How to Have a Memorable First Birthday Party

Your baby only has his or her first birthday once. That is why you realize you need to do whatever you can to make it memorable. While it is obvious that your child will not recall anything about this day, it will live in your heart for many years to come. But with at least one small child underfoot, you may find yourself short on time and money. These steps will help you save both while planning for this special day.

Instructions

1. Take many things into consideration when deciding on the day and time to celebrate your baby's birthday. If his or her birthday is on a Wednesday, it might be more feasible to wait until the following Saturday to have the party. Don't forget to account for nap time as well. Baby will be much happier if you schedule around it. Keep the party to an hour or an hour and a half. If the party is too much longer, your baby and other tykes at the party will start to get tired and cranky.

2. Invite the most important people in your and your baby's life. While it might be tempting to have your co-workers, neighbors and everyone else you know come and celebrate, the day will be much more memorable if it is comprised of intimate friends and family members.

3. Ask someone you can depend on to snap lots of pictures during the party.This way you can fully enjoy the party and your baby's reaction to it all while still having lots of photos to look back on. Making a video is a good idea, as well.

4. Bake a special, small cake or cupcake just for the baby. Set this little cake on the baby's highchair tray and stand back. Let baby go at it, grabbing it with his or her hands or diving in face first. This is a great photo opportunity, so make sure the camera is snapping away.

5. Make a scrapbook within a month of the baby's birthday party. Jot down all of your memories about the day and write details on the back of all of the pictures while your memory of the party is still fresh. This will help you remember the day as if it were yesterday.

Tips & Warnings

• Take things in stride. Babies will sometimes get fussy and act cranky and things don't always go just as planned. Be patient and roll with it.

• Babies can get overstimulated by too much commotion. If your baby is acting upset, take him or her to a quieter spot for a while.

Resources

• First Birthday Party Supplies