Yay! You’ve made it through the first year of parenthood!  Your little one might be crawling or even walking and it’s time to plan their first birthday party. 

I know firsthand how special and emotional this milestone is.

If you’re anything like me, you want your child’s first birthday party to be an unforgettable experience for both them and your loved ones. 

But with so many details to consider and decisions to make, planning can sometimes feel overwhelming. 

Below, I’ll share essential dos and don’ts that I’ve learned along the way, helping you avoid common pitfalls and make the most of this joyous occasion. 

From choosing the perfect time for the celebration to ensuring a stress-free and fun experience for everyone involved, we’ll cover it all!

So, let’s dive in and make this first birthday celebration a magical and heartwarming event that your family will cherish forever.

Do babies need a first birthday party? 

No, babies don’t need a first birthday party, but it can be a meaningful and joyous celebration to mark their milestone and create lasting memories with family and friends.

If financial circumstances, distance, illness or anything else is standing in the way of celebrating, it is completely fine not to celebrate your one year old’s birthday with a party.

But, you may want to consider something else to commemorate the milestone.

Head out for a picnic, take photos surrounded by balloons or just add a little sweet treat to their day. 

What is a good time for a 1st birthday party?

Wondering when a good time for a 1st birthday is? Time it between their first and second nap.  This usually means between 11am-2pm.

Guests should arrive after your one year old has woken up so they aren’t startled by the sudden surprise of new faces. 

How long should a first birthday party be?

A first birthday party is best kept between 1.5 to 2 hours to avoid fatigue for the guest of honor. By keeping it tight and bright, everyone can fully enjoy the festivities. 

Serve food promptly, have cake early, and allow your one-year-old to open a few presents for those who travelled far or are closest. This is a fun photo opportunity!

Don’t forget goodie bags for the little guests, and remember, it’s your event, so a little shorter than an older kids party is completely appropriate for this age. 

Who do you invite to baby first birthday?

Who should you invite to baby’s first birthday? Usually a first birthday is reserved for close family and friends who are familiar to your one year old. 

Consider including extended family members and friends with children of a similar age. 

(Credit: Mama Celebrates: My daughter’s first birthday)

Other First Birthday Considerations 

I’ve been asked these questions a few times so thought I would tackle them here at the end. 

Q: How do you make a one year old party fun for adults?

To make a one year old party fun for adults consider serving alcohol in moderation, having adult friendly food and keeping it short. 

No adult wants to spend hours cooing over a one year old as adorable as they may be. 

Q: Can one year old’s eat cake?

Should your baby have cake on their birthday?  Yes! However, the cake should not contain refined sugar. 

Look for a local bakery who specialises in cakes not made with sugar, instead they should utilise natural sugars like applesauce or banana.  

Conclusion: 1 Year Old Birthday Essential

Planning your child’s first birthday party is an exciting and emotional milestone.

Remember, while a grand celebration is not necessary, it can be a beautiful way to mark this special occasion and create cherished memories.

By following these essential dos and don’ts, you’ll be well-prepared to host a successful and enjoyable first birthday party.

Happy Celebrating!

Not So Fast! Check out these other articles about birthdays:

50 Tips and Tricks for a Budget-Friendly Children’s Birthday Party

How to Celebrate a Golden Birthday: Complete Guide