Your Baby's First Birthday Party
Whether you want your baby’s first birthday to be an intimate gathering of family and friends or an all-out bash, this day should be a celebration that is special for you and your baby. Here are a few steps you can make your baby’s first birthday, both fun and less frustrating.
Your 1-year old may not be as open for strangers as you wish. They may be frightened by new people, new places and crowds. While he will love smaller children, they may not know how to play nicely with them. Your baby will thrive in a party where she is the center of attention and where she can make everyone laugh. Because of these factors, most parents will choose to go for a party that is intimate, and that involves parents, friends, and family members who are already familiar with the baby. Even if there are few people at this party, remember that your baby will still need a lot of your attention, hugs, and kisses on this day. She will need you more when she is overstimulated by the crowd and all the attention.
You also need to think about the amount of money you are willing to spend at the birthday party. Keep in mind that this can be as little as $50 or as much as $500, depending on how many people you are inviting. You will feel the need to go all out because it is the first birthday. But keep in mind that this is probably more for you than it is for your child. They may probably not remember. Food is the main thing that will drive up the costs, followed closely by the cake and decorations.
You need to set a great time for your baby’s birthday. It should line up with their daily schedule. If your baby has specific nap time, plan the birthday around nap time. You should also check the nap time for other kids who will be attending the party. You do not want grumpy kids at your party. If one starts crying, they might all cry. So be sure to keep it as brief as possible. An hour or two is enough for kids at this age. You don’t want to overstimulate them.
It is often easier to just plan the party at home. This is the place where your child feels most secure and safe. If your home is too small for the number of guests you plan to invite, you may want to move it to a kid's themes restaurant or the local community. Choose a place with a playground or a kid’s museum if the weather will allow it. If not, get a relative with a larger home to host the bash.
When choosing a theme, ensure the decorations are color-coordinated. Choose matching napkins and plates with their favorite cartoon characters. These will be perfect for your baby and the pictures.
Keep the menu as simple as possible. Because of the many kids invited, most of the food will end up on the floor. Finger foods are great options and will work for both children and adults. They can eat without interrupting their socializing and playtime. Kids who are just teething, like yours, will love having something to bite on. Avoid serving hard candy and tiny foods and nuts that kids may choke on. You also need to keep the beverages simple.
Music is one of the best entertainment strategies for both adults and kids at the party. You could have some nursery rhymes or other songs for kids playing in the background. You may also want to encourage the children to play with toys. Older toddlers could play, hide and seek. There are plenty of soft bouncy toys that will keep the kids excited. Story time is also a fun way to have kids rest after play.
Have a quiet and private place for breastfeeding mums
Have somewhere nice and clean with all the necessary equipment for diaper changing
Keep your precious items in a locked room away from the guests
The pets should stay out of the way
Use as many baby proofing devices as you need
Have several adults keeping a keen eye on the kids and remove any hazards like small objects that can be swallowed
Let the baby interact at her own pace
Keep the first aid kit close
Ensure that there is someone who will take pictures. You may be too busy entertaining to do so.