Foods for a One Year Old's Party

Kids Just Wanna Have Fun

Having a first birthday is a big deal--for the family. In truth, most 1-year olds have no concept of a birthday. The goal is to introduce the idea of celebration to your child and entertain family and friends. With this age group, you want foods that are tasty, fun and, above all, safe. Following are a few foods that will please the entire crowd and be safe for your little ones.

Cake and Ice Cream

For sanity's sake, a dessert party is your best bet. Serve premium ice cream for the adults and ice cream cups for the under-5 set. Small cupcakes, stacked attractively, are just the right size for little hands, and adults love them, too. Serve juice boxes or small bottles of water for the kids and coffee or tea for the adults.

Finger Foods

For kid-friendly party foods, try string cheese, peanut butter-and-jelly sandwiches cut into circles or triangles, hazelnut-and-chocolate spread smeared on thinly sliced apples and pears or graham crackers spread with whipped cream cheese.

Keep It Safe

The primary concern when feeding small children at a party is choking prevention. Have a rule that kids sit while they eat, and at least one adult should supervise them at the table. Avoid such foods as grapes, popcorn, hot dogs and nuts, which can be inhaled when little ones are laughing and eating.

References

• Parenting.com
• Family Fun.com
• RachaelRayKids.com

Resources

• What To Expect, The Toddler Years, Arlene Eisenberg, Heidi Murkoff and Sandee Hathaway; 1994, p. 300.