Dads at baby showers: Do Guys Go To Baby Showers? Dad’s Reliable Advice You Need To Know First • Parent Portfolio

Do Guys Go To Baby Showers? Dad’s Reliable Advice You Need To Know First • Parent Portfolio

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Traditionally, baby showers have been only for ladies. However, we live in a time where parents are taking equal roles of responsibility. For soon-to-be fathers or women invited to a friend’s baby shower, commonly ask the question, “Do guys go to baby showers?”

As a father of two lively kids, I’ll share with you my personal opinion and my experience with my tribe of dads. Then, we can finally put this question to bed, rewrite the etiquette book, and change history!

Do Fathers Attend Baby Showers?

As more fathers desire to be more involved in their children’s lives, it’s common for fathers to attend the baby shower. Although they are not physically pregnant, they too want to celebrate becoming a father and entering parenthood. 

When my wife and I were trying to get pregnant, it didn’t quickly happen. We tried for about a year, had a minor miscarriage, and sought professional advice.

And, although it was an extremely emotional and stressful period for my wife, I was alongside her, also riding the same ride. 

So, once that home pregnancy test said we were pregnant, you can imagine my disbelief. I was afraid of a false-positive result. 

However, when the doctor’s office confirmed we were officially pregnant, you better believe how much I was already committed to being a part of my child’s life.

Want to buy a gift for a new dad? Check out this Special Engraved Keepsake or this Established Dad Mug.

Do Guys Go Baby Showers?

Yes, guys go to baby showers. I attended several baby showers for my guy friends and had my male friends attend my baby shower. However, if the question is, “Are guys allowed to go to the baby shower?” Then, the answer is “It depends.”

A general good rule of thumb is to ask, “Is the father attending the baby shower?” If yes, then it’s a safe assumption that guys are allowed to attend the baby shower. Otherwise, the guys can hang out somewhere else.

Either way, it’s an excellent way for experienced dads to share their wisdom, such as how to handle a witching your baby. Also, it’s a form of bonding, similar to how some men hold bachelor parties. Men attend a baby shower to support their best man!

What Do Guys Bring To A Baby Shower?

If you’re a guy and want to bring gifts but are unsure where to begin, ask if there is a gift registry. The dad and mom-to-be list items they would like to have for their new baby. However, if you want to give your best friend a funny dad gift, I’m sure they will laugh and appreciate it.

If they haven’t announced if they are expecting a boy or a girl, give gifts that are gender neutral.  

Otherwise, you can never go wrong with gifting diapers for the new baby. A newborn will quickly go through all the diapers from the diaper party.

Why Are Guys Not Allowed at Baby Showers?

In a traditional baby shower, it was not common for men to attend a baby shower. Back then, women took on the heavier role of raising the children. So, the fathers excused themselves from this activity to allow the mother to be the main focus of the shower.

However, I’ve seen my female friends continue the tradition of a ”ladies only” baby shower but not in any way to discount the father’s role in rearing the child. Instead, it was a way for friends to celebrate this momentous life event.

Here are some reasons why sometimes men are not allowed at baby showers:

Pregnancy Talk

Typically, baby showers involve pregnancy talk in a traditional ceremony. And, No matter how much fathers or husbands try to be understanding of their partner, there are some things that we can’t begin to relate to, in particular, experiencing being pregnant. For this reason, women don’t invite men to baby showers.

Honestly, I fully understand. I love supporting my wife. But, when it comes to those conversations, I wouldn’t be able to contribute. Additionally, every nerve in my body may get a shock from some of the details shared amongst the ladies.

Add giving birth on top of all of it. There is no way I can equate that hard work. So, I call my wife a trooper cause I can never do what she did (twice).

Celebrating Motherhood

A new mom deserves to feel special. Like how guys have their dad tribe, an expectant mother will also have their female circle. 

Similarly, a “ladies only” baby shower is an excellent opportunity to share personal stories and experiences about being a mother. These talks are helpful to prepare for kids who may be strong-willed or have questions about breast pumping.

