A milestone is approaching - your baby’s first birthday! Even though baby won’t remember this day, this will undoubtedly be one of your most memorable occasions. You’re excited about planning the first of many birthday parties for baby and you might be tempted to go a bit overboard. Keep the following tips in mind when planning and you’ll host a first birthday party like a pro!
1. Timing Is Everything
Keep the party short and sweet. Remember that attention spans are short for baby and friends. An hour of happy time might be all he or she need. Don’t forget that most babies are on a nap schedule. Keep that in mind when deciding on the perfect start time for your party.
2. Don’t Be A Hero
Invite help! Of course, the invited families will stay to help their children have fun, but consider asking your parents, grandparents, babysitter or best friend to be part of Team First Birthday Party. After all, it’s important that you find time to enjoy your child’s party and still be able to take care of your baby’s needs while letting your TEAM help fill roles such as:
- a smiling face to welcome guests as they arrive and answer questions about parking and restrooms
- someone to take lots of memorable photos throughout the party
- help keeping refreshments plentiful
- a pair of hands to help cut and serve cake
- a kind soul to help tidy when guests have departed
3. Keep Food Simple
When planning refreshments, consider both your adult guests and the babies in attendance. It’s always a good idea to avoid peanuts since so many people are allergic.
For adults, serving finger foods will allow them to have one hand on their child and one hand on a small, one-bite treat: Some simple finger food ideas include:
- Finger sandwiches in a variety of flavors like chicken salad, pimento cheese and turkey with cheese
- Fruits such as grapes and strawberries
- Veggies like celery sticks with peanut butter, baby carrots with ranch dip
Parents might bring bottles or other snacks for the babies in attendance, but have a few treats that don’t present choking hazards for kids like:
- crackers
- soft cheese cubes or slices
- jello or pudding
- fruit juices
4. Planning Your Theme
Often times our favorite part of planning a party is deciding upon and developing a theme. At 4 or 5 years old, your child will start telling you what kind of theme he or she wants, but the first birthday party is yours to decide. So, have a little fun with it. Check out an array of first birthday party themes and supplies for low costs at www.kidspartyworld.com
5. Roll With The Punches
Invited toddlers and children at the party are often unpredictable. If a child refuses to have a bite of the pudding, it’s okay. If a child won’t play with the toys provided, don’t fret. If a child has decided that today is not a good day, let the parents take the child home when they feel it’s time.
Most importantly, if it’s the birthday baby who won’t share toys or refuses birthday cake or falls asleep when it’s time to open gifts, just let it happen. You can open the gifts on behalf of baby, take photos with a snoozing (and peaceful) baby and keep the party happy and fun for everyone – including you!
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I like these tips you listed! I am glad you talk about rolling with the punches because it is so hard to let go and let things happen. We want everything to be perfect and there is no such thing. Plus the kids don’t care how everything looks.