How to Throw a Co-Ed Baby Shower

Traditionally baby showers have always been about women and their bonding experiences over the impending arrival. Guy didn't have too much to do with the proceedings. But the times they're a changing as more parents opt to celebrate the special moment with all their friends, including the men.

A co ed shower will obviously focus more on the food. You can't expect guys to sit around munching paper thin finger foods. Make sure you have ordered enough food, so you don't run out at the party.

Make sure the baby shower favors you choose are separately packaged for men and women. Contrary to what you may think, guys like gifts too. So, pick something utilitarian that the guys can use as opposed to something good looking that he can't do much with.

The guys can absolutely be involved in buying baby gifts. If they confide in you that they have no idea what to buy, suggest baby gift baskets or point them to a baby shower registry where they can pick out the things they want to buy.

A mixed baby shower is not about creating crafts or playing little games that are so much the norm at a women's only baby shower. Don't waste too much time with games and activities for guests at a co ed shower - when there's a mixed crowd, you can expect a fair amount of mingling to take place. Keep a stash of board games for emergencies - but otherwise, there's really no need.

Don't include activities that only other mothers can take part in. For instance, getting all the moms to pen an advice journal for the mom or taping a series of tips from mothers to the new Mommy. These activities leave the guy out of the equation entirely - a total no no.

Make sure you have plenty of drinks for everybody. You might be celebrating a new baby, but it isn't going to be much of a party without some tipple.

BBQ or open air themes work best for a co ed shower. There isn't a guy alive who isn't proud of his BBQing skills, and girls enjoy it equally. Plus, it takes much lesser planning than indoor showers.

Out in the open, everybody seems to relax and "get along" and you don't have to worry about keeping guests entertained.

If you can arrange a tropical themed baby shower, do so. This is another party theme that both men and women enjoy equally. Guests can be asked to arrive in Hawaiian shirts and floral skirts. You could serve punch in a large bowl, and serve loads of grilled seafood and other filling Caribbean style food.