Baby’s 1st Birthday Party - More Fun for Adults than Baby
Let’s be honest, birthday parties for one-year-olds are more for the adults than they are for the baby. It’s okay, you can admit it, most of us are guilty of going overboard on baby’s first birthday. We spend too much on presents, we buy entirely too many birthday party decorations and there’s usually way too much food, most of it completely unappealing to baby.
But baby’s first birthday party gives the adults the opportunity to ooh and aah over baby as well as the chance to socialize with each other. If you’re planning your baby’s first birthday, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make the party a roaring success.
Firstly, keep it simple. From the guest list to the food and decorations, make things easier on yourself by keeping all the party details simple. I promise your baby won’t notice. Experts suggest limiting the guests to a handful of special friends and family. If there will be other toddlers, it’s recommended to limit the number to no more than 5, preferably only 2 or 3.
Secondly, keep it short. An hour to an hour and a half is about the most you can expect a one year old to endure without getting cranky or suffering from overstimulation. It’s also a good idea to plan the party around baby’s naptimes. Schedule the guests to arrive shortly after baby is due to wake up. Late mornings or late afternoons have proven to be good times.
If you have older children at the party, a piñata is a great way to include them in the celebration. Most party supply stores will carry a variety to choose from. You can opt for the traditional piñata that’s played outside with the children blindfolded and taking turns hitting it to break it open and spill the candy treats.
If it’s younger children that will be attending, there’s a pull piñata that requires no blindfold or hitting. Numerous ribbons are attached to the bottom of the piñata and the children take turns pulling each one until someone finds the lucky ribbon that releases the treats inside.
While you’re gathering your baby’s first birthday party supplies, you can also look for party favors for your guests. These are given as an expression of your appreciation for their attendance and for sharing a special time with you. They needn’t be expensive, but traditionally are in keeping with the theme of the party.
Before the party, make sure the area you’re having it in is safe for children. If it’s your home, it’s probably already baby proof, but double check to be sure every hazard is covered. Use safety gates as needed and dispose of wrapping paper and ribbon that could wind up in a curious child’s mouth.
Look over your baby’s 1st birthday party supplies and make sure as you decorate that none will be within reach of tiny hands. Keep in mind that loud noises made from bursting balloons can frighten small children, so try to be sure they’re kept away from lights or sharp objects that could cause them to burst without warning.
To keep baby’s first birthday party as safe as possible, consider these safety tips:
- Some party foods are not considered safe for babies or children less than 4 years of age as they may pose a possible choking hazard. Avoid foods such as hard candy, hot dogs, popcorn, grapes, celery, carrots, marshmallows and dried fruits, to name a few.
- Don’t forget to remove candles from the cake before your baby (or any other child) gets anywhere close to it. Babies are fascinated by the flame and may try to grasp at it if it’s within reach.
- Another word about balloons; if one should burst, use extreme care to make sure all the pieces are picked up. Also take care to be sure all unused balloons are put away. One of these in the mouth of a baby or toddler can end up in fatal consequences.
- If other children will be attending, check with parents about any food allergies.
- Watch out for gifts containing small toys or parts. If they can fit through a toilet paper roll, they present a potential hazard and should be put away until your baby is older.
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