Celebrating your child’s 1st birthday your way

Where did that first year go? 

A few months before their first trip around the sun, you may begin to think about an appropriate way to mark the occasion of their first birthday. 

Birthdays with a baby can feel a little bit daunting for some. Especially in the days of Insta-parents with lavish soirees, you might feel under pressure to deliver something big or lavish, or you might even want to just take a big nap when the conversation of parties comes up!  

Here are some of our favourite tips for preparing and planning a first birthday: 

Timing 

Parties and similar events can sometimes be a little disruptive to your child’s routine. Because of this, it could be a good idea to consider what your child’s day usually looks like, and plan it around their usual nap times. For instance, if they normally nap in the middle of the day, a late afternoon get-together could work well, and this also gives you time to make final preparations while they sleep.  

Choosing who to invite 

Big parties can be overwhelming for both parents and children. Around this stage it is normal for your child to be most attached to the people who they spend the most time with, such as the people in their household. If you think that having a big guestlist might make you and your child feel out of your depth, keep the invite list small – you could even just have a party with whoever lives at home if you would prefer! 

Keep it comfortable 

Following on from the last point, make sure that you are comfortable with what you are planning. If having to make piles of sandwiches for a truckload of guests isn’t your thing, then don’t do it! You might feel pressure from extended family or friends to invite everybody you know, but if that idea fills you with dread – don’t! Sometimes, all you want is for those closest to you to sing happy birthday and watch your little child blow out their cake candles, and that is valid.  

Party food 

Finger foods such as sandwiches, crisps and dips are fun, easy for children to enjoy and usually go down well. If you aren’t a fan of standing around the kitchen, chopping and peeling, ordering a few takeaway pizzas is a good way to take the pressure off, just be sure to check any guests' dietary requirements in advance. 

Don’t be afraid to do things differently 

Does planning something lavish feel overwhelming? Then don’t do it. Feel empowered to celebrate their first birthday in any way that feels right for you and your family, that could mean just both visiting the local park with a picnic, asking grandparents to meet you at the zoo, or having some family photos taken in your home! You might even wish for you and maybe a partner to simply celebrate with a nice meal for surviving your first year. You do whatever feels right. You have many years ahead of you where your child will have clear ideas of how they wish to celebrate, so keep it simple and do something that makes you all happy.