Social Event

Cyndi Lauper said it best with her song, “Girls just want to have fun.” Depending on who sets up the baby shower, people can liken a baby shower to a party.

I recall as a child many years ago attending a baby show because the hosts invited my mother. My mom is a single parent. So, it’s natural that she brought me along.

Aside from receiving baby essentials as gifts, they played party games. As a child peeking from another room, it was strange. But, as an adult, I understand that some girls want to have fun. It was enough reason not to include men.

“Calling all sassy grandmas!”

Are Baby Showers Only For Ladies?

Baby showers don’t have to be only for ladies. Although it’s still okay to only have a ladies-only baby shower, It’s become more commonplace for guys to attend.

So, if you’re planning a baby shower, figure out if you want the baby shower to be female-only for the new mom or a co-ed baby shower. Then, when it comes to making invitations, you can make subtle hints not to offend anyone.

For example, if you’re planning a co-ed baby shower, the baby shower invitations can say, “Ladies, bring your significant other. ” On the other hand, for a ladies-only baby shower, the invitation can read, “Want to escape from your husband?” or “Leave the boys at home and party!”

Can Baby Showers Be Co-ed?

Yes, baby showers can be co-ed! A co-ed baby shower is an excellent opportunity for both parents to recognize that they’ll be working together in rearing a child.

During the opening of gifts in our co-ed baby shower, my wife saved one particular gift for last. I came to find that my wife prepared a special gift for me. It was a set composed of a hat, mug, t-shirt, and scrubs that all said “New Dad” on it.

As a dad to be, it was one of the most thoughtful gifts in my life!

If you’re trying to host a coed baby shower and trying to figure out how to include everyone on your guest list, plan activities, fun games, and food that everyone would love. 

What Do Guys Do During a Baby Shower?

If you think there’s nothing for guys to do at a baby shower, you’re sadly mistaken. I consider myself an introvert and found myself participating in various activities. Guys can either be passive or active in their participation in baby showers.

Here are a few passive activities for guys to do at a baby shower:

Eat

If there are no games planned for the guys, they can still enjoy their time when you offer them free food. What guy turns down free food? Even the shy types can stuff their mouth full without feeling the pressure to talk.

As for baby shower food ideas, you can never go wrong with barbeques, burgers, and pizza. 

Watching Sport

Watching sports on TV is another way for guys to feel comfortable. Whether it’s the NBA or a college sport, guys will watch it as long as a team passes a ball. So hand them a drink alongside their burger, and you got yourself a satisfied guest.

Billiards and Ping Pong

What is it about shooting pool that men find so entertaining? After every college class, I would find myself in the school game room playing billiards or ping pong. If a pool table or ping pong table is available, it’s enough entertainment for the guys to watch and feel included. 

7 Activities To Include Guys  In A Baby Shower

Are you looking for baby shower ideas? Then, check out these baby shower games your family members and loved ones will love.

1. Stroller Racing

Every father loves a good race. Give them a stroller, and you’ve got “Fast & the Fatherly.” All you need is at least two strollers, a set path to race around, and you’re ready to go!

2. Baby Food Guessing Game

Trying to get kids to eat their vegetables can be a task. However, you won’t get what it tastes like unless you try. In this game, couples are blindfolded while eating the mystery baby food and try to guess what it could be. Open wide!

3. Tinkle In The Pot

Another kind of race men will never experience is racing to the bathroom while being pregnant. Well, not until now!

For fun, stuff a balloon in the men’s shirt and place a ball between their legs. The goal is to get from one point to another while still holding the ball between your thighs.

Trust me. If you’re looking for a time to laugh, this game is the one!

4. Blindfold Diapering

After changing so many diapers late at night with my first baby, you would think I can do it blindfolded. But, unfortunately, I still need both eyes when changing my kids.

