A Baby Prep Party
Its Practical Help and Bonding. An Intimate, hands-on, relaxed, almost like a work party with fun added in. To actually prepare for baby—washing clothes, folding onesies, prepping freezer meals, setting up the nursery, organizing diaper caddies.
Guest List: Small circle of closest friends and family (people you don’t mind folding laundry with!).
Hosting a Prep-Party Before Baby Arrives
When I was expecting, one of the things I wished someone had told me was: Don’t try to do it all alone. Between setting up the nursery, washing baby clothes, stocking up on essentials, and just trying to keep my feet up because it’s a lot! But if you must do it all alone please ensure you start prepping as soon as you realise your pregnant, it gives you enough time to prepare.
Here’s how I came up with the idea of a Prep-Party ( not just a Baby Shower): a fun little get-together with close friends or family where you prepare for baby in a practical, hands-on way.
It’s not about matching outfits and fancy balloons (though hey, you can add those too!). This is about creating memories and ticking things off your baby-prep checklist at the same time.
Here’s How You Can Host Your Own Prep-Party Before Baby Arrives:
- Pick the Right Timing
You don’t want to be 38 weeks pregnant and trying to play hostess. Ideally, schedule your baby shower around the 7th month—far enough to still have energy, but close enough that preparations feel real.
- Keep the Guest List Intimate
This isn’t a baby shower with 50 guests. Think of 5–8 people you’re truly comfortable with your sisters, cousins, a couple of close girlfriends, or even your mom. The goal is to have helping hands and not to entertain a crowd.
- Decide What You’ll Tackle Together
This is the fun part. Here are some things you can actually get done as a group:
Baby laundry: Wash, fold, and sort those tiny outfits (bonus: everyone gushes over how cute they are).
Meal prep: Cook and freeze a few meals you can heat up in those first foggy weeks.
Diaper station setup: Stock baskets or caddies with wipes, diapers, creams, and onesies.
Hospital bag checklist: Ask everyone to share tips on what was useful for them.
Baby Nursery: Show them your baby nursery if you already have one and ask to recommendation and decoration tips, best positions to keep stuff based on personal experience and preferences. You could choose a color of wall paint and paint the walls and leave little reminder markings on the wall for future purposes.
- Make it Fun, Not Stressful
Yes, there’s work to dobut this is still a party! Play some music, light snacks, and plenty of water or mocktails for you. If you want, you can add little games like “guess the baby’s due date” or “write a note for future mama.” And lots of dancing, it’s going to help you too.
- Give Everyone a Simple Takeaway
Instead of party favors, you can hand your guests a “thank you” note with a little treat—a scented candle, chocolates, or even a handwritten card. The point is to make them feel appreciated for showing up and helping you. And also to reminder that that you will be needing them around, being a new mom is not easy and you will be needing a supportive and healthy community.
- Focus on Connection
The real beauty of a baby shower isn’t just the folded onesies or freezer meals. It’s the laughter, the advice, and the bonding. You will look back and remember not just how ready you felt for baby, but how loved you were in that season.
Final Thoughts
Hosting a prep-party doesn’t need to be fancy or expensive. It’s about gathering your tribe, getting practical things done, and making memories before your life changes in the best way possible. If you’re expecting, trust me—this little idea might be just the thing to lighten your load and fill your heart.
You May Also like:
The First Week Home With Your Baby.
Baby Care 101: Newborn Care Basics Every New Mom Should Know