Baby’s First Birthday Party

As a new mom, I had no idea how important a first-year birthday party was until I almost didn’t plan one for my daughter Natalie. I did think about it though, but couldn’t imagine who I’d invite? Natalie didn’t have many friends yet. What activities would we do? She just started walking four days before she turned one…a bit hard to play musical chairs. And because she put EVERYTHING in her mouth, party favors were completely out of the question. What was I to do? Nothing, I thought, why bother? It wasn’t until my mother, mother-in-law, and sisters-in-law all told me that first-year birthday parties aren’t for the baby but for the FAMILY, that I thought, “Oh, I can do that!” 

First Baby Party Tips

I’ve come a long way since those early days, and learned a few tips worth sharing when it comes to celebrating your one-year-old. If this is your first baby, Tip 1: Know that the cake is the thing! The family really just wants to see your baby enjoying his or her first cake experience. So even if you’re health conscience like me, and not a big fan of sweets, you gotta let ‘em eat cake! Giving them their own personal mini cake or giant cupcake for them to devour is a fun idea. Tip 2: Consider a bib, t-shirt, or hat that identifies the occasion in photos. Tip 3: When picking out a birthday party outfit, pick out two. Natalie was so covered in chocolate after her first cake experience, she not only needed clean clothes she needed a bath too! She was truly the picture-perfect poster child for the “Got Milk?” campaign.
 

Second Baby Party Tips

If you are planning a first-year party and you already have children or inviting family who does, as was the case when my second daughter turned one, here are a few tips to consider. Tip 1: Provide a craft project for the older kids to do during the party, (preferably one that ties into your theme, of course). Tip 2: Give out Goody Bags DURING the party filled with fun things for the kids to do because they really don’t care much about watching a baby eat cake. Tip 3: When it’s time to open presents, give your older child a small gift to open as well, especially if your siblings are one to three years apart. This will make them feel included and not want to open all of their brother or sister’s gifts! 

These tips are not included in this month’s episode of “Shelby’s Secrets” where I walk you through the process of putting together a Milestone Birthday Party, which just happens to be – surprise – a little girl’s first birthday. Keep these tips in mind though, as you watch the video clips, and consider them golden nuggets—a gift from me to you.