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Move over, traditional baby showers—there’s a new celebration in town, and it’s all about making sure parents are ready to feather their nest. Enter the nesting shower: a growing trend that’s part practical, part pampering, and 100% centered on supporting the soon-to-be parents as they prepare their home (and hearts!) for baby.

Whether it’s their first baby or their fourth, the transition to parenthood is huge—and sometimes the best gift isn’t another onesie, but a helping hand. Nesting showers shift the spotlight a bit, focusing less on baby gifts and more on what parents need to feel settled, supported, and less stressed.

So, what exactly is a nesting shower? And how can you throw one? Let’s dig in!

What is a nesting shower?

A nesting shower is a celebration that helps parents-to-be prepare their home and life for the baby’s arrival. Think of it as part party, part practical prep session. Instead of guests bringing bibs and booties, they may show up with freezer meals, offer to build nursery furniture, help organize baby gear, or pitch in with household chores.

Unlike a traditional baby shower, which tends to be more gift- and game-focused, nesting showers are all about helping the expectant family feel calm, cozy, and ready for this next chapter.

And while baby showers are often limited to celebrating just Mom and limit the guest list to women, nesting showers tend to be more inclusive, welcoming friends, family, and neighbors of all kinds to lend a hand.

Who are nesting showers for?

Anyone who’s expecting a baby can benefit from a nesting shower! That includes:

  • First-time parents
  • Families welcoming a second (or third or fourth!) child
  • Non-gestational parents
  • Adoptive or foster families
  • Parents who prefer a low-key, support-centered celebration

Nesting showers are also great options when the parents already have the gear they need, or when a more traditional shower doesn’t feel like the right fit.

Why are nesting showers becoming so popular?

We’re seeing a cultural shift toward honoring and supporting parents more holistically—emotionally, mentally, and logistically. The nesting shower trend taps into that beautifully.

Here’s why these showers are gaining steam:

  • They ease the mental load. Nesting is a real phenomenon in pregnancy, but it can also be overwhelming. Offering practical support—like cleaning, meal prepping, or even just organizing the diaper stash—lightens the load for parents-to-be.
  • They build community. Nesting showers invite loved ones to truly show up for expectant parents. It’s a way to deepen relationships and create a support network that’ll last long after the baby is born.
  • They’re flexible and inclusive. Whether you’re welcoming baby number one or baby number five, anyone can benefit from a nesting shower. They’re also perfect for co-parents and families who don’t feel aligned with traditional baby shower formats.

Nesting Shower Ideas: How to Celebrate (and Support!) the Parents-to-Be

Not sure where to start? Here are some sweet and simple ways to plan a nesting shower that’s as helpful as it is heartwarming:

  • Meal Prep Party: One of the best ways to support new parents is by filling their freezer. Ask guests to bring prepped dishes (bonus if they’re labeled and stackable!) or work together to cook and freeze meals during the shower. (These are our favorite freezer meals to make ahead!)

  • Home Help Hive: Get everyone involved in a nest-making mission! Assign small tasks to guests, like assembling furniture, folding baby clothes, or setting up a diaper station. The goal? Lighten the load—and make the to-do list more fun.

  • Stock-the-House Shower: Instead of traditional baby gear, have guests bring home essentials: paper towels, snacks, toiletries, cleaning supplies…anything that’ll make life smoother during those first bleary weeks with a newborn. (Pro tip: Add household faves to a registry to make gifting easy.)

  • Acts of Service: Sometimes the best gift is your time. Set up a sign-up sheet where friends and family can volunteer to walk the dog, babysit older siblings, run errands, or deliver coffee during the postpartum period. It’s like creating your own village! (For more ideas, check out our list of tasks for new parents to delegate!)

  • Mindful Moments: Make space for connection and encouragement. Invite guests to write little notes of love and advice to the parents-to-be. Or create a calm zone with cozy chairs, snacks, and time to chat—because emotional support matters, too.

There’s something so beautiful about rallying a village around the parents-to-be—not just to celebrate, but to truly support. Nesting showers are a way to show up with love, intention, and a little elbow grease. And for exhausted, excited, about-to-be parents? That’s a gift that keeps on giving.

More on Celebrating Expecting Parents:

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Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.