Baby's first birthday: 8 tips for the party

Time flies so fast – it's already been a year since baby arrived, and that calls for a celebration! But how do you end this first year in style? How do you organise their first birthday? Here are eight little tips for a magical moment with family and friends!

Tip no. 1: remember to send your invitations early!

Try to draw up your guest list fairly early so you can invite everyone to the birthday party – two to three weeks beforehand, for example, if you want everyone to be there. It would be a shame if Grandma or Grandad couldn't make it to their grandchild's first birthday!

Tip no. 2: keep it small!

At just one year old, your little one is still too young to really understand and enjoy their birthday. You will be shaking up their routine a little, so it's best to invite only people they see regularly, for a gentle, intimate get-together.

Tip no. 3: get the timing right!

Choose a start time for baby's birthday party when you know they will be in a good mood and well rested! For example, you could plan it for after their nap. Avoid late afternoons, for instance, when they are more likely to be grumpy…

Tip no. 4: create a festive, colourful atmosphere!

How do you make your baby's eyes light up on their birthday? By creating a festive world for them with colourful garlands, pretty balloons or glitter everywhere! You could even base your decorations around baby's favourite theme or world. And there you are, all set to throw a fantastic jungle birthday party!

Tip no. 5: wow baby and your guests with an amazing birthday cake!

Above all, focus on how the cake looks! You'll catch baby's attention by making a cake with a special shape or decoration. The taste is more for your guests (and you) to enjoy – baby isn't very interested in that yet.

Tip no. 6: try to entertain baby with little activities or dressing up!

The trickiest part of organising a first birthday is keeping your little one interested so they have a good time, even if they aren't yet aware of everything. Adapt the birthday party as much as possible to their age and what they love. You know they adore dressing up? Ask their uncle to bring his finest hat! Laughter guaranteed!

Tip no. 7: remember to capture the moment with as many photos as possible!

Baby is growing up at lightning speed, and their first birthday is the perfect opportunity to capture the moment and keep lovely memories they can look back on as they grow up. So get your phones out! And why not use a Polaroid so that each guest leaves with their own photo with the star of the day!

Tip no. 8: thank your guests!

For you, this event marks the end of your first year with your little one and will be an unforgettable moment surrounded by your loved ones. You'll want to thank them for sharing it with you, with a little message and a photo of baby, for example.

Who said organising baby's first birthday was a headache? Even if baby isn't aware of everything, it's a very symbolic moment! And they'll be happy to spend a lovely time with their loved ones and to look at all the photos a few years later! So a pretty cake, great decorations and cheerful guests, and you're all set! The star of the day will be delighted!

Dylan
Proud dad of three little ones and founder of Premiers Moments. Together with the whole team, I share our parenting tips here to support you, from pregnancy through your child's first years.