By 
Although your child may not remember anything about his or her first birthday party, it doesn’t mean you should throw a simple, sit-down dinner party to celebrate this occasion.
Your child’s first birthday should still be a celebration of 12 months of milestones. As such, you, your baby, and the other people who love him or her deserve a wonderful party – one which everyone will enjoy, love and remember.
If you are throwing your baby’s first birthday party in Dubai soon, below are some useful tips that will help you host an amazing event:
1. Create a guest list
Your baby’s guest list shouldn’t be made up mainly of other kids near or his or her age although because this is still a children’s party, you have to invite a number of children.
When creating your list, place your closest family and friends at the top. They were the ones who were with you during your first year of child-rearing. They will be the ones who will be with you throughout the next stages as well.
Additionally, don’t forget to consider the venue when making your guest list. If your home is large and has an outdoor space where your guests can stay, you can invite as many as you can. But if you have a small living room and don’t have a lawn, you will need to limit the guest count to avoid overcrowding.
2. Select the right time for the party
One-year-old babies are used to taking a nap in the afternoon. To avoid having a sleepy and cranky baby during the party, schedule the party at the usual time your child wakes up in the afternoon. You can even throw the party early in the evening.
In case you will be inviting other babies or toddlers, check out their nap times with their parents as well. Keep in mind that if one young child starts to cry, others will follow suit within a few minutes.
3. Throw the party in your home
Although there is nothing wrong with hiring a party venue or celebrating the event at a restaurant, your baby will feel more comfortable and secure in your home.
As such, even if you have the budget to rent a venue, use the money for the other elements of the party. Get more decorations such as colorful balloons and streamers which your child and the other kids will love looking at. With the extra money, you can also consider getting a caterer for the party and buy great gifts for your baby.
4. Pick a theme
If you want to have a theme for your baby’s birthday party, choose one that has a special meaning for you and your child.
This means building a theme around your child’s favorite toy, book or cartoon character. For instance, if your son loves a T-Rex stuffed toy, throw a dinosaur-themed birthday party. If your baby’s nursery is decorated with animals, you can carry this theme over to the birthday party as well.
5. Prepare a menu that is both children- and adult-friendly
Children’s birthday parties always have a mix of kids and adults, and even a few teenagers as guests. As such, when planning the menu, make sure you have an assortment of foods that all your guests will enjoy.
Finger foods are excellent choices for guests of any age. Babies, older kids, and adults can eat them without being interrupted while they are playing or interacting with other guests.
Examples of appetizing and safe finger foods you can serve are:
- Breadsticks
- Cheese and fruit trays
- Veggies and/or pretzels with dips
- Small sandwiches with various spreads
Lastly, a birthday party won’t be complete without a cake. You can buy one from a bakery or bake one yourself. You can also consider getting cupcakes so that your guests can eat them without the need to use extra utensils.
6. Choose baby-friendly entertainment
Lastly, ensure your baby is comfy and happy throughout the party.
This means doing away with loud music and ear-splitting bangs from party poppers which may only frighten your baby and the other small kids. It is best to play some nursery rhymes in the background if you want to liven up the party. If your baby is infant then best jogging stoller is a good option for his safety.
If you are expecting some older kids, plan a few party games or prepare some arts and crafts items to keep them preoccupied. A simple yet effective strategy is to print out some coloring pages and place crayons at the designated kids’ table to help keep the younger guests busy.
Prepare a few games that your child will appreciate as well. Let your baby play peek-a-boo games or finding toys in a box with the other babies as you and other adults supervise them.
A birthday party is the best way to celebrate your baby’s first milestones.
It is also a great way to usher in the other important milestones he or she will experience in the following months and years. As such, do not hesitate to invest money, time and effort in your baby’s very first birthday party.
If you need help with organizing it, you can always get assistance from professional event planners who will ensure your baby’s event is perfectly executed.
AUTHOR BIO
In 2008, Managing Director and Founder of The Big Moo Events Lorate Hamzeh left a successful career in Human Resources to venture into the niche market of children’s entertainment. By introducing the UAE to Singing Telegrams, Lorate attracted the attention of the children’s entertainment market with a collection of fun mascots. Within a year, Lorate added children’s entertainers and bouncers to the company’s ever-growing list of services, and the rest was history.
Comments