What To Consider When Throwing Baby’s First Birthday Party

The time has finally arrived. One year ago, you welcomed home your new bundle of joy, and now it’s time to celebrate your baby’s first birthday.

A first birthday party is as much of a celebration for you as it is for your little one. Many parents want to plan a big bash to mark the occasion, but planning a baby birthday party is a little different than planning a blowout for an adult.

Here are a few first birthday party ideas to get you started:

Time it right

The ideal time of day to host a baby’s birthday party is 10:00 a.m., The Kitchn proclaims.

It’s not too early and not too late. The only food you’ll need to serve are late-morning snacks, and the party will be over before naptime.

Don’t try to draw the party out beyond two hours, Parents magazine suggested. Any longer and you risk your young guests getting cranky.

Pick a theme

There are countless first birthday party themes to base your party on.

Choose a classic children’s book to base your decorations off of, like “Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter, Kara’s Party Ideas suggested. Include vines and other greenery for decorations. Set tables with white vases of delicate flowers like baby’s breath or lavender. Send guests home with a growing seedling.

Or, consider basing your party theme off in-season produce. That way, you can get the food, snacks and decorations you need from the farmer’s market. Kara’s Party Ideas showed how an “apple of our eye” birthday party can come together. Decorate your tables with the apples, serve caramel covered apples for dessert, and have a supply of delicious apple juice on hand.

Stock up on supplies

You’ll need a few basic first birthday party supplies like party favors, plates and utensils and decorations.

Party favors don’t need to be anything big. Choose a cute paper bag or box and include a small toy that matches the theme. Throw in a few snacks, too.

Paper plates and plasticware are usually go-tos for children’s birthday parties. There’s no risk of breakage, they’re a breeze to clean up and it’s usually easy to find them in the same colors as your theme. Eco-conscious parents can seek out biodegradable items or things made from recycled materials.

Some people love to decorate; others don’t want to deal with the mess. One thing to know about a baby’s first birthday party: It’s OK to not decorate if you don’t want to. It’s also OK to go all out.

If you’re leaning toward a minimalist approach, opt for Mylar helium filled balloons; Parents magazine pointed out that babies are less likely to try chewing on these than the simple latex ones you blow up yourself.

If you’re more inclined to put your interior decorating skills to the test, choose tablecloths and centerpieces that match your theme. Place a few photos of your little one on the dessert and gift tables, and make sure your cake is on-theme too.

Your child’s first birthday is a milestone you’ll always remember, but it’s not something your baby will recall. Feel free to plan as much or as little as you like.