How To Plan Your Baby’s First Birthday

A first birthday party is a baby’s first big milestone – they are officially considered a toddler! Not only is it a big step for the child, but also for a parent. The first year of a child’s life is equally beautiful and challenging, filled with leaps and bounds in development, from their first laugh, steps, words, to playing with a toy.
A first birthday party celebration is a memory that you’ll look back on for years to come. However, as professional party entertainers, we know that planning a birthday party is no small feat – especially for a first birthday. When it comes to organising a first birthday party, here’s what you need to know.

How to plan your baby’s first birthday

Create a guest list

Nailing down the guest list early on will help determine your budget – the more people you plan on inviting, the more food, drinks, and space you’ll ultimately need on the day.
In creating your guest list, start with the must-haves; ie, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, and any best friends. If you’re happy with the nearest and dearest or if the list is verging on getting too long – stop it there! There’s no need to invite everyone in your neighbourhood if you don’t have the capacity.

A time and a place

Plan the birthday party around your baby’s sleep schedule. If your baby needs their morning nap but is generally more active and alert in the afternoon, plan the party in the afternoon when you know they’re going to be the most engaged. A baby’s first birthday party will generally go for two  hours to avoid overtiredness – no need to make it a whole-day event.
The venue will come down to weather, personal preferences, and what you’ve got planned. A local park, your backyard, or indoors are usually a good setting for your little one’s first birthday – don’t overcomplicate things for yourself and other parents!

Pick a birthday party theme

On to the fun part – choosing a party theme. As party entertaining experts, it’s no secret that we are partial to a party theme and know first-hand how the right theme can elevate any birthday party. First birthday parties lend themselves to plenty of appropriate themes, from butterfly and fairy parties to a superhero and pirate party. Choose a theme that resonates with your little one, whether they have a favourite stuffed toy or book, and base it around their interests.

Decorate

Match your decorations to the party theme with streamers, balloons, and simple props made for a range of themes – magical spaces can be created without breaking the budget.
Transform your space into a jungle with dinosaur or animal stickers and fake plants, a pirate ship with treasure chests and wooden planks, or an underwater world with bubbles and fish cutouts hanging from the ceiling.

Have a menu

For a first birthday party, keep the menu simple, kid-friendly, and theme-adjacent. Think butterfly-shaped cupcakes, mini pizza bites with faces made from the toppings, and marshmallow bunnies. You can provide a cheese board, chips and dip, and party pies, allowing the adults to enjoy as well.
Note: Make sure the food is age-appropriate – for first birthdays, be aware of choking hazard foods like popcorn, Skittles, and nuts. It’s also vital to be mindful of any allergies the guests may have to avoid including them on the menu.

Entertainment

Although your little one may be too young to engage in treasure hunts or arts and crafts, there are still plenty of simple games and play equipment they can enjoy. Provide theme-specific toys for the little ones to play with, crayons and paper for drawing, and a hands-on task that allows parents and baby to work together. If your baby has older cousins or siblings, it’s worth having a handful of age-appropriate activities to keep them entertained as well.

Hire party entertainment

Between choosing the right theme and keeping everyone entertained with age-appropriate games, on top of all the other little details – we understand that party planning for a one-year-old isn’t a small task.
As Australia’s leading party entertainers, Fly By Fun has over 15 years of experience in helping parents pull off a memorable first-year-old birthday party. With 100+ party themes that can be customised to suit your little one and professional children’s party entertainers that create engaging age-specific games and activities, you’re in safe hands with Fly By Fun. Contact Fly By Fun today and let’s get started in planning a truly special and unforgettable birthday party for your one-year-old.