Tips on Organizing Your Baby’s First Birthday

Chiomah Momah

A milestone event every new parent looks forward to planning is their baby’s 1st birthday party. However, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and flustered in the process. Whatever your budget is, here are a few tips to draw inspiration from.

1. Set a budget and stick to it
Quite a number of parents from this part of the world tend to go overboard with their baby’s first birthday, so overboard that it ends up looking like a wedding reception. Be true to yourself and your pocket by setting a budget and sticking to it. Always remember there’s a life after the party!

2. Be organized
Make use of a spreadsheet to detail each necessary individual tasks or items. Detailing your tasks or needs will help serve as a guide and reminder.

3. Guest List
Keep it within your budget. Your baby’s party can be as big or small as you want it to be. Even if you have a lot to spend, you may decide to just invite a few people and give them an extra quality fun time.

4. It’s a house party!
This is especially easier to deal with when your budget is low. It can be a small living room party with just close friends or you could take it to your front or back yard.

5. Nap time
During the course of the party, your toddler will most likely observe a siesta. So, take this into consideration when planning to make sure to create time for your baby to rest. The last thing you want is a cranky celebrant!

SEE ALSO: Photos From 2face & Annie Idibia’s Daughter’s Birthday Party

6. Be age appropriate!
Activities should accommodate each age group that will be at the party. Kids of the same age with celebrants should be grouped and entertained with age relevant activities while interactive games involving an MC are better for older children. If bouncy castles are to be used, make one available for the smaller kids and a separate one for the older kids. This is to ensure that the older ones don’t trample on the toddlers.

7. Theme
Choose a theme and decorate using the colours of your theme. Bright and colourful decor will most likely excite the celebrant and their children guests. Decorate with colourful balloons as children love to play with balloons. Make sure the balloons are secured properly.

8. Make Memories
No matter how small your little one’s party is, make the memory last by making a video and taking plenty of pictures. Invest in a good photographer and cameraman as you may be too busy to capture all the beautiful moments of the day. If you can’t afford a professional, then, delegate this task to a friend or relative who knows how to use a camera well. Your child will not remember anything about the party but will definitely get so much joy from watching the video and looking at the pictures with friends and family for years to come!

9. Cake, Food & Party Favours
Birthday cake should be in theme colour. Make party foods appropriate for children and to include purees, puddings. Have a kiddie menu that offers french fries, crepes, pizza, hotdogs for the older toddlers. Don’t forget to prepare party favours made up of little gifts and treats to be handed out to kids at the end of the party.

10. Careful with Themes!
Even if you’re having a themed party, be careful with the life sized characters/mascots. Younger children, especially, are scared when they look nothing like the real cartoon character. Also, do not incorporate multiple themes in one party.