Girl, first off, congrats! You’re growing a tiny human, and that alone deserves ALL the celebrating.
But now your family or friends are ready to throw you a party, and they’re asking you to decide what kind of event you want.
Whether you’re the type to love big parties or prefer something chill, let’s break down the options so you can pick what feels just right for your vibe.
Option 1: The Classic Baby Shower
Think of this as the Beyoncé of baby celebrations—it’s traditional, all-out, and puts YOU in the spotlight.
What It’s Like:
A room full of people (friends, family, maybe even your mom’s book club friends) showering you with gifts, advice, and probably lots of unsolicited birth stories.
Games like “Guess the Baby Food Flavor” or “How Big Is the Bump?” are pretty much a given.
You’ll open gifts in front of everyone, so get ready to smile a LOT.
Why It’s Awesome:
This is your first baby, so it’s your chance to go big and stock up on all the gear—cribs, strollers, diaper bags, you name it.
It’s like a rite of passage for first-time moms. You get to soak in all the love and attention.
If you’re into themes, you can go all out! Think woodland animals, “Baby in Bloom,” or even a pastel boho vibe.
But Be Warned:
If you’re not a fan of being the center of attention, this might feel a bit overwhelming.
It’s a bigger production, so it’s less “let’s chill and hang out” and more “event mode.”
Option 2: The Chill Nesting Party
This one is for the practical moms who just want to get sh*t done.
What It’s Like:
Imagine a cozy day with your closest friends and family. Everyone comes over to help you organize the nursery, fold tiny clothes, or even meal prep for those sleepless postpartum days.
Snacks are low-key (hello, pizza and cookies), and the vibe is all about love and support, not gift bags and games.
Why It’s Awesome:
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of baby stuff to sort, a nesting party can save your sanity.
It’s way more intimate, so you’ll actually have time to chat with everyone.
No pressure to dress up or entertain—just comfy clothes and good vibes.
But Be Warned:
This isn’t about gifts, so if you’re counting on a shower to help you get the big-ticket items, this isn’t the way to go.
Not everyone loves the idea of a “working party,” so you might need to explain it to people.
Option 3: The Sweet Baby Sprinkle
Think of a sprinkle as the baby shower’s casual, laid-back little sister.
What It’s Like:
A small gathering with your closest crew, some snacks, and maybe a couple of games if you’re feeling fancy.
Gifts are usually smaller (think diapers, wipes, or cute outfits).
It’s more about celebrating the baby than prepping you for motherhood.
Why It’s Awesome:
It’s super low-key, which means less planning, less stress, and more time to just enjoy the day.
If the thought of a big, traditional shower feels too much, this is a perfect middle ground.
You can still have fun with a theme without going overboard—something like “Sprinkled with Love” or a cozy tea party vibe.
But Be Warned:
You might not get as much gear as you would at a traditional shower.
It’s a smaller event, so you’ll need to keep the guest list tight.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Need a quick comparison? Here’s a table to help you decide at a glance which option fits you best.
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Baby Shower | Great for big celebrations, lots of gifts, a chance to go all-out | More formal, can feel overwhelming |
| Nesting Party | Practical help, intimate, low-stress | Not focused on gifts |
| Baby Sprinkle | Simple, sweet, smaller group | Fewer gifts, smaller guest list |
How to Choose
Ask Yourself These Questions:
Do you want to go big or keep it low-key? If you love being celebrated and don’t mind a big crowd, the baby shower is your jam. If you’re more into intimate gatherings, the sprinkle or nesting party is perfect.
How much energy do you have right now? Growing a human is exhausting, so if planning a big event sounds like too much, keep it simple with a nesting party or sprinkle.
What do you need most right now? If you’re looking to stock up on baby gear, the traditional shower is the way to go. If you’ve already got the essentials, focus on celebrating and preparing.
Timing Your Baby Celebration
Here’s a quick guide to help you plan the best time for your event:
Baby Shower: Ideally held 6-8 weeks before your due date. This gives you enough time to organize gifts and finish prepping before baby arrives.
Nesting Party: Plan it closer to your due date, about 2-3 weeks out. This way, you’ll know exactly what needs to be done before baby comes.
Baby Sprinkle: Anytime works! It’s usually a more relaxed event, so pick a date that fits your schedule and energy level.
Can I Have More Than One? Absolutely!
Why limit yourself to just one celebration when you can mix and match? Each type of event serves a different purpose, so having more than one lets you get the best of all worlds.
Baby Shower + Nesting Party
Why It Works: Start with a big shower to celebrate with everyone, then follow it up with a cozy nesting party to get your life organized.
How It Might Look:
Have your baby shower about two months before your due date to enjoy the gifts, games, and love.
Later, host a nesting party with your closest friends to tackle nursery prep, organize tiny clothes, or meal prep for postpartum.
Baby Shower + Sprinkle
Why It Works: If you have different groups of people who want to celebrate, this spreads the love without overwhelming everyone.
How It Might Look:
Host a big shower for family and close friends to go all out with gifts and games.
A few weeks later, have a sprinkle for coworkers or your besties who prefer a chill vibe.
Sprinkle + Nesting Party
Why It Works: Perfect for keeping things low-key but meaningful.
How It Might Look:
Start with a sprinkle to celebrate with a small group and enjoy a few thoughtful gifts.
Follow up with a nesting party for hands-on help getting everything ready for baby.
FAQ Section
Does the same etiquette apply to a nesting party versus a baby shower?
Not exactly. A nesting party is more casual and focused on getting things done, so the etiquette tends to be more relaxed. You don’t need to send formal invitations or plan games, and it’s perfectly fine to ask for help with specific tasks.
Do guests bring a gift to a nesting party?
Not typically, unless they want to. The focus is on offering practical help, not gift-giving. That said, some people might bring small items like diapers or snacks as a thoughtful gesture.
What is a party called after the baby is born?
A party after the baby is born is often called a Sip and See. It’s a chance for friends and family to meet the baby while you enjoy some light refreshments. This type of event is super flexible and can be as big or small as you like.
What is more appropriate for a second or third pregnancy?
A baby sprinkle is usually more common for second or third pregnancies. It’s smaller and focuses on practical gifts like diapers, wipes, or anything you didn’t save from your first. A nesting party can also be a great choice if you need help organizing or prepping for the new addition.
Final Thoughts (Because You’ve Got Enough Decisions to Make Right Now)
At the end of the day, there’s no wrong choice here. The most important thing is that you feel loved, supported, and ready for this next chapter. If your family and friends are already asking what kind of party you want, it means they’re ready to celebrate you no matter what.
So go big, go small, or do a little of both. You’re bringing new life into the world, and you deserve ALL the love (and help) you can get.