Your baby's first birthday

Your baby’s first birthday marks the end of a year of phenomenal growth and development – for baby and you! Most parents like to mark this momentous milestone with a celebration of some kind. Here are some simple ways you can make your baby’s first birthday even more memorable:

Create a DVD of the special moments in your baby's first year and play it for the guests while everyone is enjoying cake.

Build a time capsule and invite your guests to add a special note. Choose a pretty tin or box and place it where everyone can easily access it during the party. Provide pens and acid-free paper for the special notes that your baby will read when he or she is older. Provide a list of topic starters to make it easy:

My hopes and dreams for you are...
How you've touched my life.
How I met your parents.
I love you because...

Seal the time capsule and store it to be opened on his or her 18th birthday.

This is one party where it's a good idea to book a photographer to capture the special day, otherwise you may find you're not in any of the pictures!

Party tips for a successful first birthday

Weekend parties usually work better for parents and other adults.
Plan your party for either late morning or late afternoon to allow for nap times.
Keep the party short and sweet. One hour is about all a one-year-old can handle without getting overwhelmed by all the attention and becoming grumpy.
Most first birthday parties are really for the adults. Keep it to a manageable number of guests because you will also need to be caring for your birthday baby at the same time.
Hosting too many baby and toddler guests will inevitably end up in tears. A maximum of five little ones will keep the party fun for everyone.
Serving finger food is the easiest of options and reminds everyone that this is a first birthday party, after all. The babies and toddlers can join in too if you serve easy to grab food.
Ask parents and carers beforehand if anyone is allergic to any kinds of food. With a group of people mingling it can be hard to keep an eye on everyone, so serving food that's safe for all to eat means you can relax.
Be patient with the inevitable tears, mishaps and tantrums. Children and their behaviours are not predictable. All the excitement of a first birthday can unsettle some babies and children. Try and relax and go with the flow.
To help you manage on the day ask for help from a reliable friend or family member who can watch your child or entertain the little guests while you change a nappy, clean up a spill or play hostess.
Put out a basket of toys for the little guests to play with. This will help keep them occupied and happy and ensures the birthday gifts are not too tempting.
If you haven't already done so, baby and toddler proof the party area.
Do cake last so the baby isn't a mess for opening presents.
This is a day to celebrate the birth of your baby; by keeping the party simple you will enjoy it too. Plan some special quiet time at the end of the day just for Mum, Dad, and baby.