Great ideas for baby’s first birthday

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

Some parents choose to keep the baby’s first birthday simple and small, just the 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 spending months planning a lavish event, complete with food, entertainment, and a long guest list.

Most parents go for something in between: a party for family and friends, some decorations, 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, your child will be a full-fledged toddler, so take the time to reminisce about the past 12 months. Recognize your accomplishments as a parent and what your 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.

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

Short and sweet. Although it is tempting to invite guests throughout the afternoon and evening, it is best to keep the party fairly short. This is especially important if you have multiple children invited to the party. Children and infants can reach overload fairly quickly, so plan for two to three hours at the most. That will give everyone a chance to mingle, hold the birthday baby, take lots of photos, have a bite to eat, and enjoy the gifts.

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

Involve older children. Older children can enlist to help you during the party. Ask them to help you serve sandwiches, open gifts, and serve the cake. They will love you for it. As a small reward, give the helpers a goody bag to show your appreciation.

Look at those little hands. If young children are attending the party, then you will want to get breakable items out of the way. Your 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 commotion and noise. Therefore, it may be better to keep your cats and dogs 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 normally a full-time job.

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

To help! Don’t be shy … ask for help. Ask your friends and family for help before the guests arrive and during the party. Ask your cousin to take digital photos while her husband runs the video camera. Ask a good friend to give you snacks and someone else to keep drinks stocked. Your sister could be in charge of the music and gifts, while your mother has the cooking duty.

Decorations and a theme. Choosing a theme may seem silly, since this is 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 your options for cake, decorations, and even what to wear can revolve around a feminine pink theme. And your guests can even select a gift that matches the theme.

So what is really important to remember when planning a first birthday party? First, your baby is the star, so plan the party accordingly. Go ahead and ask others for help. Capture the day with images and video. Most importantly, have fun!