Even though your little one will never remember his first birthday party, it is still an important event that most parents like to have an awesome party for. The thing is that most first birthday parties are the first and last time that a parent may be able to plan the entire party without say from their child, so use this to your advantage and have the type of first birthday party that you want. (Yes, a two year old will voice their opinion on what type of party they want and it will most likely involve Elmo, Barney, Dora, or Handy Manny.)
Here are some first birthday party ideas and tips to keep in mind. Plan the party around your child's nap time. There is nothing worse than trying to get a sleepy and crabby 1-year-old to behave at his own party. Your best bet is to have the party at least an hour or two after usual nap time is over so that he is well-rested and ready to have some fun.
Remember that at only a year old, your child is still a baby and don't expect too much out of them. If you are having a large party, be sure that he is still comfortable with the settings and surroundings. Don't force him to go to people he doesn't want to go. Some kids will take awhile to get used to people before they feel comfortable with them. Your guest will not have hurt feelings as they realize that your child is still a baby and may want to stay with mommy and daddy for awhile.
Choose a theme for the party and go with it. Remember that this may be the last time that you really have a say in what the theme is for the birthday party. There are all sorts of first birthday decorations and accessories or you can stay away from the first birthday theme and go for something else. It could be a children's book theme, a color theme, a location theme, or anything that sparks your creativity. Do remember though that your child's first birthday party should not break the bank and cause you to go into debt. Set a budget and stick with it.
Get a smash cake just for the birthday boy or girl. A smash cake is a smaller cake or cupcake that is just for your little one to smash and eat. This is a popular tradition and a real fun way to get your child more involved in the party. Be sure that you have the camera ready for this.
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Decorate the party with pictures of your little one from the progression of being born to a year old. You can hang some pictures on the wall or find some great frames to put the pictures in so you can have them after the party as well. You can also make a slideshow set to music of your child's first year in the world as well. This can be running in the background during the party or shown while eating birthday cake.
Lastly, be sure that party area is baby proofed and safe for your little one. Even parties at your own house can be trouble for a baby. Be sure that the gates to the steps are closed and locked at all times. Don't let your child play with any balloons if you decide to have them. Be on the lookout for any guests who leave food or drinks around that the baby can easily reach. Try to not have any food that is a choking hazard to your little one. Things such as peanuts, hard candies, and tortilla chips can be saved for when your little one is older.
Planning your baby's first birthday party can be so much fun if you relax and realize that everything is not going to be perfect. In the end your little one is only going to have the pictures that you took as memories and will just thank you for just having a party and loving them.