The first birthday party is undoubtedly more special to you than to your baby. In fact, your 12-month-old will probably view the celebration as an unnecessary interruption of playtime. So the key to creating a wonderful event is to make it memorable – for you!

Everything – from food to decorations – should be kept as simple as possible. Your job is to take footage and marvel at how your baby’s becoming a toddler – not to be running around the kitchen washing dishes or adding oregano to homemade soup.

While keeping things simple for this first birthday, don’t forget to limit the number of guests. Most babies this age are experiencing a double whammy of stranger and separation anxiety. A guest list of 10 may be overwhelming to your guest of honour. Your best bet is to invite only close friends and family.
To theme or not to theme?

Themes are often a great way to structure a birthday party. However, although themes can help you plan decorations, invitations and food, any activities or games should be kept to a minimum.

A one-year-old simply doesn’t have the attention span or skills needed to participate in the fun. Don’t forget you will have your hands full entertaining guests while trying to monitor your cruising birthday babe!

Your baby is turning one. This is the most momentous birthday ever, short of 100. But beware: parents often make the mistake of taking a great theme like Winnie the Pooh, and turning it into Pooh Bear birthday overload.

Keep the celebration short – many babies simply can’t handle the sensory overload. Limit your party to two hours or risk birthday-baby meltdown.

Go ahead and plaster Baby Roo on the walls, serve treats on Eeyore plates, and Pigletize your birthday cake. Then sit back and let the party take its course. This is the one event that is more for you than for your child. If you run around organising events, you’ll miss the party.
Invitations

Make your invitations a creative hit. Decorate them with quotes, graphics or stickers, relating to your chosen theme.

Use clip art: Find images of (for example) Winnie the Pooh, Teletubbies or Thomas the Tank Engine within a clip art program and print them out on your invitations. Think visually: After printing out invitations, cut them into a fun shape – like Pooh, Dipsy or Thomas – around the border. Make it easy: Many shops stock pre-printed themed birthday invitations. Review the books: Spice up your invitations by using several quotes from children’s books.
Activities and games

Incorporating one activity into the party is fine, but don’t go overboard. Expecting a one-year-old to appreciate several structured activities is a set-up for failure.

In fact, most one year olds find more enjoyment in ruining planned events than in taking part in them.

Party bag fillers can include colouring books and crayons or pocket-money toys. Stickers and stamps also make great party bag fillers.
Gifts

See Exacty How Long to Go Until Your Precious Joy Enters the World. Makes a Wonderful Gift For Any Mother & Family. An ideal baby shower gift too.

Simply set the timer with baby’s due date and watch it countdown to the happy day.