Tips on Planning the Perfect 1st Birthday Party

1. Time to Party!
You've been waiting all year for this moment and want your baby to be at his or her best. Make sure to schedule the party when your child is ready to party.

• Time the event around the baby's naptime or when he or she is most alert.
• Start festivities about a half hour after your baby usually wakes up from a nap.
• Wind it all up a half hour before your baby usually dozes off.
• Try to steer clear of scheduling the party during one of your baby's mealtimes.  

2. Big Bash or Baby's BFs?
Many parents keep the guest list small and intimate for their child's first birthday party. It all depends on the personality of your baby.

• If your baby is a social butterfly, than a big bash could be a great way to celebrate.
• For baby's who cling to mom, dad, and caregivers, limit the guest list to the baby's favorites or those with whom he or she is most familiar. 
• Consider where your baby typically has the best time.  If your baby loves the park, check out your options for hosting the party there. Most parents opt for a home party if space allows for it.   

3. Pick a Theme
Choosing a theme makes party planning easier from the invitations to the decor. Fortunately, there are many great all-in-one first birthday party packs available taking the guesswork out of what to buy for the event.

If your baby lights up at the sight of a puppy, go with a doggie theme party. Does your baby snuggle with their teddy bear every night? Then a teddy bear party would be perfect.

Check out these popular first birthday themes complete with party packs: 

• Farm Animals
• Sesame Street
• Teddy Bear
• Winnie the Pooh
• 1st Birthday Boy or Girl

4. Let Baby Be Baby
Obviously, the most important person at this event is the guest of honor. Keep expectations reasonable for a stress-free party.

• Don't expect the baby to wear the party hat or anything else that is new and doesn't feel quite right.
• Let events happen naturally without forcing a situation. Even if a relative has dreamed of replicating the first birthday photo of you as a baby in your high chair, it doesn't mean that your baby will go for it.
• If your baby is fussy, so be it. Of course, you'll try and comfort your baby or maybe go into another room for some "quiet time." Do what you need to do and hope that your guests understand.

5. Don't Rock the Cradle
For best party success, stick with what is relatively familiar to your child. Sure, you'll hang decorations and have cake, but there will be so much excitement in the air that you don't want the baby to get overwhelmed.

• Many babies are afraid of adult-size characters, so save the special appearance by Elmo for an older birthday.
• When choosing your baby's first birthday cake, think about your personal "food rules." Some parents hold off on feeding their child chocolate, peanut butter, or foods with known allergens until the child is two years old. Carrot or applesauce cake is a great way to go.
• Some babies are completely predictable, while other babies change their behavior by the minute. If your baby starts to get tired, serve the cake and take the photos before its too late. 

First Birthday Party Timeline
A 2-hour party is ideal for most kids' birthday parties, but it's your baby's call. Let your baby set the pace with this timeline as a loose reference.

  :00 - Guests arrive and the baby eases into the party.

1:00 - Begin scheduled entertainment or an activity. This could be a baby-friendly acoustic guitar player or activities similar to those in a "mommy and me" class.

1:30 - Serve the cake.

2:00 - Guests leave.