Co-ed baby showers
incorporate the baby's father and the couple's male friends into the celebration. They're a progressive way to celebrate the more involved role that fathers are now expected to play in their children's lives. Does this Spark an idea?
History
By tradition, baby showers were female-only, and it was considered by many to be effeminate for men to take much of interest in baby clothes and other gifts for the new arrival. During the mid-1990s, however, the changing expectations of fatherhood paved the way to what was called a "Jack and Jill" baby shower, which veered away from traditional baby-shower activities.
Significance
Co-ed baby showers are still gaining acceptance, so if you're hosting one, try to make male attendees feel comfortable. For example, choose invitations that are less feminine and select a theme that doesn't center on pregnancy. A co-ed baby shower may have a theme like a luau or a movie theme. The party doesn't have to take place indoors with a circle of chairs like traditional baby showers. Some co-ed showers are held as outdoor barbecues.
Features
Instead of party games about babies, a co-ed shower often centers on social interactions. The shower can be less formal and simply rely on conversation for entertainment. The gift-opening stage of the party can include gifts for the expectant father as well as the expectant mother. At a co-ed shower, both parents can open the gifts for the baby.
Benefits
With a co-ed shower, the father of the baby can be as involved as the mother in planning for the baby. He gets his own gifts, and can also talk to other fathers at the shower to get pointers and learn from their experiences.
Considerations
When planning a co-ed shower, select decorations that won't be seen as too feminine. Pink hearts and storks with bows may make men uncomfortable, particularly if they have never attended a baby shower before. The food should be plentiful and also be as gender-neutral as possible. Tiny plates of finger sandwiches and petite fours can be replaced with deli trays and cake.
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