First of all, congratulations. As someone who has spent years organizing baby showers, first birthdays, and supporting moms during pregnancy and postpartum, I can confidently say that expecting a baby is one of the most beautiful milestones in a family’s life.
When a baby is on the way, loved ones naturally want to celebrate you. I’ve helped plan dozens of baby celebrations, and one of the most common questions moms ask me is: What kind of baby party should I have?
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Some moms love a big celebration full of games and decorations. Others prefer something calm and practical that actually helps them prepare for the baby. Both approaches are perfectly valid.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through the most common types of baby celebrations so you can decide which one truly fits your personality, your energy level during pregnancy, and what you need most right now.
Related article: How to Host a Baby Shower That’s Actually Fun
Option 1: The Classic Baby Shower
The traditional baby shower is still the most popular celebration I help families plan. It’s the classic event where friends and relatives gather to celebrate the expecting mother and shower the baby with gifts.
What It’s Like:
In my experience planning these events, baby showers usually include a larger group of guests—family members, close friends, coworkers, and sometimes extended relatives.
Guests typically bring gifts for the baby, and the celebration often includes baby-themed games, decorations, and a meal or dessert table. I’ve organized activities like guessing the baby’s due date, baby trivia games, and baby-themed bingo.
Another common moment is gift opening. Many moms open gifts in front of guests, which creates a shared, joyful experience.
Why It’s Awesome:
For first-time moms, a baby shower can be incredibly helpful. I’ve seen many families build an entire baby registry that helps them gather essential items like strollers, cribs, baby clothes, and feeding supplies.
Emotionally, it’s also very meaningful. Pregnancy can sometimes feel overwhelming, and a baby shower gives moms a moment to feel celebrated and supported.
From a planning perspective, it’s also a great opportunity to create a memorable theme. Over the years I’ve helped design themes ranging from soft floral gardens to woodland animals and simple pastel celebrations.
But Be Warned:
If you’re naturally more private or easily overwhelmed by large gatherings, a big baby shower might feel like too much.
I always remind moms that pregnancy fatigue is real. Standing, socializing, and hosting a big group can be tiring, especially in the third trimester.
Option 2: The Chill Nesting Party
In recent years, I’ve seen more families choosing nesting parties, especially among moms who want practical support rather than a formal celebration.
What It’s Like:
A nesting party is typically a smaller, more relaxed gathering with close friends or family members.
Instead of games and gift-opening, everyone helps prepare for the baby. I’ve helped organize nesting parties where guests folded baby clothes, assembled nursery furniture, prepared freezer meals, and organized baby supplies.
The atmosphere is usually cozy and supportive. Guests may bring simple snacks, and the focus is on spending time together while helping the mom-to-be feel more prepared.
Why It’s Awesome:
From a maternal health perspective, I often recommend this type of event for moms who are feeling overwhelmed late in pregnancy.
Preparing for a newborn involves a lot of small tasks—washing clothes, organizing diapers, preparing postpartum essentials—and having help can make a huge difference.
I’ve seen moms feel noticeably calmer after a nesting party because their home suddenly feels ready for the baby.
Another advantage is that the environment is intimate. You actually get time to talk with each person rather than rushing between conversations.
Also read: We Can Bearly Wait Baby Shower: Cozy Ideas for a Heartwarming Celebration
But Be Warned:
A nesting party usually isn’t centered around gifts.
So if you’re relying on a traditional baby shower to receive essential baby items, this event may not fulfill that need.
Some guests may also be unfamiliar with the concept, so I often suggest explaining the idea clearly when inviting people.
Option 3: The Sweet Baby Sprinkle
A baby sprinkle is a smaller, lighter version of a traditional baby shower. I often recommend this for moms who already have children but still want to celebrate the new baby.
What It’s Like:
Baby sprinkles are usually casual gatherings with a smaller guest list.
There might be simple decorations, snacks, and a few light activities, but the overall tone is relaxed. In my experience, the focus is more on celebrating the baby rather than preparing the parents with large gifts.
Guests typically bring small practical items like diapers, baby wipes, or baby clothes.
Why It’s Awesome:
One reason many moms love baby sprinkles is the simplicity.
They require much less planning than a traditional baby shower, and they’re usually shorter events. For moms who already have baby gear from previous children, this kind of celebration feels just right.
It also creates a meaningful moment to acknowledge the new baby without the pressure of organizing a large event.
