Grandma Showers and Dad Showers: A New Wave in Baby Celebrations

An emerging trend in baby celebrations is expanding beyond the expecting mother to include grandmothers-to-be and expecting fathers. Social media has amplified the concept of a 'grandma shower' or a 'dad shower,' a variation on the traditional baby shower where the guest of honor is the grandmother or the father. Proponents say the idea reflects how pregnancy reshapes the family—from who helps care for the newborn to who shares in the anticipation and planning. The format remains familiar—gifts, well wishes and games—but the emphasis shifts to the next generation of caregivers and partners preparing for fatherhood or grandparent roles.

Grandmothers who anticipate serving as secondary caregivers say they may need baby supplies that attendees would donate, and the showers help normalize the idea that multiple family members play a role in the newborn’s first months. The concept has circulated online with posts describing the reasoning behind the celebration and the practical value of gifts such as diapers, wipes, clothing and other essentials. The trend is framed as a way to recognize the changes in a grandmother’s life when a grandchild arrives and to ease the transition for families preparing to welcome a baby.

Expecting dads are also being invited into the celebration fold. A viral Instagram clip from @themelaninatedmomma shows a husband coming home to a living room stacked with baby gear gathered by coworkers who organized a surprise shower for him. The video’s caption captures the emotion of the moment: “Walking downstairs to see this still overwhelms me with emotion.” In the comments, fellow parents praised the gesture. “My husband’s coworkers did this when I was pregnant. He came home all kinds of excited,” one reader wrote, while another added, “fathers need to be part of the transition too!!”

Advocates say the trend is a thoughtful, inclusive way to honor both parents at a milestone that can reshape family dynamics. They note that including dads in the celebration helps acknowledge the practical and emotional changes that come with parenthood, from sleepless nights to new responsibilities. Critics, however, warn that some showers risk becoming performative or overshadowing the pregnant mother’s experience if not handled with sensitivity. Event etiquette and family expectations remain central to how these celebrations are planned and received, and some observers view the practice as a natural extension of modern family life rather than a radical shift.

Social media chatter and early coverage have highlighted the trend as part of a broader cultural moment that embraces inclusive, nontraditional celebrations around pregnancy and birth. The New York Post has documented how the idea has gained traction online, with real-life stories of coworkers, friends and family staging ‘grandma showers’ and ‘dad showers’ to honor the evolving roles that come with a first child. For many families, the gatherings also reflect practical concerns—grandparents who may be involved in caregiving can come away with needed supplies, while partners feel seen and supported during the transition.

As culture and entertainment continue to reflect evolving family dynamics, grandma showers and dad showers may become more common fixtures in the baby-celebration landscape, mixing warmth, practicality and social media visibility into a broader conversation about who becomes a parent—and who helps celebrate that moment.