Beer and diapers: Baby showers for men more popular than ever

Some dads-to-be feel alienated or left out of traditional baby showers. And let's face it, baby ducks and pastel colors can be irritating to anyone. 

But baby shower themes that more inclusive for men are on the rise, says Pinterest. Traditionally masculine themes that include beer, poker and BBQ are emerging, as well as pins about "Huggies and Chuggies" or "Beer, Dudes and Diapers."

Some are dubbing these baby showers "Dad-chelor parties."

In 2015 Pinterest searches for the term "man showers" increased by 149%, and "co-ed showers," celebrations for both moms and dads, increased by 255%. (Don't worry, these search terms should be SFW on Pinterest.)

While the differences in themes risk reinforcing gender stereotypes, some people nonetheless prefer alternative showers regardless of gender norms — ones with dip, chicken wings and diaper cakes. 

Whether parents want one co-ed shower, two distinct showers or none at all, it's your party and you can customize if you want to. Here is how some dads are doing it.

Mashable spoke to a father-to-be named Jon who threw his own "Dad-chelor Party." 

"It was a good excuse to get all of my friends together before my 'availability' becomes a little more limited," he said. "We talked, drank beer and ate food."

Jon and his friends rented out a local restaurant. They didn't play any games or have a theme, and he didn't receive any gifts other than advice about being a father.

"There's a lot of 'American' tradition around bridal showers and baby showers for women, so it was nice to put something on the calendar for my friends. I'm sure a lot of other men would enjoy the same. Some of my guy friends who are now parents had planned something similar (like a gathering or a weekend trip with their friends)."

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

A male-only shower might be a good equivalent when parents choose to divide parties by gender. Some women feel it's important to retain a female-only tradition as an opportunity for candid discussions of pregnancy and body issues. Baby showers are often thrown by friends or family of the parents-to-be, who may be more traditional in who they invite to the festivities.

But don't forget the co-ed or partnered shower, which can be valuable option for same-sex as well as heterosexual parents. 

Recently, New York-based party planner Seri Kertzner of Little Miss Party Planner designed a shower for Megan Kopf, head of PR at NBC. With the help of TODAY hosts Savannah Guthrie and Natalie Morales, the party included the father, Britt, in the festivities. 

The prospective parents played a game where each answered baby-related questions, such as "Who gained more weight during pregnancy?" If it was Megan, they held up the pink paddle, if it was Britt they held up the blue.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

There's a lot to be said about incorporating a father-to-be into the baby shower tradition, something that is still primarily seen as a female-only event. The opportunity to celebrate, voice fears and spend time with loved ones is something all parents can benefit from, after all. 

From there, it can be beer or champagne, pastel or army green — as long as you're having fun.

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