But Be Warned:
Because the event is smaller, the gift volume tends to be lower than a traditional baby shower.
Guest lists are also usually limited to close friends or immediate family, which means you may not include everyone who might want to celebrate with you.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
After years of planning these celebrations, I often summarize the differences for parents like this:
Baby Shower
Pros: Big celebration, more gifts, memorable themed event
Cons: More planning, larger crowd, can feel overwhelming late in pregnancy
Nesting Party
Pros: Practical help, relaxed environment, emotionally supportive
Cons: Not focused on gifts
Baby Sprinkle
Pros: Simple, intimate, easier to plan
Cons: Smaller guest list and fewer gifts
How to Choose
When I help expecting moms plan their celebrations, I always start by asking a few simple questions.
Ask Yourself These Questions:
Do you want a big celebration or something intimate?
If you enjoy social gatherings and being surrounded by many loved ones, a baby shower may feel perfect. If you prefer quieter gatherings, a sprinkle or nesting party may suit you better.
How much energy do you have right now?
Pregnancy can be physically demanding. If you’re feeling tired or dealing with discomfort, a smaller event may feel much more manageable.
What do you need most right now?
Some families truly benefit from the gifts that come with a traditional baby shower. Others already have the essentials and mainly want emotional support and help preparing.
Check it: How to Plan the Perfect Winter Baby Shower: Cozy, Festive, and Fun
Timing Your Baby Celebration
Timing matters more than many parents realize.
From my experience supporting expecting mothers, here are the timelines that tend to work best.
Baby Shower:
Ideally held about 6–8 weeks before your due date. This gives you time to organize gifts and prepare the nursery.
Nesting Party:
Best planned around 2–3 weeks before the due date when you know exactly what still needs to be done.
Baby Sprinkle:
This event is very flexible. It can happen anytime during the second or third trimester depending on your comfort level.
Can I Have More Than One? Absolutely!
One thing I always tell moms is that there are no strict rules. In fact, many families combine celebrations.
Different gatherings can serve different purposes.
Baby Shower + Nesting Party
Why It Works:
You celebrate with a large group first and then get practical help afterward.
How It Might Look:
Have a traditional baby shower about two months before your due date so friends and family can celebrate and bring gifts.
Later, host a small nesting party with your closest friends to organize the nursery, prepare meals, and finalize baby essentials.
Baby Shower + Sprinkle
Why It Works:
Different social groups may want to celebrate in different ways.
How It Might Look:
Host a larger baby shower for family and close friends.
Then have a smaller sprinkle with coworkers or a small circle of friends who prefer a casual gathering.
Sprinkle + Nesting Party
Why It Works:
This combination keeps things simple but still meaningful.
How It Might Look:
Start with a baby sprinkle to celebrate the baby with a few close guests.
Later, invite your closest supporters for a nesting day to help prepare your home before the baby arrives.
FAQ Section
Does the same etiquette apply to a nesting party versus a baby shower?
Not really. A nesting party is much more relaxed.
Formal invitations, structured games, and gift registries are usually unnecessary. Instead, guests simply come ready to help with specific tasks that make life easier for the parents.
Do guests bring a gift to a nesting party?
Usually not.
The main purpose of the gathering is practical support. However, I’ve noticed that some guests still bring small thoughtful items like diapers, snacks, or baby blankets.
What is a party called after the baby is born?
A gathering after the baby arrives is often called a Sip and See.
In my experience, this is a relaxed visit where friends and family meet the newborn while parents serve light refreshments.
It can be small or large depending on the family’s comfort level and the baby’s health.
What is more appropriate for a second or third pregnancy?
Most families choose a baby sprinkle for later pregnancies.
Since parents usually already have larger items like cribs and strollers, guests typically bring smaller practical gifts like diapers, wipes, or clothing.
A nesting party can also be helpful if parents need assistance organizing baby supplies again.
Final Thoughts (Because You’ve Got Enough Decisions to Make Right Now)
After helping many families celebrate new babies, I can honestly say there is no single “right” way to do this.
The most important thing is that you feel supported, calm, and excited about welcoming your baby.
Whether you choose a big baby shower, a cozy nesting party, a sweet baby sprinkle, or even a mix of them all, the goal is the same: surrounding yourself with people who care about you and your growing family.
Pregnancy is a powerful and emotional journey. Having a moment to celebrate it with the people who love you most can make that journey even more meaningful.