By now we're well versed in the culture of throwing baby showers for expectant mums; they're a last chance for ladies to enjoy some light hearted fun, gifts and advice with their nearest and dearest before the little one comes. But let's not forget about dad – encouraging them to be as involved in raising their kids as mum begins way before they are born, hence the arrival of all-male baby showers, or Dadchelor Parties.
The new phenomenon tends to be a relaxed affair, with less focus on baby-related gift giving and more on sharing parental anecdotes and male bonding. He could even do it on the same day as your baby shower in order to utilise your home when a friend is hosting you at their house. We've heard all manner of activities suggested for male showers, from a simple beer and barbeque to weekend blowouts in Las Vegas – but so as to keep their mind focussed and hopefully make use of their time with fellow fathers, we've suggested a few more "in theme" activities for them to enjoy.
There is of course the classic Race to Change the Nappy, making full use of their competitive nature and any dolls you have lying around. This is especially interesting if dads in attendance have older kids – will they still have the knack for a quick nappy change, or will the rookie dad-to-be best them? The results may just surprise you.
We also like the idea of a poker tournament with a pack of nappies as a buy-in – with any luck he'll come away with enough to last you the first few weeks of baby mayhem! For more artistic types, you can also give them cut outs of mum and dad's facial features and set them to work making collages of what they think they baby will look like – we've seen some pretty hilarious predictions at the end of this game.
Aside from diapers, you can also fill out your baby's wardrobe with a range of personalised babygrows – just supply guests with a plain cotton onesie and some fabric paint for some wonderfully unique mementos from father's friends and family. If you're keeping the sex a surprise they can draw on neutral white garments, or if you just can't wait to reveal the gender they can go wild on blue or pink ones. A classic and humorous refreshment comes in the form of beer served in...baby bottles! They may be allowed to drink when mum isn't, but a reminder of what lies ahead is always a good idea.
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Learn even more about baby showers and where they come from on our blog.
http://www.my1styears.com/blog/BabyShower/
The new phenomenon tends to be a relaxed affair, with less focus on baby-related gift giving and more on sharing parental anecdotes and male bonding. He could even do it on the same day as your baby shower in order to utilise your home when a friend is hosting you at their house. We've heard all manner of activities suggested for male showers, from a simple beer and barbeque to weekend blowouts in Las Vegas – but so as to keep their mind focussed and hopefully make use of their time with fellow fathers, we've suggested a few more "in theme" activities for them to enjoy.
There is of course the classic Race to Change the Nappy, making full use of their competitive nature and any dolls you have lying around. This is especially interesting if dads in attendance have older kids – will they still have the knack for a quick nappy change, or will the rookie dad-to-be best them? The results may just surprise you.
We also like the idea of a poker tournament with a pack of nappies as a buy-in – with any luck he'll come away with enough to last you the first few weeks of baby mayhem! For more artistic types, you can also give them cut outs of mum and dad's facial features and set them to work making collages of what they think they baby will look like – we've seen some pretty hilarious predictions at the end of this game.
Aside from diapers, you can also fill out your baby's wardrobe with a range of personalised babygrows – just supply guests with a plain cotton onesie and some fabric paint for some wonderfully unique mementos from father's friends and family. If you're keeping the sex a surprise they can draw on neutral white garments, or if you just can't wait to reveal the gender they can go wild on blue or pink ones. A classic and humorous refreshment comes in the form of beer served in...baby bottles! They may be allowed to drink when mum isn't, but a reminder of what lies ahead is always a good idea.
Â
Learn even more about baby showers and where they come from on our blog.
http://www.my1styears.com/blog/BabyShower/