Years ago, this concept would be unheard of! Baby showers have always been the females' domain. Some moms-to-be might even be offended or angered by such a gester thinking it was taking away from her special day! But equality between the sexes has progressed quite rapidly over the last decade. Nowadays, many fathers-to-be are playing an active roll in the pregnancy and childbirth process, well, as much as can be expected from a male (no offense guys!) :) And why not? Parenthood is no longer a one-sided event where mom's are in charge of everything! But seriously, dads-to-be are attending birthing classes, Doula classes, breastfeeding, new parent expectation workshops and obstetrician visits with mommy-to-be. You'll see more and more dads-to-be watching parenting videos and attending newborn/infant/baby safety seminars, so it's reasonable enough to offer dads-to-be an opportunity to be showered as well.
For me, this concept doesn't seem so far fetched, as I personally threw a Daddy's Day for my son's 1st child (only because mommy-to-be, my daughter-in-law, was hospitalized during the week her baby shower was scheduled). So instead of cancelling, I simply sent out an email to let everyone know that the shower would be for dad, and why, and to not change their plans that we were going ahead with the shower, just in a more non-traditional way! (guy friends were encouraged to come and did so) even if only for a laugh! :) I will admit that mom-to-be wasn't thrilled about the idea at first, but when dad brought home all those adorable baby things for her (and dad's) new baby, there was even a DIAPER CAKE, from you know where, they simply melted her heart and changed her way of thinking, as well as her mood! :) *Just a note: Mothers, (or mother-in-laws) traditionally DO NOT throw the baby shower, but this was quite, untraditional, so it worked! :)
Mommy-to-be doesn't have to be 'unavailable' to throw dad a shower, it's becoming more traditional that fathers, or couples, are attending baby showers! Here are a few ideas to get you started if your interested in throwing one of these gatherings for a special daddy-to-be or new dad! Remeber, any of these can be a surprise for dad-to-be, just be sure someone is in charge of getting him there on time (think, best man duties)! Dads should make their own guest list, moms won't be there, so let the poor guy invite whoever he wants for this one! I hope you enjoy them!
Q. What would you call the 'baby shower'?
A. Certainly, sounds exceptable, but many dads don't want to have a 'baby shower'. Try some of these more non-traditional ideas instead:
A Baby-Que - The name says it all! Dad and friends can gather outdoors (weather permitting) for grilling, guzzling (but not too much though, this isn't a bachelor party!), and gabbing about what to expect as a new dad. This is a great 'excuse' for dad to get together with his buds for some serious meat chewin' and glass clankin' fun!! Men may not cook, but if there is a grill involved, rest assured, there will be a good turnout!! Seasoned fathers should have a great time freaking out the dad-to-be with their own personal 'horror stories' about parenthood! Always a delight to see those daddy-to-bes' knees turn to jello and their faces GREEN! :) (sorry guys)! Some alternatives: Infant tailgater Brat-B-Que
Daddy Diaper Duty Blowout (or Daddy Diaper Blowout) - The name alone will invoke 'shuddering' in the dads-to-be, and seasoned dads, again, can share all the 'delights' of fatherhood! (Awww, now you know we have to have some fun with the guys!!) This type of gathering is easy for guys, just tell them to bring diapers, any size, even the larger ones, because we all know, you can't possibly get too many diapers! You can combine this with the Baby-Que mentioned above and the diapers can be presented after the guys have consumed all the food! What better time to share diaper changing stories with dad-to-be than after all the guys have eaten! :) Some alternatives: Before-It's-Out Party, Coming Out Party, She's About to Pop Party, Out-O-Utero Get Together, Out of the Den Shindig, Baby Eviction Party
Daddy Dinner - All of dad's friends can meet at a favorite restaurant and have a great time talking about what's coming! Gifts should be encouraged and will be welcomed by dad, afterall, he's gonna need them and it is his baby, too! Some alternatives: Labor Luncheon, "Last Party before She/He's Out", Swaddling Soiree, Welcoming Celebration, Welcoming, (baby's name), Party/Celebration/Gathering
Dish it Out to Dad - Again, guys can meet at a designated place with food and drink and gifts or this can be combined with the Daddy Dinner mentioned above. You can send out invitations like this:
Please Join Us
for a
Daddy Dinner
to honor dad-to-be
(Dad's Name)
(date-place-time)
while we eat and drink and
Dish it Out to Dad!
Be sure to include where the couple is registered or anything in particular that dad-to-be might need! Gag gifts are fun but not too many as this is an opportunity to 'shower' dad with practical gifts, also!
Some other fun alternatives:
"Come see Dick and Jane one last time before they bore you with baby pictures and ask you to babysit party"
"Guess what Dick and Jane did 7 months ago?" Party (you can use however many months it is into the pregnancy)
Q. Who would throw the daddy shower?
A. Well, as we all know, men aren't the greatest at planning parties (sorry again guys) :), and with mommy's, it's traditional for a best friend, sister or co-worker(s) to throw the baby shower. However, this being a non-traditional shower, if you have or need a female friend or family member to enlist some help (NOT PLAN THE ENTIRE EVENT), pulling together a gathering such as this should be a little more manageable.
Q. When would you throw the shower?
A. This is easy! Throw it on the same day as mommy's shower but in a different place! Better yet, if it's at a Country Club, church/temple, etc., there are usually other rooms that can be used for this event! This way, you get both parents-to-be covered and couples can attend the event(s) together! If this isn't possible, the daddy shower should be held one to two months prior to baby's expected arrival. Any later than that and you risk the chance of both parents being unavailable because mommy went into labor! Should this happen, simply have a 'BABY'S ARRIVAL CELEBRATION' after the birth.
Q. What would you serve?
A. You can plan traditional baby shower foods and drinks, like finger sandwiches, chips, veggies, punch, etc., or just serve things that everyone will like. If you really want to be creative (and have a little fun in the process), you can add some of the less 'visually' appealing little treats from a regular baby shower! Again, you may need a female to help out with this! Try some of these 'favorites':
chocolate melted in diapers (this one is popular right now with the ladies)
yellow jello with chocolate bars in the middle -baby ruths are best- (for an even better effect, serve this in a new potty chair, then clean it out after the party and parents will have it later for its intended use :)
gingerale in a punch bowl with 'coca cola' ice cubes (or any other 'dark colored' flavor soda)
nachos with yellow cheese and taco meat on top (don't forget the 'green' guacamole!)
green punch with lime sherbert (if you can add coloring to make it 'pea green', all the better)!
yellow cupcakes with pea green icing & chocolate sprinkles
quesadillas (cut in triangles or square 'diaper' shapes) with steak, and of course, guacamole!
mint chocolate chip or pistaccio ice cream
Do you see where we're going with the food theme?? :)
Q. Should the guys bring gifts?
A. ABSOLUTELY! After all, that is the point of a shower! Gifts will be well received by dad-to-be and he will appreciate the gesture, even if only in a 'Macho' way! :)
In the event dad doesn't want a party with his buds (hey, it could happen?), a couples shower is a great alternative and is more relaxed like a family gathering. Although some of the silly games may have to be sacrificed for this one, (then again, you never know with guys!), the mom and dad to be will still be honored by the party and all will have a great time!
If you have any suggestions of your own for a daddy baby shower, please contact us! We would love to put your idea on our site! Don't forget to fill in all of your information so you can get 'full credit' for your idea!!
Oh, P.S. - If you're a guy, please don't be offended by any of the remarks above, after all, we ladies do love to have a good laugh, even if at your expense! :)
HAPPY SHOWERING!