For a baby shower, have the guys blindfolded and try to change a diaper on a doll. If only kids knew how to stay still in real life.

5. Bottoms Up Baby Bottle

If you’re looking for a drinking game, put your favorite beverage in a bottle and see who can drink it down the fastest. Of course, I’m not saying what should be in the bottle for the game. However, men attending a baby shower should expect to be drinking milk.

6. Pin The Sperm On The Egg

Have you played the game “pin the tail on the donkey” when you were younger? Then, the game  “pin the sperm on the egg” should not be a problem to learn. Instead of a tail, you’ll have to create something else.

First, blindfold your guest. Next, spin them around while the crowd cheers them on during the whole process.

7. Bobbing for Bottle Nipples

As for another traditional game, you can take the game bobbing for apples and convert it into “Bobbing for Bottle Nipples.” 

Place a couple of bottle nipples in a large bucket of water and let the flow. Next, have the guys try to capture the bottle nipples with their mouths. 

You might have to give a heads up and let them know to pack a towel and an extra change of clothes. Those who are determined to win may be the ones most soaked.

Additionally, they make hilarious party favors!

Final Thoughts

Do guys go to baby showers? Yes, men go to baby showers.

As more dads work toward being more present in every step of their child’s life, it’s become common to see them take part in the baby shower. Additionally, their male guests are more than willing to support their friend in this new chapter in his life.

Thus, if you’re expecting parents hosting a coed shower, plan activities where everyone can participate regardless of gender roles. There are several things, active and passive activities, that guys can do to have a great time.

Are you still on the fence about attending? Or, are you hosting a baby shower and looking for ideas? Which activities sound best for your couple’s shower?

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Baby Shower Etiquette for 2022

During the mom-to-be’s pregnancy journey, baby showers are one of the most memorable events she’ll take part in! Between being showered with gifts for baby-to-be and indulging in sweet baby shower games, a baby shower is a special occasion that allows the mom-to-be to catch up with her supportive loved ones and reflect before she enters motherhood. Baby shower planning might seem confusing at first since there are certain tips to follow and baby shower etiquette guidelines to keep in mind. You may have questions such as, who should host a baby shower or who pays for a baby shower? However, once you learn the do’s and don’ts on how to throw a successful baby shower, your expectations as a hostess will be easier than you think. Throw the perfect baby shower with the perfect baby shower gifts and baby shower invitations for your amazing baby shower.

If you’re in need of a specific baby shower etiquette FAQ, skip to a specific section below to find your answer directly:

• When Should the Baby Shower Be Held?
• Where Should the Baby Shower Be Held?
• Who Do You Invite to a Baby Shower?
• Can the Dad to Be and Men Attend the Baby Shower?
• Should You Choose a Baby Shower Theme?
• What Information Goes on the Baby Shower Invitation?
• Who Should Guests RSVP to?
• When to Send Baby Shower Invitations?
• What Do You Do at a Baby Shower?
• When Should the Guest of Honor Send Thank You Notes?

When Should the Baby Shower Be Held?

Baby showers can be held anytime between the sixth or eighth month of the mom-to-be’s pregnancy. If you’re counting by weeks, 28-32 weeks is an ideal time to host a baby shower. Before setting an official date, you should talk with the mom-to-be and make sure the prospective date works for her since she’ll likely have scheduled doctor’s appointments on her calendar. She’ll also be able to let you know the gender of the baby which can influence many of your baby shower specifics. You can also go the extra mile and check the date with grandparents and other close family members who are important in the mom’s life.

Where Should the Baby Shower Be Held?

Baby showers can be held at a variety of places, but are usually held at the home of the mom-to-be or the hostess. However, you can also hold the baby shower at another family member’s home if that’s more preferable. If you plan on inviting more than 35 guests, you should consider renting out a local venue or private room at a restaurant to accommodate all of your attendees.

Who Do You Invite to a Baby Shower?

