| Your baby is turning one and that's worth | | | | DON'T serve food that is challenging to eat. |
| celebrating! Of course, you want to have a first | | | | Finger foods are best for little ones. And adults |
| birthday party in honor of his special day. But | | | | like them, too! |
| how do you plan for such an important | | | | DO have a birthday cake or cupcakes. It's fun |
| occasion? How do you make sure that your | | | | for everyone to watch your one year old eat his |
| baby's first birthday is a wonderful time for both | | | | first birthday cake, and a great photo |
| you and him? These top twelve do's and don'ts | | | | opportunity. Just watch out for your baby and |
| will point you in the right direction. | | | | the lit candle. |
| DO keep the birthday party simple. Your baby | | | | DO consider invitations and favors that are |
| won't really comprehend what the fuss is all | | | | personalized with your child's photo. Most of |
| about. This day is for you to enjoy and to | | | | your guests for this birthday party will be adults |
| celebrate the amazing child that has transformed | | | | who have loved and supported you and your |
| your life. So don't over complicate anything, so | | | | baby through his first year. Grandmothers, |
| you are free to relish every moment. | | | | aunts, and other friends and loved ones will be |
| DON'T struggle over finding the perfect theme | | | | thrilled with a keepsake featuring a picture or |
| for the party. Your one year old won't notice. | | | | pictures of the birthday boy or girl. |
| Next year, he may be begging you for Elmo or | | | | DON'T forget to charge the camera batteries or |
| Winnie the Pooh, but this year you can do | | | | take tons of photos. You may be busy and |
| whatever is easiest. | | | | preoccupied with the celebration, but your one |
| DO make the party short. An hour or so is | | | | year old won't remember the party, so you'll |
| enough excitement for a one year old. Any | | | | want to make sure you document every |
| longer than two hours and he might go into | | | | moment. And of course, the grandparents will |
| celebration overload. | | | | want copies of every picture you take. You |
| DO schedule the birthday party for a time when | | | | might even decide to send out photo thank you |
| your baby is less likely to be tired and cranky. If | | | | notes after the party, so keep your camera |
| he usually takes an early afternoon nap, then a | | | | ready. |
| late afternoon party is best. | | | | DO make a first birthday memory book after the |
| DON'T invite too many people. A room full of | | | | party. This is a great gift you can give to your |
| strangers crowding around your little one can be | | | | child. In the future, he will be able to visualize the |
| overwhelming. Choose close friends and relatives | | | | party. Take photos of the cake, decorations, |
| to share his special day. | | | | guests, and of course, him. You can simply put |
| DO have the party at home, if possible. This is | | | | it in a regular photo album or make a scrapbook, |
| the place your baby feels most secure. There | | | | complete with journaling your thoughts about his |
| will be a lot of activity that day that he doesn't | | | | special day. You can even include a page where |
| quite understand. So, it's important for him to | | | | each guest writes something special to your one |
| feel comfortable and safe in the midst of all the | | | | year old. You might also want to slip in one of |
| strange birthday festivities. | | | | his photo party invitations. |
| DO keep your eyes open for potential dangers. | | | | So, simplify, relax and enjoy this special day. |
| If a balloon pops, make sure you put it in the | | | | Your baby's first birthday party is a milestone |
| trash immediately, because it could become a | | | | that comes along only once in his life, so cherish |
| choking hazard. | | | | every wonderful moment. |