Tips for Hosting a Co-ed Baby Shower or Diapers Shower

I’ve mentioned before that I love to plan parties and get-togethers. They are a lot of work, but there are certain life events that everyone deserves to have a special day all of their own. Birthdays, graduation, weddings and the arrival of a new babe, well these are just a few of life’s special moments! Recently I helped host a co-ed ‘diaper’ shower for one of my cousins, a new Dad-to-be. Since the shower was taking place the weekend of another family get-together, and since my cousins and I are all very close, we decided to host a co-ed diaper/baby shower; to help stock their home with loads of diapers and other baby needs!

While co-ed baby showers used to be less common, I think they are becoming more and more popular! I have hosted co-ed baby showers for co-workers, specifically for a manager who’s wife was having a baby; and for a group of close-knit friends. And honestly, I don’t know why co-ed baby showers are not more common, since both Mom and Dad-to-be should be honored for their upcoming life changing event!

Since hosting a co-ed baby shower can seem a bit intimidating, and since I have had the opportunity to host a few in my day, I thought I would share a few co-ed diaper/baby shower tips!

Tips for hosting a co-ed diaper shower:

Invitations: For a co-ed shower keep the invitations basic and to the point. If hosting specifically a diaper shower, encourage party attendees to bring diapers and wipes with a creative mention like, “Help Mom and Dad to be, get ready for diaper duty! Bring diapers galore, in various sizes, because it will be a doozy!” Don’t forget to address the invitations to the couple or to the entire family depending on the type of shower.

Games and Entertainment: Since even most women I know aren’t fans of baby shower games, men certainly aren’t going to be that gung-ho! So let’s just skip the games for co-ed showers and let the party be about mingling and honoring the parents to be. Play a good mix of music softly in the background and allow time for the new parents to take turns opening gifts together. If you must have games, consider one of these more co-ed friendly options like karaoke, playing poker with a baby twist (like using colored diaper pins instead of poker chips), or playing charades with a baby theme. 

Decor: Keep any decorations minimal, yet practical! I love making diaper cakes and wreaths. They are very easy to create and match the party theme. Use rubber bands or string to secure the diapers so that the diapers can later be used by the new parents. Another option is to make simple center pieces using common baby items (like bottles, bath toys, block letters, etc.), that the parents-to-be can take with them. Or pick a co-ed shower theme, like “bun in the oven” and simply host a backyard cookout. Another suggestion for a shower for a baby boy, is to chose a more manly shower theme, like sports, hunting and fishing, etc. (tailored to the Dad’s interests) that will set the new Dad at ease as well.

Food: My best co-ed baby shower tip? Don’t go light on the food! I recommend, if possible, to host a co-ed shower in the evening. This time is usually more convenient for couples, however, with it being prime dinner time, a meal would be best served. If a full meal isn’t in the budget, chose a variety of appetizers and finger foods. While salads and fruit/vegetable trays are common at baby showers, consider adding more “guy food” like chicken wings, cocktail meatballs, sandwiches or even pizza to the spread to feed all those hungry appetites!

Stick to a budget: Hosting a baby shower for the new Mom’s closest friends and family can be expensive, let alone when you double the guests and invite significant others or children. Don’t be afraid to ask for other close friends to help host the party with you and split the expenses (and work) associated with the party. When I plan a baby shower, I usually head to Walmart to get everything I need. From food to paper goods, I can get all the party essentials and stay on budget. In fact, after hosting my first baby shower several years ago, I learned about Parent’s Choice Diapers. They are super affordable and came recommended by several friends and family members. I felt confident that the new parents could actually use the diapers I used to create the diaper cake without any problem and I could stick to my budget. You can also keep costs low buy hosting the shower on non-meal time hours (earlier in the morning, late afternoon, or later in the evening) and serve a menu of snack foods instead of a main meal.

Gifts for Dad: Since Dads are usually left out of all the baby shower fun, show them some love and support with some special gifts just for them! A fun and cheesy “Number 1 Dad!” coffee mug with a few bags of gourmet coffee and a note saying “You’re gunna need this!” is cute and will be appreciated. Or give the parents-to-be gift cards to a local restaurant and movie theater for ‘one last’ romantic night before baby arrives.

Another creative gift idea just for the new Dad? A Daddy Diaper Duty Tool Kit!

This gift is not only funny, poking fun at the age old joke that Dads won’t change diapers, but is practical as well. Simply stock a tool box or tool belt with everything a Dad might need for changing diapers; including goggles, clothes pins for his nose, rubber gloves, and more! My sister suggested a similar gift to give to my cousin at his shower. Not only would this give them things they needed for their baby on the way, my cousin would know he had all of our support!

Daddy Diaper Duty Tool Kit Supply List:

Tool box or tool belt
Parent’s Choice Diapers
Wet wipes
Diaper rash ointment
Rubber gloves
Goggles
Clothes pins
Face mask
Hand sanitizer
Mini trash bags
Camo apron
A rubber toy (for baby)

Hosting a baby shower? Or want to create your own Daddy Diaper Duty Tool Kit to bring as a gift? Click to find a list of all Walmart stores that carry the new and improved, more absorbent Parent’s Choice diapers. And if you are a parent with diaper age children, did you know you can save about $240 per year with Parent’s Choice Diapers compared to other national brands. Be sure to grab this coupon for $1.50 off one (1) Parent’s Choice infant diaper jumbo bag or box to save even more!