Baby First Birthday Party
From LoveToKnow Baby
Your baby's first year has probably flown by a lot quicker than you can believe. It seems like only yesterday that he was born, and you held his small, helpless body in your arms. Now, he's an active toddler, exploring the world around him. Of course, he never strays too far from you, but he is reveling in each new skill that he learns. Celebrating his first year is a rite of passage, and you'll want to plan the best birthday party for him.
Choosing a Place
One important detail that you will need to decide on as soon as possible is where to hold the party. Unless you are planning on hosting the party at home, you may need to make reservations several months in advance.
Party at Home
Many parents choose to celebrate their baby's first birthday at home, and while it might involve a little more work, it really is a great choice. Home is the place that your child feels most comfortable, and a party with guests, toys, and noise can be somewhat overwhelming for a one year old. Your child may feel the most secure in familiar surroundings, so don't disregard your house as the perfect party place!
Alternative Places
You don't have to have the party at home, though, especially if you feel that your place is too small to accomodate all of the guests you'll invite. Depending on the size of the party you are planning, you actually have several options. If you know that the weather is going to cooperate (and this is a big "if"), then you could hold the party at a local park. Be sure you have an alternative plan, though, in case the weather doesn't cooperate with your plans.
Some local restaurants and franchises often cater to children's parties. They may even provide party favors and desserts for the guests. However, you may need to book these quite a bit in advance to get the date you'd like to host the party on. Recreation centers and banquet halls typically have rooms which they rent for occasions such as these.
Time of Day
Another important detail that you need to consider is the time of day you will hold the party. Your one year old probably takes two naps a day, and you'll need to consider this when planning for the big day. It would be wise not to have your child skip one of his naps, if possible. Instead, try to make the party fit into that window between his morning and afternoon nap or not long after his afternoon nap. If you do need to skip a nap, decide which one would least affect your child's temperament. If he isn't having fun because he is overly tired, how can your party be a success?
Food
Obviously, there will probably be plenty of cake and ice cream. That's why it is a good idea to feed your baby a healthy snack or a nutritious lunch or dinner before he dives into that birthday cake.
Guests
A baby's first birthday is a special event that many people want to celebrate. If you have a large family, it may be hard to limit your guests. Keep in mind, though, that your baby may become overwhelmed and want to cling to you simply because there is a house or room full of people all around him. Be sure you give him lots of assurance, and hold him as much as he wants. If you can, try to limit the number of guests by explaining to others that your child gets upset in large crowds. After all, this is his party, and he should be able to enjoy it!
Ask for Help
Finally, take some time to enjoy the party with your child. If you are doing all the work, how can you enjoy your baby's first birthday? Don't be afraid to ask for help. Let others run the video camera, take pictures, and hand out refreshments. Before you know it, you'll be celebrating birthday number two!
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