Did Men Originally Go to Baby Showers
Baby showers are the most anticipated event when loved ones get together to welcome a new baby into the world.
Women have always been at the forefront of female baby showers, with their activities and participants being family, relatives, and women's friends who are close to the mother. Since the event was about motherhood and the knowledge shared among women, men hardly participated.
But times have changed!
Today, it’s increasingly common to see fathers, brothers, and male friends joining the festivities, reflecting evolving roles in parenting. So let’s get the answer to your question: did men originally go to baby showers? Let’s get into the topic.
The Origins of Baby Showers: A Look Back in Time
Baby showers didn’t start like the events we know today. They have roots in ancient cultures and evolved significantly over the centuries. Here’s how they looked back in different eras:
Ancient Times (Egypt and Greece)
In these early civilizations, childbirth celebrations occurred after the baby’s arrival, with family-oriented rituals meant to bless the mother and baby. Men rarely attended, as childbirth and early childcare were viewed as women’s responsibilities.
Middle Ages
Blessings and gifts for new mothers were offered in religious settings. Men’s involvement was still limited, as the gatherings were centered around the mother’s recovery and the baby’s health, seen as women’s concerns.
Renaissance Period
Among Europe’s wealthy classes, baby showers began to take shape. Lavish gatherings were held for mothers-to-be, where practical gifts like clothes and blankets were given. These events were still women-only, focusing on sharing advice and support from experienced mothers.
20th Century (Post-WWII America)
Baby showers became more common in American households. They were celebrated as intimate, female-only gatherings. Female friends and relatives would assemble in someone’s house, playing games, giving directions, and helping expectant mothers replenish supplies for the baby.
Each of these periods reinforced the notion that baby showers were for women because it was held that motherhood was best understood and supportively shared by women.
Why Baby Showers Were Traditionally Female-Centric
As you’ve trace back the history, you might get the answer of did men originally go to baby showers. But knowing the reasons would be worth it. There are a few key reasons why baby showers have remained a women-only event for a long time.
General roles and responsibilities
Historically, childbearing and nurturing the young were considered tasks reserved for women.
Women were mothers in the home, while men were expected to provide financially for the family.
Thus, baby shower parties became occasions for women to help the mother by sending congratulatory messages, sharing baby-related stories, and giving advice.
Privacy and Cultural Expectations
Pregnancy and childbearing practices have always been perceived as the private affairs of an individual, with people only interested in the health and wishes of the individual concerned.
This factor further enhanced the women-only nature of the baby shower parties since women argued that they would be able to talk about issues that were inappropriate in the presence of men without limitations.
Support Network for Women
To counter shame and stigmatization, women availed these networks to each other during transitions within marriage, childbearing, and household.
Baby showers are occasions for mothers, aunts, sisters, and friends to gather and offer emotional and physical assistance to pregnant women.
Such cultures made it quite awkward to find men in the baby showers and that give the answer to did men originally go to baby showers.
Check out the guide on what to wear for newborn’s photos so you don’t get panic on last moments.
Modern Baby Showers: A Shift Towards Inclusivity
Today’s baby showers reflect a new approach to parenting and family celebrations. Although the straightforward answer of did men originally go to baby showers is NO. however, the trend is changing now. Modern baby shower has evolved to include everyone. Scroll down to know more.
Co-Ed Showers: A Growing Trend
Nowadays, co-ed baby showers, often called 'Jack and Jill' showers, are a hit. Such celebratory events invite parents along with their friends rather than restricting the invitation to a particular gender, and hence, they are more of a family celebration. And in recent years, Co-ed showers are becoming more popular because fathers are more involved in parenting from the beginning, and many want to share in every milestone. And it’s their right too, isn’t it?
Parents today see baby showers as a chance to celebrate together, surrounded by everyone they care about. Co-ed showers often bring a more relaxed and informal vibe, with food, games, and activities everyone can enjoy.
