Countdown to Baby’s First Birthday

Congratulations! You and Baby navigated through your first year together. Whether his first birthday party is a big bash or a small backyard affair, use these tips to get organized and have the most fun.

Party Planning Basics

Here are some tips to help make a successful celebration for Baby—and you:

• Try to keep the number of guests to a manageable level. The more bodies and voices, the more stress for you and Baby.
• If weather permits, host the party outside. Babies love being outside without four walls to constrain them.
• Try to resist opening gifts in front of the other children. Babies and toddlers have no impulse control, and these young guests have not yet developed the etiquette to just "oooh" and "aaah" from their seats. If they see a present that they must handle, there will be an altercation.
• If you decide to hire a clown, musician, or some sort of entertainment, respect Baby's reaction. If he is scared, don't expect him to overcome this fear just because it's his party. Hold and talk to him about the performer and keep him at a safe distance.
• Give him a taste of his cake. Even moms and dads who are against feeding a baby sweets can let down their guard for this occasion. He's going to taste sugar at some point; why not let his first birthday mark this event? Some bakeries make very small cupcakes, which are easy for small hands to hold.
• Keep him to his nap schedule. Try to plan the party so that he can have his nap at the usual time. While this may be impossible, it's a good way to avoid the tears that so often crash babies' parties.
• You need to have a good time too. As we mentioned, this is also a celebration for you. Spending the whole time doing food prep or cleaning is not our idea of a party. Plan easy food (maybe even splurge and order prepared food) so you can enjoy yourself with your family and your 1-year-old!
• Take photos or video to record this day. This is a keeper for the memory books.