Who Should I Invite To My Nesting Party?
Because support before baby should feel natural, nourishing, and shared—it's not something you have to figure out alone.
Read this article! But know that there is a FREE Let’s Nest: Who Can I Ask For Help Brainstorm Map to download when you’re ready!
When I first heard about nesting parties, it felt like someone had finally named what I actually needed before baby arrived—not just to be celebrated, but to be surrounded by the people that I knew would support me the most.
If you’re exploring the idea of having a nesting party (whether instead of or alongside a baby shower), one of the first questions that might come up is:
Who do I even invite?
This post isn’t about RSVPs or party planning. It’s about support. Specifically: the kind of support that feels good to give and safe to receive. So let’s unpack that together.
Start With the Kind of Support You Actually Want
Before you make a guest list, pause and ask:
What kind of help would feel most meaningful right now?
Do I need help stocking my freezer with grab-and-go meals? Laughs with old friends while labeling baby drawers? Someone to fold the mountain of onesies and sort burp cloths? A listening ear while I decide where the diaper caddy should go? A few extra hands to assemble that tricky swing or clean out the fridge to make room for postpartum snacks?
Is there something I’ve been dreading or avoiding that would feel easier with someone beside me?
You don’t need to have the perfect answers. This is just a soft starting place.
If you want help mapping this out:
▶▶▶ [Download the FREE Let’s Nest: Who Can I Ask For Help Brainstorm Map here!] ◀◀◀
How Many People Should I Invite?
There’s no one-size-fits-all, but here’s what I’ve found to be true:
More people doesn’t mean more support.
A nesting party isn’t a “guest list” event. It’s more like a support circle. The sweet spot is often 3–5 people, enough hands to get things done, not so many that you feel like you’re hosting a party.
You could also break it up:
A prep day with your sister and best friend
A freezer meal morning with a couple neighbors
A partner-focused evening where you do tasks together slowly
It doesn’t have to be all-in-one. It just has to feel good.
It’s Okay If Not Everyone Can Come
Some of the people you’d love to invite might live far away. Or they might have schedule conflicts. Or maybe they’re just not the right fit for this kind of gathering.
Still: write their names down.
They might be the ones who…
Send a meal after baby comes
Text you during a 2am feed
Visit with a latte and no expectations
This brainstorm isn’t just for the nesting party. It’s for your wider support system.
How to Ask
Let’s be honest: asking for help can feel vulnerable. Even awkward.
But inviting someone into your nesting party isn’t asking for a favor. It’s asking them to be part of a moment that you'll remember forever - preparing for your baby.
You can keep it simple:
“Hey, I’m putting together a little nesting day to help me feel more ready before baby comes. Want to come fold baby clothes, eat tacos, and hang for a bit?”
Or go even lighter:
“No pressure at all, but I’m doing a few baby prep things with friends next Saturday. Want to join?”
The best nesting party energy is: support over performance. Presence over perfection. You’re not putting on a show. You’re letting people in to connect with and support YOU!
Set the Vibe in the Invite
This doesn’t need to be a formal email or RSVP form. A text works. A voice memo works even better. The more you it sounds, the better.
Let people know:
What kinds of things you’ll be doing (folding clothes, labeling bins, prepping meals)
That it’s low-key
That snacks will be involved (very important)
Setting the tone ahead of time helps everyone come in relaxed and ready.
And if you’re still feeling unsure…
You’re not alone.
Asking for help, especially this kind of practical, vulnerable help, can bring up old stuff—pressure to be self-sufficient, fears of being a burden, worry that no one will come.
But here’s the thing:
Your people want to show up. And even if some can’t, or don’t, you are still worthy of support. This is your season to be held, not just strong.
So go ahead.
Start small.
Download the worksheet.
Write down a few names.
You don’t have to do this alone.
▶▶▶ [Download the FREE Let’s Nest: Who Can I Ask For Help Brainstorm Map here!] ◀◀◀
