Seven Simple Tips for Baby's First Birthday
Your baby's first birthday is a big milestone, but it's one that can trip up new parents. You want to plan a party that will do justice to the occasion, but you don't want it to result in more tears than smiles for your baby -- or for you. Planning a successful first birthday can be a little tricky, and there are some things you should keep in mind. Does this Spark an idea?
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Prune the Guest List
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While it might be tempting to share the event with the world, be conservative with your guest list. It's hard to focus on your child when playing hostess and catering to the needs of 50 adult guests. Your baby will have a much more relaxed birthday around a few loved ones, especially if he is shy or gets overstimulated by crowds.
Set a Realistic Budget
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Determine your budget and stick to it. It's easy to let spending get out of control in your excitement, but because your baby won't even remember the event there is no need to go overboard. Make a budget plan and work within it. Your child will never miss that 6-foot-tall inflatable Elmo or the live pony if you have to cut them.
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Time It Right
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Keep your party brief -- about 90 minutes to two hours -- so you don't exhaust your baby. Tired babies get cranky, and you want your darling to enjoy the festivities, not throw tantrums. Plan the party around nap time so your baby won't lose any sleep over it. You'll want her to feel fresh and rested.
Follow Your Child's Tastes
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Make the party a wonderland for your child by catering to his tastes. Choose a theme and decorate with his favorite colors and characters. If he loves balloons or bubbles, make them available. If he has a favorite food or beverage, make it available also.
Make a Safety Zone
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Whether your baby is the only baby at the party, or there will be others, close off a secure area where children can play safely. With a lot of people milling about, food and drinks out in the open, it's not safe to let little ones roam freely. Find or create a dead end out of the way, where you can put out a soft mat for crawling and toddling, and toys for keeping little hands occupied.
Make a Baby-Friendly Menu
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Popcorn, candy and other common party fare can be a choking hazard for babies. Even if you don't plan to give any to your baby or other infant guests, things can be dropped on the floor or grabbed from the table without notice. Play it safe and offer foods little ones can enjoy, such as cut-up fruit, crackers and chicken nuggets. Keep milk and an assortment of juice available for your baby and other young guests.
Plan Activities
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Even babies want to have fun. This is a special day, so don't leave them to their own devices and hope they have fun. Make a plan for age-appropriate activities. This might include a soft bean bag toss game, a crawl-through obstacle course or child-friendly music that gets them dancing.
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References
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