Close friends and family members should be invited to the baby shower. You should always consult with the mom-to-be on the guestlist though, just in case she has any co-workers or friends she wants to add to the list. The mom-to-be also may have a few people she doesn’t want to attend so it’s a good idea to run the final guest list by her before sending out invitations. If you have a few distant but extremely important relatives who are unable to attend, you can consider Skyping them during the mom-to-be thank you speech.

Can the Dad to Be and Men Attend the Baby Shower?

While traditional baby showers consist of women only, co-ed baby showers are becoming more and more common. However, if you’re looking to throw a traditional baby shower and still have the dad-to-be attend, this is completely acceptable and appropriate as most dad-to-be’s will want to thank guests before they leave.

Should You Choose a Baby Shower Theme?

Yes, you should choose a baby shower theme to help make your planning process easier. Baby showers require a lot of work and organization. Choosing a baby shower theme can help you make decisions faster, since your theme will unify your baby shower decoration ideas, cake ideas, and baby shower invitation designs. Plus, baby shower themes feel festive and the mom-to-be will be overjoyed by your attention to detail and the thought of it all. You can explore a variety of boy baby shower themes and girl baby shower themes, or you can opt for a gender neutral theme like a safari-themed baby shower.

What Information Goes on the Baby Shower Invitation?

Before sending out baby shower invitations, double-check to make sure you have all the necessary information listed on the invite. The following items will help guests save the baby shower date, dress accordingly, and RSVP on time:

• • • Name of Mom-To-Be and host(s)
    • Location
    • Date
    • Directions
    • Phone number of main host
    • RSVP (provide information on how to RSVP)
    • Registry information for baby shower
    • Theme of the baby shower (if applicable)
    • Dress code (formal or casual)
    • Specify if the guests need to bring anything
    • Specify if the baby shower is adults only

Who Should Guests RSVP to?

Guests should RSVP with the hostess of the baby shower, not the mom-to-be. The mom-to-be won’t be managing invites most likely so if you list a return address on the invite, be sure to list the return address of the hostess, in addition to providing a corresponding contact number.

When to Send Baby Shower Invitations?

Baby shower invitations should be sent out four to six weeks before the baby shower occurs, according to standard baby shower etiquette. You’ll want to send baby shower invites out early to account for loved ones or friends who may be traveling from out of town to attend the baby shower. Find more tips to complete your timeline using our guide on when to send baby shower invitations.

What Do You Do at a Baby Shower?

The purpose of a baby shower is for family and friends to shower the parents-to-be with gifts and needs for the baby. Baby showers help the parents-to-be get a head start on items such as diapers, baby clothes, and more. However, there is plenty more to do at a baby shower before the gift giving segment. In addition to setting up hors d’oeuvres and drinks, the hostess can set aside time for guests to play fun baby shower games that are interactive and keep your guests entertained. Additionally, you can set up advice cards or a message wall where guests can write down words of wisdom for the mom-to-be. It is also standard for the mom-to-be, dad-to-be, hostess, and grandparents to give brief speeches and share their sentiments towards the end of the baby shower. Lastly, don’t forget to send guests off with cute baby shower favors as baby shower etiquette.

When Should the Guest of Honor Send Thank You Notes?

The honoree should send thank you notes to her baby shower attendees two to three weeks after the baby shower. Sending out thank you cards for gifts you received is a highly recommended gesture after a baby shower has occurred and is proper baby shower etiquette. If your little one arrives early though, take your time with sending out baby shower thank you cards until you’re settled in with baby. If you’re unable to send out thank you cards prior to your birth, you can also include a thank you message about your gifts when sending out your custom birth announcements. Be sure to designate someone to write down who gave which gifts, during the gift opening segment at the baby shower, so the mom-to-be can easily follow along with what to write in a baby shower thank you card later.

If you’re hosting a baby shower, make sure you ask close family members and friends of the honoree to pitch in financially and lend some help the day of the baby shower. Although you’re responsible for planning the baby shower and making sure it goes well, you’ll need a bit of help to honor the mom-to-be. Remember to also have some fun yourself at the baby shower and share a smile with the blooming honoree.

