Nesting Parties – How To Help New Parents Prepare for the Postpartum Period + A FREE Baby Sleeping Schedule Checklist
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Are you expecting a baby? Well, congratulations! This is a life-changing time for you. But let’s be honest – it can also be overwhelming. Between everything going on, the postpartum period can be a whirlwind. That’s why the smartest move you can make is to prepare beforehand. But, why do it alone when you can make a fun event out of it? Let’s talk about nesting parties – a baby shower alternative that will come in handy with your introduction to parenthood.
What Is a Nesting Party?
In essence, nesting parties are simple get-togethers where close family and friends go to the expecting mother’s home and help her get organized with welcoming her baby.
Unlike baby showers, which mainly focus on gifting baby essentials such as clothes, toys, and diapers, nesting parties are all about helping with household chores. It’s well-known that pregnancy can sometimes get quite exhausting, so getting all the help you need is more than recommended.
Even though productivity and helping out take center stage at nesting parties, they shouldn’t feel like “work”. Instead, with the right planning and ideas, you can turn this into an actual party!
Why Do You Need a Nesting Party
You need to have a reality check here. The postpartum period is beautiful, yes, but it’s also exhausting and unpredictable. This is a time for you to heal, but also learn how to care for a newborn, and navigate a million other adjustments. When you have systems in place and your home set up for success – this can make up for all the difference.
A nesting party is a way to build your village. Basically, you invite your support network to be part of your journey. These are the people to lean on when it gets tough. Plus, there’s something heartwarming about the entire process.
How To Host The Best Nesting Party
Are you ready to get started? Here’s what to include on your nesting party checklist.
- Make a Game Plan
Before you send out the invitations, sit down with your partner (or a close friend) to brainstorm everything that you need to do before the baby arrives. Break it into categories like:
- Meal Prep – Freezer-friendly meals, snacks, and even labeled pantry staples.
- Nursery Setup – Furniture assembly, organizing baby clothes, and stocking the diaper station.
- Household Tasks – Deep cleaning, organizing closets, or rearranging spaces for baby gear.
- Self-Care Station – Stocking up on postpartum essentials like pads, nipple cream, and comfy clothes.
When you have a nesting party checklist, it lets your guests know how they can help. This keeps everything running smoothly.
- Send Out Invitations
Pick a date a few weeks before your due date when you still feel up for hosting. Invite people who genuinely want to help – not just those who might feel obligated to attend. In the invite, explain the concept of this baby shower alternative and highlight how their support will make a big impact.
- Set the Mood
Your nesting party doesn’t have to feel like a workday. Play your favorite playlist, light some candles, and set out snacks and drinks. A relaxed and cozy vibe makes the experience enjoyable for everyone.
- Delegate Tasks
When guests arrive, assign tasks based on their strengths. Your organized friend can tackle the closet, your DIY-savvy cousin can assemble furniture, and your foodie sibling can whip up a batch of freezer meals.
People love to help – and they’ll feel even better when they know they contributed meaningfully.
- Incorporate Fun Activities
Yes, the goal is productivity, but you can still have some fun moments. Here are some nesting party ideas for you:
- Onesie Decorating – Set up a station with fabric markers for guests to create custom onesies.
- Parenting Advice Jar – Have guests write their best parenting tips on slips of paper.
- Baby Trivia – Break for a quick game to test your guests’ knowledge of all things babies.
Top 5 Baby Sleep Products on Amazon
Getting your baby to sleep peacefully can be a challenge, but the right products can make a big difference. Here are five highly-rated baby sleep products available on Amazon to help your little one sleep better.
1. Hatch Rest Go Portable Sound Machine
A portable sound machine offering 10 soothing sounds, including white noise and lullabies, to help your baby sleep peacefully. It’s compact and travel-friendly, making it ideal for on-the-go use.
2. Burt’s Bees Baby Beekeeper Wearable Blanket
Made from 100% organic cotton, this wearable blanket provides a safe and comfortable sleeping environment for your baby, reducing the risk of loose blankets in the crib.
3. Baby Merlin’s Magic Sleepsuit
Designed as a swaddle transition product, this sleepsuit helps babies feel secure and reduces the startle reflex, promoting better sleep. It’s made from soft cotton with a comfortable fit.
This unique swaddle allows babies to sleep with their arms in a natural ‘arms up’ position, enabling self-soothing while providing the snugness of a traditional swaddle.
5. MyBaby SoundSpa Lullaby Sound Machine and Projector
Combining a sound machine with a projector, this device plays six soothing sounds and lullabies while projecting calming images onto the ceiling, creating a relaxing sleep environment for your baby.
These products are well-regarded for their quality and effectiveness in promoting better sleep for babies. Let me know if you need more recommendations!
The Importance of Infant Sleep for Development and Well-being
Sleep plays a crucial role in an infant’s cognitive and physical development, as well as in the well-being of parents. A 2023 study by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign explored maternal and infant sleep patterns, revealing that synchronized sleep schedules and a conducive sleep environment improve sleep quality for both mothers and their babies. The research suggests that when mothers and infants establish consistent sleep routines, it can lead to better overall rest and reduced stress for caregivers. Similarly, a 2017 review on infant sleep and cognitive development found a direct link between sleep and growth spurts in babies aged 4 to 17 months. The study suggested that longer sleep durations often precede periods of rapid growth, indicating that sleep is a key factor in an infant’s physical and cognitive maturation. These studies emphasize the need for parents to prioritize healthy sleep habits for their infants to support overall development and well-being.
Must-Haves for Postpartum Success
Your nesting party will cover a lot of ground. In addition to it, here are some other important things for you to focus on:
- Meal Prep Like a Pro
You won’t want to cook much within those first weeks. Here, meal prep is a lifesaver. Focus on recipes that freeze well. Think lasagnas, soups, and casseroles. Don’t forget the easy snacks like muffins, energy bites, or pre-cut veggies.
- Baby Sleep Station Setup
Make sure your nursery is ready to go. Wash all bedding and clothes in baby-safe detergent. Stock up on essentials like diapers, wipes, and swaddle blankets. Everything changes when you know you have these things handy.
- Postpartum Recovery Zone
Set up a cozy recovery station for yourself. Include items like:
- Peri bottles
- Ice packs
- Nursing pads
- Snacks and water bottles
This is your space where you can rest and recover.
Finally, take a moment to relax and thank your guests. When the baby arrives, you’ll be so glad you put in this effort. You’ll have meals in the freezer, an organized nursery, and a community of people ready to help you at any time.
As you can see, having a nesting party has a handful of benefits. You’ll surely appreciate having your friends and family help you adjust to this new milestone in your life. Take all the help you can get and make a party out of it – you’ll enjoy every bit of it!
Your FREE Baby Sleeping Checklist
One of the hardest parts of postpartum life is learning how to get your baby to sleep. To help, we’ve created a free baby sleeping checklist that you can use right away. It’s a guide to help you understand your baby’s natural rhythm.
With this tool, you’ll feel more confident through those first few months of sleepless nights.
Keep on reading our blogs and discover more!
