Planning a first birthday party is a momentous occasion for parents. For stress-free party planning, parents should keep that in mind, this day is more for the parents than for the child. At a year old, children may become overwhelmed by a crowd or even sleep through half the party and that's OK. This is a day to celebrate the life of the child, the survival of the parents and the blissful years ahead. The birthday baby won't remember any of it and won't even be offended if it doesn't happen.
Birthday Themes for Baby's First Party
Themed birthday parties are easy ways to coordinate party invitations and party decorations. Some themes reflect baby's favorites, like Elmo, fire trucks, dress-up princesses, teddy bears or puppies. Families planning to redecorate the nursery can use the first birthday party to start collecting decor for the baby's new bedroom theme.
Invitations For a First Birthday Party
Purchasing invitations for a first birthday party may be easier if parents have chosen a party theme. One-year-olds, however, don't always have a favorite book, movie or cartoon character. It's not necessary to have a party theme for a first birthday. Choose something simple, a solid color with a coordinating pattern, perhaps. The longer parents plan the less they will spend. Keep an eye for sales throughout the year.
Online party planning websites have several ideas and resources for making invitations if parents' creativity is in question. One inexpensive method is to use baby's photo to design postcard invitations. Online photo processors and printers, like VistaPrint.com can accept uploads online and deliver the prints to your door. Postcards are inexpensive to mail and make great invitations.
Decorating for a One-Year-Old's Birthday
While it might be tempting to fill the house with balloons, keep in mind that small bits of latex from a popped balloon present a safety hazard for baby. Also, some babies are frightened by balloons. Finally, long strings at the end of balloons can be a strangulation hazard.
Parents who choose to have balloons can anchor them securely to the tops or curtain rods or the ends of tables, where baby can't reach. Be on the look out for older children who may remove them to play, unaware of the risk they pose.
Streamers are generally harmless, unless baby decides to chew on them. Glitter and confetti can get in baby's eyes. The best first birthday decorations are a birthday poster and streamers hung high. If the party is a theme party, collect toys and dolls that match the theme and use them throughout the room. These toys will serve as decor and also help unfamiliar aunts and uncles lure baby into visiting.
Party Foods For Babies and Guests
At the time of their first birthday, many babies are still nursing and haven't been exposed to much solid foods. That's OK. Have a few teething biscuits, bananas, avocados or crackers available for baby to munch on. Create a tray of baby-safe foods and label them in case someone wants to feed baby something. Food is an ice-breaker and some people don't know how to approach a baby.
Make sure guests know not to leave their plates where baby can reach. Serve food designed to meet the needs of the adults attending. Traditional party foods are appropriate, whether that's finger foods, hot wings, enchiladas, mini quiches, spinach dip, cheese & crackers, pizza or chips & dip.
Birthday Party Activities and Games
Planning activities for a first birthday can be tricky. Odds of the child remembering this day are slim to none. Without the cognitive abilities to comprehend or play a competitive party game, it's probably best to skip activities and games, unless there are older cousins and siblings who expect traditional party activities.
The most important part of a first birthday is the pictures. Snap casual, candid photos of baby on everyone's lap. Many years from now when baby is grown, family history becomes much more interesting and photos like this can be priceless.
Sending Baby's Thank-You Cards
Be sure to send thank-you cards on baby's behalf. Take a picture of baby enjoying each gift, in the days following the party. Include a personalized note that helps the visitor get to know baby, a story to tell when they show off the picture. Imagine Aunt Marge at her bingo game telling a friend "This is the toy we gave him. He played with it for hours." If mom was able to get a photo of baby on Aunt Marge's lap, include that as well. Always thank them for coming before thanking them for the gift.
Planning baby's first birthday doesn't need to be stressful. Let it be a relaxed day of celebration. Babies tend to feed off of mom's emotions, so if mom plans a hectic day of playing hostess, instead of enjoying the festivities, baby might react negatively. Parents of a one-year-old need to make sure that baby has a safe and relaxing environment and access to the people he finds comforting.
Lisa Russell - Lisa Russell is a freelance writer and mom of six daughters. She blogs about their life at lisarussell.org
