Planning Your Child's First Birthday

When your baby turns one year old, it is an exciting event! Planning your babys first birthday should be fun, special and simple. Because you are planning a birthday party for a one year old, you should remember to keep the party easy and uncomplicated. Too much of anything can become very overwhelming for a one year old. Keep the party fairly short and always have the party after naptime. A cranky baby doesn't make for a fun birthday party!

Start first by deciding where to have the birthday party. Many parents choose to have their baby's first birthday party at their home where the baby is comfortable. You might consider other options, such as a local park or children's museum. Because your child is just now turning one year old, it is probably best if you leave other party venues for when they are older. If you are having the party at home, you will need to plan some games or activities to keep the party guests entertained. Have a muscial parade to celebrate the birth of your child with maracas, drums and other instruments. Playing games might be hard because toddlers often do not understand how to follow directions, share or take turns. Rather than trying to play games with all of the children, set out alot of toys for them to play with. Bubbles also make a nice activity for the children to enjoy. If you choose a local park or children's museum, you will not need to plan additional activities, although you could still bring bubbles and sidewalk chalk.

After you have decided where to have the party, decide on a theme. There are plenty of websites and catalogs to help you with your decision. From simple "I'm One Today" themes to Sesame Street, you are sure to find something you like. Choose your theme and plan around it. You can usually find invitations, thank you cards, dinnerware, treat bags and other decorations to match the theme. You might also choose not to do a theme and use solid colors. For my oldest son's first birthday I made a clown cake and just used red, green, yellow and blue colors as the accent pieces for decorations and dinnerware.

Make your guest list. Most first birthday parties will usually be more for family than friends. If your child goes to daycare, it is okay to invite his friends from his class. Just remember that one year olds get overwhelmed and tired very easily. Remember that the more people you invite, the more supplies you will need.

Make or buy the main birthday cake. You might choose to make one in the shape of a "1" or do a cake that is centered around your theme. Give the birthday child his own cupcake or miniature cake to celebrate their special day! Don't forget to take lots of pictures of the first bites of cake! It is also a good idea to strip the child's clothes before they start eating the cake! Keep foods simple. Finger sandwiches, cheese and crackers and bite size pieces of fruit are ideal.

Most of all, take time to reflect on your child's first year of life. Afterall, it has been a pretty amazing time-hasn't it?