Entertaining at Home: Your Child’s First Birthday Party

By Michele Blandino

Besides the actual birth of your baby, there probably isn’t a more anticipated event that will take place during the first year of life than the 1st birthday party. In many ways, it’s a right of passage from babyhood to the toddler years, and most parents want to make sure this transition is properly commemorated.

While there is certainly nothing wrong with wanting to mark with occasion with a party, keep in mind that although your child has grown both physically and emotionally during the last year, he or she is still, in many ways a baby who, in all honesty, won’t have any idea what the fuss is all about. To help minimize the risk of a mid-party meltdown, here are a few guidelines to help you plan the big day.

Limit the Guests

As tempting as it may be to have a big bash to commemorate the day, it’s best to keep the guest list to close friends and family. With all the extra activity of the party, this is probably not the time to introduce your baby to unfamiliar people.  Remember, this is the age when stranger anxiety may be in high gear, so it’s best to limit the party-goers to those people with whom your child is most familiar.

Keep it Simple

Think about it, your baby’s attention span is very, very short. Too much activity – clowns, cartoon characters, loud music, games – can cause sensory overload. While there is nothing wrong with picking a theme, planning extra activities is probably not a good idea. Instead, leave some of your baby’s favorite toys in plain view; this will help keep your child occupied while providing a sense of security and familiarity.

Timing is everything

Try to time the guests’ arrival for shortly after the end of your baby’s naptime. A well-rested baby will fare much better than one whose regular naptime is in the middle of the celebration. If your baby does show signs of tiredness, don’t hesitate to put him or her down for a nap even if the party is in full swing. Your guests will understand.

A Few Final Words

Don’t forget to record the event for your child to enjoy when they’re older; remember, he or she won’t have any recollection of the actual event, but with the help of video and photographs, it will nonetheless be possible to relive that magical day.