Did you find out the gender of the baby? Let’s throw a party! – All about holidays

There is a great holiday in America called the gender reveal party. After learning the gender of the unborn child, parents throw a party to inform friends and family about it. In some cases, even parents do not fully know who will be born to them, entrusting the organization of the holiday to one of their relatives.

Invitation

We all know that any holiday should start with an invitation. There is no celebration without guests. Invitation cards or cards can be made by yourself using thick cardboard, pink and blue satin ribbons , confetti . You can design decoupage invitation cards using clippings from motherhood magazines or printed pictures from the Internet. You don’t have to make the same invitations. Guests will be pleased to receive something individual and it is interesting to look at the invitations of other guests. You can also make an invitation layout in graphic programs or use ready-made templates by entering your data there. Put pink and blue in the invitation envelope confetti so that it is immediately clear to the invitees which party they are invited to.

Home and table decoration

Where does the house begin? From the front door. Decorate it in holiday style. You can hang an arch of blue and pink balloons in above the door. These colors are optional, you can of course choose others. Immediately upon entering, prepare guests for voting and competition. Cut out the words “What do you think, who will be born: a girl or a boy?” from cardboard or colored paper. Also use 9 for decoration0012 garlands flags. If the party is taking place outdoors, then you can use disposable tableware in blue and pink colors or with images of babies. At home, you can put ordinary dishes of the desired colors on the table, lay out napkins and cocktail straws in blue and pink tones. Very tasty and beautiful mastic sweets with pink and blue filling will come in handy. You can also put cups with pink and blue M&Ms on the table as a treat, decorate the glasses with ribbons.

Competitions and voting

So, the guests are full. It’s time for the gender competition. Let’s start with a real vote. For example, place two jars filled with pink and blue marbles on the voting table. And next to it, put two more jars with stickers “Girl” and “Boy”. Each guest can come up, take marbles and vote for who will be born to future parents.

You can use voting as a way to come up with a name for the baby. Also install two beautiful jars or boxes with inscriptions, put pieces of paper and pencils next to them. Let the guests come up with the name of the baby and throw it into the box. Arrange a real debate, where each guest must say why he thinks that a child of this gender will be born, and not another. Record the results on a slate board with pink and blue crayons.

Methods for declaring the sex of the child

The most popular way is to enclose the answer about the child’s gender in a birthday cake. Ask the sonographer not to tell you the gender of the baby, but write it down on a piece of paper and put it in an envelope. Now this envelope will be a kind of technical task for the baker. Pass the envelope to the baker and ask them to make the filling of the cake, depending on who is listed on the sheet. In order not to accidentally find out the gender of the child, you can ask someone close to order a birthday cake. The whole holiday you will be in anticipation of cutting the cake and, together with the guests, will find out the gender of your child. You can not only soak the filling with the desired dye, but also ask the pastry chef to pour blue or pink M&Ms into the center of the cake.

The second most popular way to tell the baby’s gender is a box filled with balloons of the color you want. This method is good for a party in nature, and for a home celebration. The mechanism of action is the same: contact a holiday agency that can organize such a surprise, transfer information about the sex of the child to them. You can also make your own balloon box. Need to find somewhere a large cardboard box and beautifully decorate it with paper cut or simply written words “Girl or boy?”, “Guess who?” and so on. Fill the box with balloons inflated with helium. And at the right time, open the box. Balloons will fly into the sky, telling the gender of the baby with all their colors. Don’t forget to capture this moment for a family photo album!

Another interesting way is a piñata filled with pink or blue confetti. Of course, you should not force your mother to break the piñata, let the future father try. The color of the confetti will tell who the expectant mother is expecting. The piñata can be filled not only with confetti, but also with various gifts for the baby, because now its gender is known, and you can safely fill the piñata with booties, nipples, rattles and other accessories for the baby.

