Great ideas for baby’s first birthday

You survived the ups and downs of baby’s first year. Now is the time to celebrate!

Some parents choose to keep baby’s first birthday simple and small: just immediate family and a few gifts for the baby. After all, the baby is too young to appreciate a big party. But others just can’t resist and spend months planning a lavish adventure, complete with catered food, entertainment, and a long guest list.

Most parents opt for something in between: a party for family and friends, some decorations, a traditional birthday cake, and gifts for the birthday boy or girl.

Whatever the choice, a baby’s one-year birthday is a true milestone. Before you know it, her child will be a full-fledged child, so take time to look back on the past 12 months. Recognize your achievements as a parent and all that the baby has learned in the first year of life.

So how do you plan a party that’s right for you? Here are some helpful tips for creating a memorable celebration.

Rent, Rent, Rent. Most baby experts agree that your home is the best place, as it is where your baby is most comfortable. However, using a relative’s or close friend’s house, especially if the baby is very familiar with the surroundings, will also work. Even if money isn’t an issue, remember that you want your child to enjoy the birthday experience. So renting a restaurant, community center, or going to a kid-friendly pizzeria is probably too much sensory overload for a one-year-old.

Short and sweet. Although it’s tempting to invite guests throughout the afternoon and evening, it’s best to keep the party fairly short. This is especially important if you have several children invited to the party. Children and babies can become overloaded quite quickly, so plan for a maximum of two to three hours. That will give everyone a chance to mingle, hold the birthday baby, take lots of photos, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy the presents.

Baby schedule. You know your little one best, so plan the party for a time when your baby is awake and in a good mood. A birthday party will work during the day, so a nap shouldn’t be missed to make the party a success.

Get older children involved. Older children can be included in the list to help you during the party. Ask them to help serve snacks, open presents, and serve the cake. They will love you for it. As a small reward, give helpers a goody bag to show your appreciation.

See Those Little Hands. If young children are attending the party, you’ll want to get breakables out of the way. Their parents may be distracted and you don’t want to have accidents. Also, family pets can sometimes be aggressive when there is a lot of fuss and noise. Therefore, it may be best to keep your dogs and cats away.

Make it manageable. Keep things simple so you can enjoy the party. Remember that you will also be responsible for the birthday boy or girl, which is usually a full-time job!

Prepare in advance. Know what you are going to wear and what you plan to dress the baby in for her big day. Make sure you have a backup kit, as you will probably need it for the baby. Buy and prepare food ahead of time. Sandwiches are a great option. A help-yourself buffet and drinks table are great serving options. Don’t get behind on the decorations, as your baby needs to be the center of attention.

Help! Don’t be shy… Ask for help. Ask friends and family for help before guests arrive and during the party. Have her cousin take digital photos while her husband operates the video camera. Ask a good friend to pass you snacks and someone else to keep drinks stocked. Your sister could be in charge of music and gifts, while your mother takes care of the kitchen.

Decorations and a theme. Choosing a theme might sound silly, since it’s a birthday party for a one-year-old. However, a theme, as long as it is common, is actually a good idea. Let’s say you choose a princess theme. Then all of your choices for the cake, decorations, and even what to wear can revolve around a pink and girly theme. And your guests can even select a gift to match the theme.

So what is really important to remember when planning a first birthday party? First of all, your baby is the star, so plan the party accordingly. Do as much as possible in advance and ask others for help. Capture the day with photos and videos. Most importantly: have fun!

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