These joint showers are great way to reflect on modern parenting roles. Co-ed showers highlight the belief that parenting is a shared journey. With fathers taking on more nurturing roles, it’s natural that both parents are celebrated equally at baby showers.
By including men, baby showers now honor the entire family, recognizing both parents' roles in raising a child.
Prepare yourself for upcoming days. Check out this newborn essential checklist.
Pros and Cons of Including Men in Baby Showers
Involving fathers in baby showers has its own benefits and drawbacks. Here are few of them:
Pros
Shared Joy: Both parents celebrate, sharing the excitement with their loved ones.
Strengthened Family Bonds: Co-ed showers unite the family, reinforcing family connections.
Modernized Atmosphere: People enjoy co-ed showers for their relaxed, inclusive vibe.
Increased Support: Fathers-to-be can also benefit from advice and support from friends and family.
Cons
Different Preferences: Some prefer traditional, female-only showers and may find co-ed events unfamiliar.
Game Choices: Games and activities might need adjustments to appeal to a mixed crowd.
Comfort Levels: Male guests might feel out of place, especially if unfamiliar with baby shower traditions.
Event Structure: Co-ed showers may require extra planning to create a comfortable environment.
Including men in baby showers has positive effects as long as the hosts make everyone comfortable. The goal of such gatherings is to create a welcoming and enjoyable environment.
Now that you know did men originally go to baby showers, their pros and cons, let’s get to know how you can through a baby shower party.
How to Host a Co-Ed Baby Shower
If you are hosting a baby shower, consider the following points to make the event enjoyable for all:
Choose a natural theme: Consider a theme that he/she will not mind, for example, a ‘Backyard Barbeque’ or ‘Baby Bash’ theme. Gender-biased themes should be avoided so as not to create tension in the environment.
Offer variety in food and drinks: Some light meals, finger foods, and a variety of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, will help create a conducive environment for the participants.
Pick Inclusive Games: Think of games like baby trivia, to which everybody contributes, revealing baby pictures or even the fastest diaper changing. Also, you may have activities like a photo booth instead of games or a place where people can leave parenting tips.
Set a comfortable environment: Reassure the participants that the event is informal and appropriate for families. Set up a few (preferably comfortable) chairs in such corners without making it a closed-off area.
Pro Tip: Start preparation for your baby’s wardrobe as soon as you through the shower party because the little munchkin will be there anytime soon.
Conclusion
The concept of a baby shower has been much more developed in modern society than in the old days. It has shifted from women-only baby showers to baby showers, and all are invited, including fathers and other relatives and friends, regardless of gender. In the old days, a male could not ask to attend such an occasion due to societal constructs. Quite strange, isn’t it?
But not now!
Including men in baby showers encourages a sense of unity, bringing families together as they prepare for a new life. Let’s celebrate and support the journey of parenthood.
FAQs
Did men originally go to baby showers?
Historically, baby showers were originally female-only events. These events were mainly focused on motherhood. Men used to avoid such events, as childbirth and child rearing were considered female responsibilities. However, showers are more inclusive nowadays, and it is very common for men to join such celebrations.
So the answer to did men originally go to baby showers is: NO they did not.
When did co-ed baby showers become more popular?
Organizing inclusive baby showers or ‘Jack and Jill’ showers began in the 1970s to 1980s when fathers were often seen co-parenting. Currently, coed showers remain popular, particularly for families wishing to share the day.
What are the best activities to do on baby showers?
Activities such as Guess the Baby Picture or Parenting Trivia are suitable for these showers. Non-game-based activities, such as a photo booth or a station with activities like craft making, are also good for these types of mixed audience groups.
Do you think knowing if the guests object to co-ed showers is essential?
Yes. It is always best to seek the opinions of people familiar with you, her, and your close family members because knowing their preferences will enable you to organize a successful and enjoyable occasion in which everybody else who attends feels included.