There are still a lot of original ideas for declaring the sex of the child. For example, a balloon filled with confetti of the color that indicates the baby’s gender can come to the rescue. Mom and dad take needles and pop the balloon! This is quite a budget and also a very nice option.

Some parents-to-be from America came up with a very creative way of telling guests the gender of the baby. The couple met on the street when future husband Mike asked the girl he liked for chewing gum. So they came up with the idea to tell about the sex of the child with the help of chewing gum. The wedding photographer asked them to close their eyes and gave them some blue gum. When the future parents opened their eyes, they realized that they were expecting a boy.

Thanks to the guests

Now that the gender of the baby is known, you can give all guests cute bonbonnieres with gifts in the form of booties, strollers, baby bottles. In addition to small presents, bonbonnieres can also be used as invitations to a baby shower.

Calgary Birthday Party Guide

Birthdays are fun for kids, but they can be a lot of work for parents! Between sorting food and gifts, it can be tricky to come up with fun ideas your kids will love for an unforgettable birthday party. But you also want something that won’t stress you out. Take a look at our Calgary Birthday Party Guide for Family Fun to find out what parties kids love and make your life just a little bit easier!

Butterfield Acres Birthday Parties

Do you have a little animal lover in your life? Birthdays are the perfect time to make them say, “AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!” Birthday parties are held at Butterfield Acres Farm. . . OR you can stay at home, relax and the farm will come to you! What could be more fun than seeing your child’s eyes light up on their birthday? Organize a party that requires very little effort from you!

Read more about this here.

Missoula MT Lifestyle and event photographer, flying squirrel, birthday party, night owl images delight at the sight of trampolines?! And when you combine trampolines and for an amazing birthday party with friends, you just can’t go wrong! Flying Squirrel throws the birthday parties you need this year; it’s epic fun for kids and it’s so easy for you! Flying Squirrel is family fun that gives kids the opportunity to take a break from video games and engage in active and healthy fun. You are never too old or too young to have a great time

Read more about this here.

Granary Road Birthday Parties

Fresh air and sunshine, amazing playgrounds and adorable animals – what could be better than a birthday party?! Whether you have small kids, big kids, or something in between, Granary Road birthday parties offer the very best in kid-friendly entertainment. With a wide range of activities and entertainment (like Yesteryear minigolf and an active learning park with some of the most amazing playgrounds), it’s easy to plan an unforgettable birthday party!

Read more about this here.

Anniversary birthday parties

Birthdays are the main event of the child’s year. Cake and gifts, games and holiday favors – what’s not to like? But after years of hosting the same run-of-the-mill birthday party in your backyard or living room, it’s time to think outside the box. Anniversary birthday parties are unique, perfect for kids of all ages, and easy and fun for you too!

Read more about this here.

Pegasus Gymnastics Birthdays

What could be better than celebrating a birthday? Have gymnastics birthday party! Plan an amazing and memorable birthday for your child this year with a fun party from Pegasus Gymnastics. And what could be better than a birthday party where kids can run, jump, roll and play? That’s right – a birthday party that makes life easier for busy parents!

Read more about this here.

Trico Center Birthdays

Birthday parties are magical, aren’t they? But birthdays are a lot of work for mom and dad! Sometimes you need a little help in your busy life, but still ensure a happy day for your child. This is where the Trico Family Health Center comes in! Birthday parties at Trico Center are natural fun for kids and a great place for parents to throw a light party.

Read more about this here.

Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo Birthdays

Kids go crazy for birthdays, no matter the age! Want to know how to make your next birthday special without stress and clutter in your living room? Plan a Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo birthday party where your little ones can have fun with lions, visit penguins, or view dinosaurs. This is the perfect place for children of all ages, in the company of their closest friends and beloved animals.

Read more about this here.

In the end, most parents just want to sigh and feel that their kids had fun and felt special on their birthday.