Should dads come to baby showers?
Trying to decide whether to have a Women-Only or Mixed Gender Baby shower? I've got some ideas about why it is a great idea to also involve dad in a baby shower.
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Traditionally, baby showers have been something that only women are involved in celebrating. However, in recent times, a lot of dads have also become involved in the baby shower as well. Mixed-gender baby showers have risen in popularity in recent years. With both parents now being heavily involved in parenting, and dads being invited to pre-natal appointments, supporting mothers during birth, and taking time off to look after their babies and family, it is also common for dads to want to be involved in a baby shower.
Here are some of the reasons why it is great to have dads attend the baby shower as well:
Dads are becoming more involved with parenting:
A lot of baby shower traditions centre around giving advice and practical gifts to mums-to-be at the baby shower. This tradition was born at a time when it was only women and mothers involved in parenting. There was no use in giving a dad advice on how to look after a baby in the 1950s, as he would never be involved in the parenting. Men in previous generations didn’t change nappies, dress children, or push a pram, so there wasn’t much use in them being involved in a party in which these baby gifts were given. Of course, these days, dads are much more involved in parenting. It is common for most parenting tasks to be shared between both parents, so of course it makes sense to involve dads in baby showers.
Dads want to be able to celebrate pregnancy and birth as well:
Dads-to-be can be just as excited as mums-to-be when it comes to pregnancy and babies. Having a joint, mixed-gender baby shower gives both parents the opportunity to celebrate the upcoming birth of the baby, and both parents can be involved in the fun, open the gifts, and have the opportunity to share their excitement with family and friends.
Can take the pressure off mum-to-be when it comes to planning:
While traditionally a baby shower has been hosted by a close female relative, these days many mums-to-be have their baby showers at home. While there are usually plenty of people around to help with catering, decorating, planning, and organising, many of these tasks often fall on the mum-to-be, especially if the baby shower is at home. Having dad attend the baby shower and be involved with the planning can help take the pressure off mum-to-be when it comes to planning and preparing. New dads can help with all the tasks, and allow the mum-to-be to feel much more relaxed about their baby shower, and enjoy their day much more.
Dads can see the gifts as well:
We all know that one of the most important parts of the baby shower is the gifts! My own favourite part of a baby shower is to watch the new parents open their beautiful gifts. It is wonderful for dads to be involved with this as well. They can learn to use each of the baby gadgets along with the mum-to-be, hear the advice from seasoned parents, and keep up with all the trends in baby gear along with the mum-to-be.
If you’re looking for a baby shower gift, please see our baby shower gift collection and ideas here.
It is an opportunity to catch up with family and friends:
Baby Showers are an excellent opportunity to catch up with family and friends, including those who the parents-to-be might not see often. Both mums, and dads should be afforded this opportunity, and both appreciate the time to celebrate with all their loved ones around them.
Joint baby shower and gender reveal:
It’s common for both parents to be involved in a gender reveal. It is a great idea to combine both a gender reveal and a baby shower together. You could have a gender reveal cake, piniata, balloons, or any other fun gender reveal ideas, as well as celebrating the pregnancy and birth with food, games, and gifts in a joint gender reveal and baby shower party.
Baby Showers can be fun for everyone:
There are so many fun baby shower games that can be great for both men and women.
Check out our post on “non-boring baby shower games”, or our baby shower planning guide with FREE game printables.
Here are some of the best games that can be fun for both men and women:
· Bottle races – have a race to see who can drink a full water, soft drink or alcohol (keep it alcohol free for the mum-to-be!) in the shortest time. This is similar to some drinking games common among students, so is sure to be a hit with men as well as women.
· Taste the baby food – taste the baby food and guess the flavour, which is both hilarious and fun for everyone.
· Celebrity name games – This is one where everyone can get very competitive, and it is very fun to see who is up to date with their celebrity knowledge
· Looking after a baby doll – this one is fun, and asks the mum and dad to be to perform all sorts of baby tasks, such as giving a bottle and changing a nappy, all on a baby doll
· Couples game – have a list of questions about the parents, such as “who will be the strict parent?” and “who will change the most nappies” and have the parents-to-be both guess their answers. It’s also even more fun when they don’t agree!
Looking for baby shower games and ideas? Check out our baby shower planning guide and our FREE baby shower printable games and planning checklist.
Joint baby showers are inclusive of everyone, including LGBTQ+ parents, family, and friends
Having everyone at the baby shower means that everyone can be included and involved in the fun and celebration.
Final thoughts:
Dads are more involved in parenting than ever before, they also love the opportunity to see friends and families, and celebrate the joy of a new baby. Plus, baby showers can be fun for everyone. For these reasons and more, it is great to have a baby shower that celebrates both new mum, and new dad.
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