Your sweet baby is turning 1, and it’s time to celebrate with a party. It’s a joy for parents to see their tiny, precious baby go from the delivery room to learning how to crawl, walk and pick up every interesting object in sight. Share your child’s milestone with close friends and family, and prepare to plan your first of many children parties.
Favorite Things
Although your child isn’t old enough to tell you the type of theme she’d like for her party, you can pick up clues, based on the toys your child plays with the most, the cartoons she pays close attention to and the activities she enjoys doing with you. If your child likes bath time, a rubber ducky theme may be appropriate. If your child has a fascination with building things, you can create a theme using blocks. Other themes might include animals, storybook, bubbles, painting, princess or cars and trucks.
Make a List, Check it Twice
Even though you’re planning a party for a little one, there are essentials you need to make sure the party is good time for all. A party for a 1-year-old should include easy-to-handle finger foods, including fruits, vegetables and crackers, since the kids are likely to eat with their hands and enjoy a variety of textures.
Hanging vibrant decorations through the home, backyard or venue can capture your child’s attention and add to the ambiance of the party. Remember to keep it simple. Too many decorations may overwhelm small children.
Preserve the memories by having disposable cameras available for guests to take pictures of moments such as blowing out the candles, enjoying cake and opening gifts.
Keep the Guest List Small
First birthday parties are shared with close friends and family members. An intimate gathering with a few guests gives you more time to spend with your child and less hassle of being a hostess to a large group of guests. The Baby Center, an online resource for parents, warns that a party with too many guests may overstimulate your baby, causing him to want extra attention from you as comfort.
Plan Around Nap Time
Babies tend to get cranky if they miss a nap, so plan the party with your child’s nap schedule in mind. A well-rested baby will be more prepared to greet his guests and enjoy his big day.
Parties for babies shouldn’t last as long as a celebration for a toddler or older child. In an article for the Scholastic website, Helene Freda, senior program developer and trainer for Gymboree Play & Music Centers, suggests limiting the party to 90 minutes.
Memories to Cherish
While your little may not be able to recall the details of his first birthday, the benefits of having a party are immeasurable. Your child can relive the milestone through photographs and stories shared by the friends and family members who attend.
Photo Credit
- Birthday Baby eating her cake image by Photoeyes from Fotolia.com
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