A nesting party is all about helping future parents build their nest. IMAGE: ⒸAngela | Stock.Adobe.com

Baby showers with nappy cakes and plastic decorations? Now there is a better alternative: the latest trend for expectant parents is the nesting party. It is more sustainable, more meaningful and just a lot more relaxed. Instead of mountains of presents, friends and family offer real support in preparing the home for the baby. But how do you make your nesting party not only practical, but also eco-friendly? Here are 7 sustainable ideas:

#1 Paint with eco-friendly wall paint

If the nursery needs a fresh coat of paint, do it without chemicals! Eco-friendly wall paints are not only better for the environment, they also improve the indoor climate. And you don’t want your baby to grow up in a chemical mess. So get your brushes out and get to work!

#2 Saving screw-top jars and plastic containers

Everyone has a cupboard full of lonely screw-top jars and Tupperware containers. Perfect for new parents! Bring some along, and you’ll have plenty of containers for home-made baby food or snacks. No need to buy anything new – and your pantry will be happy too.

#3 Second hand baby clothes instead of a shopping spree

Babies grow out of their clothes faster than you can say ‘organic cotton’. Instead of buying expensive new outfits, everyone brings baby clothes that are in good condition. This saves money and resources and prevents your little one from becoming a walking fashion victim.

#4 Meal prep instead of decorating madness

Instead of blowing up balloons that end up in the bin after the party, why not start a meal prep session together? Cook with organic ingredients and freeze meals for the stressful weeks after birth. This way, parents have less stress and more time to spend with their baby (and sleep, if that’s even possible).

#5 DIY nappy service

Modern cloth nappies are not as complicated as they sound! If you’re creative, you can give parents tips on how it all works. It’s better for the environment and, in the long run, for your wallet too.

#6 Upcycle furniture instead of buying new

Nursery furniture doesn’t have to be new. Why not sand down, paint or repurpose an old shelf or chest of drawers? It saves money, conserves resources and is much more charming than any off-the-peg piece from a furniture store.

#7 Sustainable party snacks

No plastic packaging, no fast food: make healthy, local snacks together! Finger food made from organic vegetables, homemade spreads or a cake made from local ingredients – tastes better and is better for the environment.

So a nesting party is not only a sustainable alternative to a baby shower, but also a really useful way to support future parents. And let’s face it, painting walls, preparing food and sorting glasses together is a lot more fun than spending hours unwrapping baby presents anyway.