, a party planner, told The Bump, “It’s a great way to help moms prepare for their incoming newborn… and a way to get a little extra help so new moms—or even veteran moms—have a little less stress.”
Why Are Nesting Parties Trending?
Nesting parties gained traction on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where parents shared their experiences of hosting these supportive gatherings. The New York Times noted that searches for nesting parties align with the rise of trends like “underconsumption core,” which emphasizes buying and using only what’s needed.
Sydney Stanback, a trends expert at Pinterest, explained to New York Family that younger generations, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are embracing nesting parties. “We know that younger generations value community, and community is at the heart of ‘Nesting Parties,’” Stanback said.
This shift also comes as many parents feel unprepared for the realities of having a baby. A Pew Research Center survey revealed that 62% of parents found parenthood harder than expected. Nesting parties not only lighten the load but also offer much-needed emotional support, fostering connections in an often isolating time.
How Are Nesting Parties Different From Baby Showers?
While baby showers focus on celebrating the expectant parent with games, gifts, and themes, nesting parties are task-oriented. Guests help with practical activities, like assembling strollers or creating baby-feeding stations.
Dr. Jill Zechowy, a perinatal psychotherapist, highlighted the emotional benefits of nesting parties in The New York Times. “It’s a great way of getting everyone connected and building that support,” she said. For many parents, this communal effort provides a much-needed sense of reassurance as the baby’s arrival approaches.
However, that doesn’t mean nesting parties can’t have elements of a traditional baby shower. Rhinehart told The Bump that combining the two is possible, suggesting a baby shower followed by a smaller gathering to help with post-party tasks, like organizing gifts.
What Happens at a Nesting Party?
According to What to Expect, nesting parties can be as unique as the parents hosting them. Common activities include washing, folding, and organizing baby clothes. Friends and family can help stocking the freezer with ready-made meals. Maybe assembling furniture like cribs and strollers, setting up diaper-changing stations, and even packing hospital bags.
The New York Times shared the story of Greta Seidohl, who hosted a nesting party where one guest organized her Tupperware drawer, another cleaned baby gear, and others wrote notes for her older child to open after the baby arrived.
Hosting at the parents-to-be’s home is often preferred for practicality. Tasks should be achievable and clear, with supplies like Post-its and labels readily available to keep things organized, reported What to Expect.
Why This Trend Matters for Parents and Communities
Experts emphasize that nesting parties aren’t just about completing a to-do list. They’re about building a “village” of support. Dr. Zechowy told the New York Times that maintaining connections with loved ones is crucial for parents navigating the challenges of new parenthood.
For Colette Louis, a content creator in North Carolina, hosting a nesting party for her second child made all the difference. She shared with the New York Times that friends cleaned breast pump parts, washed clothes, and brought her peace of mind. “I thought, as a mom, you’re supposed to be able to take care of your baby by yourself,” Louis said. “I quickly learned that actually, no. You need a village.”
Should You Host a Nesting Party?
If you’re expecting or know someone who is, a nesting party could be the perfect way to rally support and reduce stress. Whether it’s tackling a mountain of baby laundry or filling the freezer with meals, this trend combines practicality with meaningful connection.
The benefits are clear: less stress, more support, and a reminder that parents don’t have to go through it alone. As New York Family put it, “It’s not just about the tangible help… It’s also about creating a sense of community.”
In a world that often celebrates material gifts, nesting parties focus on something priceless: care.
