The Ultimate Nesting Party Guide: Party with Purpose

The modern baby shower is getting a much-needed glow-up.

Welcome to the nesting party - a celebration that’s less about guessing baby names and more about getting things done, together.

Think: folding tiny onesies with friends, organizing the diaper station with your doula, and building a calm, cozy space to welcome baby home.

It's prepping, but fun.

At Peanut, we’ve seen how nesting parties are taking off, especially among first-time parents who want connection over convention.

That support matters. A quarter of expectant moms (25%) strongly agree that women don’t receive enough support during pregnancy and childbirth, and that number rises to 42% for Black expectant moms. Nesting together is one way to help close that gap.

And with help from partners like Baby Dove, we’re spotlighting real-life ways to prep with purpose (and maybe a little sparkle, too).

In this article: 📝

So, What Is a Nesting Party?

Nesting parties are the new must-have gathering for expectant parents who’d rather get things done than decorate cupcakes.

Nearly 70% of first-time moms don’t feel fully prepared for motherhood, that’s why we’re reclaiming nesting as a way to regain a sense of control.

Based on insights from our community, these get-togethers are:

• Hands-on (think organizing, labeling, building, washing)
• Inclusive (open to co-parents, siblings, friends, and chosen family)
• Supportive (centered around easing the mental load, not adding to it)
• Practical (less about gifts, more about group effort)

In a recent survey, 3 in 4 expecting moms told us they’d prefer a gathering that focuses on emotional and practical support over traditional games or gifts.

Nesting parties hit that sweet spot.

How to Host a Nesting Party That Actually Helps

You don’t need a balloon arch or elaborate cake to make it special.

You just need a plan, a few helpful hands, and maybe a playlist you love.

Here's how to make it work:

1. Set the Mood (and the Intention)

Create a cozy space where guests feel welcome to pitch in. Let everyone know it’s not a formal party, it’s a “prep and chill” vibe.

What to do:

• Light a candle, play a chill playlist, and have mocktails or tea on hand
• Set up zones: laundry folding, nursery organizing, “build this thing from the registry” station, our friends all bring something different to the table. Some are pro organizers, while others are flat-pack instruction pros, and it just works.

2. Stock the Essentials

You don’t need to have it all, but you should have the basics for taking care of your little one.

What to have on hand:

• Baby Dove body care products, suitable for newborns
• Soft washcloths and fragrance-free water wipes
• A baby-safe laundry detergent to prep clothes and linens
• Labels, bins, and baskets for nursery organization

All Baby Dove products are dermatologist tested, pediatrician recommended, and free from dyes, parabens, phthalates, and sulfates—aka perfect for a nesting-ready skincare routine.

Explore Baby Dove.

3. Make Space for Real Talk

It’s about prepping your mindset, as well as your cupboards. Nesting parties are a great opportunity to talk about birth plans, postpartum realities, and the emotional rollercoaster ahead.

What to include:

• A journaling corner or letter-writing station for baby and mom
• Conversation cards with prompts like: “What do you wish someone had told you?”

Prep with Love, Not Pressure

Nesting doesn’t have to be a solo project or a source of stress.

Whether you’re hosting a full-on event or just inviting a friend over to wash and fold baby blankets, it all counts and can help you feel supported.

The important thing is doing it your way, with the people who make you feel safe and supported.

Need help choosing products for those early days? Let Baby Dove - available on Walmart, Amazon, and Target – be part of your village, too.

Explore the Peanut x Baby Dove Nested Hub for checklists, product recs, doula resources, and real talk from fellow parents. You’ve got this.

Visit the Hub