Planning a Child’s First Birthday Party
Your child’s first birthday party is both wondrous and joyous. It is a formal recognition that the baby you were expecting with such excitement has not only been born but is now old enough to celebrate its very first birthday party! This however is the one birthday party that will probably mean more to you and your family and friends than it will to your child. A small baby will not even be aware that he or she is the guest of honour and will therefore have no expectations whatsoever.
This party will be held mainly for all the adults who are coming to share your pleasure of organising a first birthday party for your one-year-old. So the key to a happy first birthday is to make it memorable - for you! Try to make everything - from food to decorations as simple as possible to ensure that you get maximum enjoyment from the day. Make sure you have plenty of time to take masses of photos for the baby album, to embarrass your child in the future!
It is probably best to limit the number of guests as most babies at this age can’t cope with too many strange people and not having full attention from its mother. A guest list of no more than 10 is quite enough, less is even better. Your best bet is to invite only close friends and family with perhaps a few other babies or very tiny tots.
It is always best to hold baby’s first birthday party in you own home; it keeps things easy and informal. A disorientated baby (or babies) screaming blue murder at a busy or formal venue is neither relaxing nor enjoyable for you and your guests. Tantrums, teething problems or nappy changes are much better deal with in a familiar, homely environment.
Plan for a fairly short party, say no more than an hour and a half, and hold it well after your baby’s naptime - you won’t want a fractious, tired child hosting its own birthday party.
Make sure you introduce all your guests to one another at the start of the party and then you can leave them to chat and mingle on their own. You could also instigate some parent-child games designed to break the ice and add some atmosphere to the party.
Another way to bring your child’s first birthday party to life is choose a party theme that either delights or amuses. It needn’t be elaborate or expensive, just a simple concept such as colour, favourite toys or a storybook character. can be the main point to focus on for your decorations and activities.
Themes are often a great way to structure a birthday party but do bear in mind that a one-year-old baby doesn’t have the attention span or understanding needed to participate and and join in the fun. Also there is a danger of overloading yourself organising the ‘best 1st birthday ever’ when in fact you will have your hands full just entertaining guests while trying to keep your child happy at the same time. You could end up so busy that you miss out on your own party!
Choose a cake that is fun or pretty (and photogenic) as this can be one of the focal points of the party, especially if baby enjoys a piece too. If you plan to let your child share the birthday cake then don’t go for anything with too much hard icing, which could induce a choking fit. A soft cake with plenty of gooey butter icing is best.
You may decide to make the cake yourself but do allow plenty of time in advance as you don’t want to be icing a cake on the morning of the party. There are so many wonderful birthday cake specialists nowadays that it is worth shelling out to get something spectacular. Many birthday cakes are designed around Disney characters, favourite toys or specific themes - the choice can be overwhelming.
Keep refreshments uncomplicated – people are coming to see the baby not have a 5star meal. Entertaining the adults should be easy, as there won’t be any anticipation of a glossy, society-style party for ‘junior’; just make certain that there is plenty of food and drink available.
Buffet style catering is the easiest to prepare in advance and serve on the day. However accept that you may be doing some serious carpet shampooing the following day, especially if there are any toddlers running around with food or drink in their hands!
What should your child wear for on the day? It does come down, in the end, to individual taste but do be careful not to dress your child in anything too elaborate. It may become hot and uncomfortable to wear as the birthday party progresses or be difficult to unbutton for quick nappy changes.
Finally while this is very much your day, it must be said that it is also your child’s day and as it will possibly be its first proper social event be prepared for anything to happen. If your one-year-old simply can’t take all the unaccustomed noise and activity and becomes seriously stressed out you must accept the situation graciously and bring the party to an early closure. Alternatively find a quiet dark room, well away from the party, (with possibly a doting relative at hand) to lay your baby down so that it can find some peace and catch up on some much needed sleep.