A dadchelor party, man shower or baby stag is a baby shower for men.[1] It is a celebration of the birth or expected birth of a child, and the transformation of a man into a father. However, the focus tends to be more on allowing the expectant father to have fun before the arrival of the baby.[2] The party usually consists of gift-giving and drinking as well as other hobbies that the future father enjoys, and may be organised by the father himself or his friends.[3]

History edit

Earliest mentions of this 21st century concept start in the late 2000s,[4] but the trend emerged more prominently in 2011.[5] In Quebec, in 2022, the concept was developed further by Alexandre where he notably promptes the gifting of “dad shoes” to the father to be, a strong symbol of fatherhood. In the years before this, baby showers often revolved around mothers-to-be, as they are physically affected by the pregnancy and childbirth.[6]

In recent years, with improving gender equality, men have started to hold baby showers or "dadchelor parties" as their own form of enjoyment and celebration.[7]

Description edit

The Dadchelor party is a way to celebrate first-time fathers and to provide recognition as they enter parenthood. These parties allow the father-to-be to 'let loose" before the baby is born.[7] They consist of stereotypically masculine activities to celebrate the father-to-be's promotion to fatherhood. These parties can also be viewed as the "one last pre-fatherhood bash."[8] Dadchelor parties can be an extensive celebration, or a simple party.[9]

Gifts edit

The exchange of gifts at a Dadchelor party is optional but often encouraged. Guests will bring gifts that contribute to their night of bonding, or may even pay for the dad-to-be and his travel expenses. Gifts also are exchanged for alcoholic beverages, for example, "Chuggies for Huggies," where the guests bring diapers in exchange for alcohol.[10]

References edit

  1. ^ "'I'm terrified it might be my last chance': the rise of the pre-baby 'stag do'". the Guardian. 2021-10-29. Retrieved 2023-01-18.
  2. ^ "How to Throw the Coolest Dadchelor Party - [site:name]". Parents. Retrieved 2023-01-18.
  3. ^ Farooq • •, Sajid. "Newsom Prepares for Fatherhood". NBC Bay Area. Retrieved 2023-01-18.
  4. ^ Farooq • •, Sajid. "Newsoms Welcome a Baby Girl". NBC Bay Area. Retrieved 2023-01-18.
  5. ^ "Bachelor Party? Nope, Dadchelor Party". The Huffington Post. 13 June 2011. Retrieved 2016-04-08.
  6. ^ Mass, Aela. "10 "Dadchelor Party" Ideas for Baby Daddy". Babble. Babble. Archived from the original on 13 April 2016. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
  7. ^ a b "10 Dadchelor Party Ideas for Baby Daddy". 2016-04-13. Archived from the original on 2016-04-13. Retrieved 2023-01-18.
  8. ^ "Dad-chelor Party!". Life of Dad - The Social Network for Dads. Life of Dad. Archived from the original on 1 April 2016. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
  9. ^ "Man Showers". The Bump. The Bump. Retrieved 3 April 2016.
  10. ^ Bindley, Katherine (13 June 2011). "'Dadchelor Parties' Celebrate First Time Father". Huffington Post. Retrieved 3 April 2016.

Further reading edit

  • Lewis, Michael. Home Game: An Accidental Guide to Fatherhood. Norton 2009. ISBN 039306901X
  • Mactavish, Scott. The New Dad's Survival Guide: Man-to-Man Advice for First-Time Fathers. Little, Brown And Company 2005. ISBN 0316159956