Baby showers aren’t just for expectant moms anymore; dads-to-be are also joining in on the celebration.

The early stages of becoming a parent can bring a range of emotions—from anticipation and excitement to full-on freak-out mode. Since both partners are usually preoccupied with the steep learning curve of a new baby, having a reliable group of friends as a support system is vital for getting through those early hurdles.

According to Pew Research's 2022 survey, "Dads overwhelmingly view being a parent as an important aspect of their personal identity," with 85% saying that "being a parent is the most or one of the most important aspects of who they are as a person."

That’s why there’s a lot to love about the way men are showing up to support each other as they prepare for this major life-changing milestone.

“Having a baby can be, honestly, pretty scary for guys,” offers new dad Philip S. “You need your friends more than you realize to help you get through it. Especially because your partner is pretty busy figuring it all out too.”

Dads-to-be across the country are discovering that their guy pals want to offer encouragement, advice, and friendship before and after the baby arrives. Sometimes referred to as a “Man Shower” or a “Dad-chelor party,” baby showers for men have gained popularity in recent years as a way for guys to be supportive and celebrate together.

One has only to search for “man shower” on Pinterest to find a plethora of fun ideas to help dads usher in this exciting new chapter. From boards featuring cake and party ideas to themes like “Poker and Pampers,” “Baby-Q” or “Burgers and Bottles,” there’s no shortage of creative ways to celebrate fatherhood. Here are some ideas to inspire your own baby bash!

1. THROW A DAD-TO-BE BABY BASH

Turn your next guy-gathering into a stealth baby shower. Don’t have a set plan or recurring hobby on the calendar already? No problem. Plan a low-pressure group hang and make sure everyone brings something to help the dad-to-be survive those first few months of chaos. Pinterest is packed with awesome ideas for ‘Dad Survival Kits’ and other fatherhood essentials, and many couples have baby supply gift registries set up to guarantee they get exactly what they need (and like). If your dad pal doesn’t already have a registry, ask if he and his partner are looking to purchase a diaper bag or backpack. There are many companies out there, like Onya and Mountain Buggy, that design baby gear for both men and women.

2. MAKE IT A FRIENDLY (DAD DUTIES) COMPETITION.

Throwing in a few ridiculous and hilarious competitive games at your dad party can actually be pretty fun(ny). 

Here are some easy (and affordable) game-day ideas:

• Let the Good Times Stroll! Host a stroller relay race and tap into dad’s competitive side. For this one you’ll need two strollers, two baby dolls, and everyday backyard items (hose, ladder, chair, shovel—whatever you have on hand) to set up an obstacle course. Whoever makes it through first (without losing the baby) wins!
• Diaper Double Down! Guests will go head-to-head in a bracket-style tournament to see who is crowned the fastest diaper changer. Using dolls and preemie diapers, competitors will face increasingly difficult challenges, such as applying diaper cream while wearing a blindfold. It’s a fast-paced test of skill and speed, and only one winner will be left standing.
• Onesie One-Up! Onesies are a staple in every infant’s wardrobe! They’re comfortable, practical, and something parents go through a lot of in those early months. For this challenge, guests compete to create the best custom onesie for the future little one! Each guest receives a plain white infant onesie and fabric markers or pens. But there’s a twist: Everyone must decorate within a chosen theme, like superheroes, movie quotes, sports teams, dad jokes—the ideas are endless! Guests battle to one-up each other with the most creative design. To keep the competition fair and fun, guests get to work while the dad-to-be is out of sight. When time’s up, finished onesies can either be clipped to a laundry line with clothespins or laid out on a table for a mini runway reveal where the dad-to-be returns to judge the creations and choose the winning design. Of course, all onesies are winners for the expectant family to take home and use!
• Betting on Baby! Set up a football gambling-style grid and have guests guess everything from the baby’s name and due date to weight and length.
• Shhhh! Don’t say it! At the start of the party, every guest gets a handful of clothespins. Every time they say ‘baby,’ another guest can steal their pin. The person with the most pins at the end of the day wins!

3. GET OUT OF TOWN

You’ve heard of a babymoon, but what about a Daddy Sabbatical? Simply getting together to hang out can offer the future father some much-needed respite before his coveted free time turns into the newborn reality of sleepless nights. Depending on the timing of Baby’s arrival, you could head to the mountains for snowboarding or rent a boat on a lake. Planning a surprise getaway? Check in with Dad’s partner to see how things are holding up and to discuss a good time to get out of town.

Does Mom or partner need some extra support while the crew’s away? Assign a point person to check in on her and make sure she feels supported.

4. TOAST YOUR PALS—POST-BABY.

Plan a night after the baby’s arrival to gather friends together, toast the little one, and check in with the family. It’s important that both parents feel cared for. Because newborn life is as draining as it is amazing, a night of friends and survival stories is the perfect way to make sure the couple feels supported.