It started with “babymoons”, where expectant couples took one last romantic vacation before they became parents, and their lives became all about diapers, midnight feedings, and minivans. Now there’s the “baby man shower”, or the “Dad-chelor” party. A celebration to anticipate the new baby, and to acknowledge that the dad-to-be’s life is changing, it’s also an excuse for a little “guy time,” and maybe a chance to let “dad” have some of the attention that’s been lavished on the mom—to-be since day one.

Dad-chelor parties can be anything from a huge blowout, like a trip to Vegas, or a simple camping or golfing trip, to a poker party. And it’s not about the presents, because guys aren’t going to gather around while the dad-to-be opens boxes of onesies and baby blankets. It’s more about male bonding, whether the guys buy the guest of honor burgers and beer, pay his travel expenses for the weekend away, or “buy in” to the poker game with a package of diapers. 

But ladies, if your partner wants a “dad-chelor” party, make sure he sticks to one important rule: It has to happen at least a month before your due date.    
     
After all, you don’t want to go into labor while he’s out with his friends celebrating the end of his “kid-less-ness”, or when he’s out of cellphone range at a campground 200 miles away.