by Nora Carver

Created on: November 02, 2007

Baby's first birthday, like baby's first Christmas, will be one of those precious memories that you will want to cherish forever. But, let's face it, birthday parties like any large celebration can be exhausting and overwhelming. There are lots of great ideas to make this easier and loads of fun for everyone, guests and hosts.

The first thing to remember is that this is going to be a short lived event, and not really something that has to be absolutely perfect. You're not up for the Nobel prize here, you are celebrating the first year of life of your newest family addition. A first birthday party doesn't have to be a grand ball event. Make the guest list relatively small. Include immediate family and friends as well as a people who have a relationship with your child. Try to include at least two or three other families with children around the same age, babies or toddlers.

Next, remember time constraints for young children. Babies don't have a very high tolerance for long affairs and large crowds and lots of noises or new stimuli. Even at a year old, babies are easily over stimulated. Try to make the atmosphere relaxed and laid back for everyone. The party should be planned at a reasonable hour to avoid large interruption in routine such as an hour or two before bath time or after nap time etc. Also include the time limits on the invitations so that guests will know about how long they are expected to attend. People don't like to leave too early because they fear they will appear rude, but also don't want to stay late and seem to overstay their visit. A set time gives everyone a good idea of how long the party will last.

Make a schedule of events ahead of time. Create an itinerary and try to stick close to it. For instance plan on when refreshments will be served, when presents if any will be opened, and when games if any will be played and which ones in what order.

Remember to try and make all of the guests comfortable. For instance if inviting families with infant children, try to provide a quiet area in the house for them to place the baby if he or she sleeps such as a place for a carry play pen or move your play pen to a back room. Try to include refreshments appropriate for all age levels that will attend. If more children will be attending, include a small buffet of soft finger foods available throughout the party. If the party will be for adults too or continue after the babies have drifted off to lullaby land, provide for adult refreshments after the originally

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