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First Birthday Party

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This excellent first birthday party advice has been provided by Blooming Marvellous - please contribute your experience using the form below.

Throwing a birthday party for your baby doesn't have to be a headache. You'll want to reflect and marvel at how your baby is growing up - not to rush around doing the washing up or preparing complicated party food. Here we show you how to keep things simple for a fun, festive birthday that you and your little one will enjoy!

baby's first birthday party: "The Big One"

Hard to believe it's been a year! And so much has changed. Your enchanting and mystifying infant is now sitting, crawling, maybe even walking - and full of personality. Your baby is turning one. This is the most momentous birthday ever, short of 100!

First Birthdays are very, very special because they only happen once in your baby's life. But don't forget that the first birthday party will probably be more special to you than to your baby. It won't matter to your little one whether you throw a catered party for the whole neighbourhood or just invite close family over for a barbeque. The trick is to create a wonderful event that is memorable for you!

Don't forget you will have your hands full entertaining guests while trying to monitor your cruising birthday babe! It might be a good idea to arrange for help from a reliable friend or family member who can help care for your baby while you play hostess.

when to have the party

Keep the party short. One to two hours is about the most a 12-month-old can handle without getting over-stimulated and cranky. Make sure you schedule the party around nap times of your baby and any baby guests! Late morning parties allows for an early morning nap, while late afternoon parties allow for an early afternoon nap. Bear in mind that weekend parties usually work better for parents and other adults.

who to invite

Realistically, most first birthday parties are for the grown-ups in your child's life - so your best bet is to invite only close friends and family. Keep it to a manageable number of guests for you and your chosen party location, as the commotion of too many children and adults can cause crankiness.

Most babies this age are going through a combination of stranger and separation anxiety, so a guest list of anything more than 10 might be overwhelming to your little guest of honour. Parents of other babies should be included in the guest count so they can assist their children and you if necessary.

food

Although it is not necessary to provide a full meal, simple festive finger foods are always welcome at any party. Make sure to check with ALL parents regarding any food allergies. A simple party food solution is to make or buy a colourful birthday cake. Your baby will love looking at the cake as much as eating it! Be sure to have extra bibs, napkins, and wet wipes on hand to clean up little hands and faces.

baby proofing

As with any occasion, make sure you baby-proof the party space. Toys and party favours should be at least the size of an adult fist. Birthday balloons need to be tied up away from the babies, and any popped balloons must be quickly removed from the floor to prevent choking. If you must use balloons, it's best to buy helium ones and make sure to dispose of them carefully after the party. It's also a good idea to ensure the venue is smoke-free.

gifts

You'll want to commemorate your baby's first year with the perfect birthday gift. Birthday presents should be fun and amusing for the baby, but also safe and age appropriate.

Above all, remember to be flexible. All parents know that children and their behaviours are not predictable. Unscheduled rests, tears, accidents etc are to be expected at any children's birthday party. Just relax, go with the flow and enjoy celebrating the birth of your baby!

About the author:- This article is written and published by Blooming Marvellous. Please feel free to syndicate the content, but if you do this footer note must be included (unchanged) with all the links present and active. Blooming Marvellous publish articles like this on a monthly basis in our email newsletter called Baby Matters which you can sign up for here.

Blooming Marvellous provide maternity wear, baby clothes and nursery equipment.

Top Tip: Do not forget to prepare your camera for the event. Here are some great photography tips.