While your baby’s first birthday party is clearly a day to honour your baby’s milestone first year, many parents also claim that it’s a celebration of making it through that difficult first year with their sanity still relatively intact. Baby may not quite understand birthdays yet, but with a few great ideas, a first birthday party can be memorable for everyone.
Perhaps the most important thing to remember is that at this age, baby can’t sustain energy or attention for more than about 90 minutes. You know your baby’s routine and the time that they’re most responsive to visitors, so try to slot the party into that time. It’s usually later on in the morning, or later in the afternoon, just after they’ve had a quick nap to pep up their energy levels.
With such a lot going on, try to keep guest numbers down to stop baby being overwhelmed. There’s nothing to stop you having a family party one day, and friends on another. Just make sure you don’t get the dates muddled up on your invitations! If you’re looking for quality children's numbered party invitations which you can personalise we have a great range to choose from.
Puttyprint let you choose your design, customise the text and can even get your invitations delivered to you on the next business day if baby has kept you busy during the run up to the big day.
Remember that this is a day you’ll want to remember, so try to share parenting duties with your partner, or a family member who can be trusted with your baby while you take a few photos or say hello to the guests. If you can arrange it in advance, it will be one less thing to worry about on the day and give you chance to explain why you want their help.
Babies don’t need you to spend a fortune on decorating or hiring a venue. A few shiny helium balloons will catch their eye, and they’re far more comfortable in their own environment anyway. Save your money and energy for the years when your child will want you to hire the village hall or rent a bouncy castle or entertainer.
Whatever happens, it’s an afternoon where everyone will be celebrating your little one, and the atmosphere will be full of love. In a few years, baby will be all grown up, and you’ll be worrying about organising parties which involve DJs, discos and crazy sporting activities, so enjoy this lovely low-key time while you can.