Baby is celebrating a first milestone year by turning One! It's a celebration of making it through the first year successfully, and it's the start of many happy birthday parties to come!
How Parents May Feel
To a new parent, the success of the party can feel like a reflection of their own parenting skills. It may also feel like an indication of how fun their parties will be in the future.
Thinking this way can lead to a lot of pressure! Although there may be some truth in these thoughts, it may not be as exaggerated as it feels.
One of the first temptations is to throw a unique and extraordinary Huge bash that everyone will remember for years to come.
The Reality of First Birthdays
Baby will NOT remember his/her first birthday.
First birthdays are not the same as a child's birthday.
Success is Possible!
I believe the key to planning a successful first birthday bash starts with understanding that your baby's comfort should be given First priority at All times. Here's why...
Consider Baby!...
1. Umm, baby...please don't fall asleep on your cake, I'm trying to take a picture!
As you already know, your baby is on a nap schedule throughout the day. You will want to have a thorough understanding of baby's nap time patterns so that you can schedule the baby's appearances and photo opportunities at his/her most alert time. Chances are, baby will sleep for a good part of the birthday party.
You have 2 choices:
a). Plan a Short 2 hour party for baby
b). Plan a party where baby will only be available for Scheduled Appearances, not for the whole thing.
2. Baby is on Birthday Strike and is attacking us with his Cake!
All attention will be on baby and everyone will be in the same space at the same time. This will be terrifying to a baby who will have an abundance of stimulation to cope with. All eyes on baby can cause baby to throw a tantrum in utter terror. Babies don't care about what others think. When upset, a baby will let everyone know it!
A great way to keep this problem in control is to keep your birthday party under control. Let your guests know that you don't want to overstimulate the baby and that you don't want them to crowd baby. Guests will want to take selfies with Baby, so a good way to remedy the attack of the cameras is to prepare a group photo opportunity and promise to send it to everyone.
3. Smash away on another day!
Cake Smash photos are all the rage and are a great way to commemorate Baby's First year. It is suggested that you take the Cake Smash photos another day because it takes planning to decorate and get baby's photo just right. Remember, it can stress baby out too! Maybe you can incorporate a smash cake photo as a decoration to baby's first party!
4. Who's Turn Was It to Watch the Baby??
Depending on the size and length of the birthday party, you may have to designate baby sitting watch between helpers whether the baby is asleep or awake.
Plan at Least 2 1/2 Months in Advance! - Some vendors require ordering birthday favors, cakes, special outfits and handmade decorations/invations in advance, so it's good to know exactly what you want ahead of schedule. Otherwise, you'll have to settle for items that you may not feel happy with.
** If the birthday party is more Extravagant, begin your planning at least 6 months in advance (vendors will require more time for larger quantity orders **
The Party Planning Checklist...
By 10 Weeks Before the Party you should have these checked off:
____ Birthday Party Date & Time
____ Birthday Party Location
____ Baby's Party Theme
____ Guest List
____ Research Birthday Games & Activities & Make a Decision
____ Party Favor Ideas
____ Baby Gifts Registry? Yes or No
____ Research your decorations thoroughly & Make a Decision
____ Research Cake Smash Decorations & Make a Decision
____ Make a Decision on Baby's Birthday Outfit
____ Research your Menu throughly & Make a Decision
____ Call All Vendors to find out how much advanced notice they need when you order
By 8 Weeks
____ Purchase ALL Party Supplies (***Some Retailers require advanced notice!***)
By 4 Weeks Before the Party, you should have these checked off:
___ Write a List of Tasks/Scenarios where you would need help in decorating, meals, booth manning & First Aid (if dealing with kids)
___ Find Helpers. The List of Tasks above should help to describe the level of commitment you would need from your helpers.
___ Send/Deliver Invitations
By 3 Weeks Before the Party
___ Order the Birthday Cake (if you're not going to make one)
By 2 Weeks Before the Party
___ Cake Smash Photo
___ Make favor bags (if applicable)
___ Meet with Helpers to discuss Status & Organize ideas
1 Week Before the Party
___ Purchase Food Item Ingredients
___ Meet with Helpers to discuss Status & Organize Ideas
___ Prepare a Diaper Bag for Baby so you can have it within arms reach at the party
1 Day Before
___ Make or Pick up Cake
___ Food Preparation
___ Set Up Gift Tables
___ Set Up Play area for Older Children
___ Set Up Play area for Birthday Baby & other babies of the same age
___ Set Up Decorations
On the Day Of the Birthday Party
___ Arrange Refreshments & Food
___ Get Baby Ready for fun!
I'm curious to know what you think of this list?
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