What do 1-year-old babies know about parties? Not much, actually. Which is why you might want to resist the urge to throw a huge birthday party bash for your baby of honor — who might end up cracking under the pressure (of too many guests, too much excitement, too much entertainment) and spending much of the celebration in tears. So think small (like your little one) when thinking about the first birthday party and follow this strategy so it’s a party to remember instead of one you’d rather forget:
Keep the invites light. A room too crowded with even familiar faces may overwhelm your birthday baby. Unless you’re sure your little one can handle a big crowd, consider keeping it on the intimate side — maybe just a few family members and close friends. If your baby spends time with other babies, you may want to invite a few, along with their parents (you probably won’t want to be responsible for supervising any baby but your own). If not, a first birthday party probably isn’t the best time to launch your little one’s social career.
Ditto the décor. A room decorated with all that your local party store has to offer and then some may be your dream — but maybe not your baby’s. Too many balloons, streamers, banners, masks, noisemakers and hats, like too many people, may prove too much for a 1-year-old to process. So decorate with a light hand. If balloons will round out your party picture, remember to dispose of them post-party — tiny tots can choke on the rubber scraps after balloons go pop. Or choose Mylar balloons — though remember that any string tied to a balloon can also pose a safety risk. Simple, safe favors, including brightly-colored large rubber balls, board books or bath toys, are a fun extra and can be handed to young guests just before the gifts are opened.
