Babies & Toddler Information

If having a Couples Baby Shower seems odd to you, consider this: Mom-to-be did not get pregnant on her own. Nor will she likely be raising the baby on her own. So why should she get to celebrate on her own?

Dad-to-be plays a very big role in the new baby's life so he should be a part of the baby festivities as well. A couples baby shower (also referred to as coed baby showers) doesn't just include dad-to-be in the honors. It also includes all of the other important men in the new baby's life.

Grandfathers, uncles, cousins, and even godfathers will be able to join in a couples baby shower as well. Baby showers normally consist of cutesy decorations and silly games. But when you are having a couples baby shower, you will probably want to make a few adjustments. You still want to have baby decorations since it is a celebration of a baby at your couples baby shower. But you might want to refrain from using frilly decorations and lean more towards fun ones.

Cutting out the baby shower games may be a good idea for coed baby showers. Instead, give the male guests some screwdrivers and hammers. Then have them put together gifts such as toys and swings while mom and dad-to-be open the presents together.

If this sounds a little too stereotypical for you (me man, you woman, grunt, grunt). Then try playing baby shower games that both the men and women will enjoy at your couples baby shower. Have a contest to see who can drink a beer (or other carbonated beverage) out of a baby bottle the fastest.

Set up a large grid ahead of time with the dates of the month when baby is due. You can have guests write their name on the date when they think the baby will be born. The host or hostess can be responsible for sending a prize to the winner after the baby comes.

Another good idea for baby shower games for a couples baby shower is Pictionary. Make cards ahead of time with all sorts of baby items on them. Then use them for your home version of the popular game. Surely most of your baby shower guests will be able to draw "rattle".

But what about "messy diaper" or "nursing"? Prizes for baby shower games can be anything you can think of, but if you are going to spend money on them, you should try to have something your guests will want to use. Baby shower favors should also be something your guests will use as well as being gender neutral. Some baby shower favor ideas include personalized lollipops or candy tins, baby themed cookies, or the ever popular bubble gum cigars.

If you do not know the sex of the baby yet you can purchase baby shower favors in both pink and blue. Then guests choose the color based on what they think the sex of the baby will be. It might be fun to do a tally at the end of the baby shower just to see how many of the guests think it will be a boy and how many think it will be a girl!

Food is also an important part of a couples baby shower. Though appetizers and finger sandwiches may be appropriate for a regularshower you may want some heartier fare for the couples baby shower. By adding more substantial items to your menu you will be catering (so to speak) to your male guests' larger appetites.

One suggestion for a nice keepsake for mom and dad-to-be. Videotape wishes and tips for them. Ask willing guests to record a short greeting for the new parents (keeping it proper so Junior can watch it in years to come).

Also, don't forget to send the couples baby shower invitations.