How has it been nearly a whole year since you welcomed your baby to the world? Twelve months that probably feel a bit of a blur right now, between nappy changes, sleepless nights and… many incredible “firsts”…
First smile…
… First tooth… … First words…
… First time sitting up and the first few uncertain steps…
And now as you approach a HUGE milestone first – their VERY FIRST BIRTHDAY, you perhaps want to celebrate it with something truly special.
For some, this can mean HUGE celebrations – others may keep it small and cosy – either way, I am sure you will want it to be an occasion you can look back on fondly for years to come.
Ready for our list of top 5 ideas for baby’s first birthday?
Let’s start!
FIRST BIRTHDAY IDEAS: #5 HIRE A VENUE AND CATERER
If you have a big family and a large number of friends, it might be a good idea to hire somewhere. This saves you from opening your home to too many people, and everyone can spread out too, which will prevent your baby from becoming too overwhelmed by all the attention.
Lots of pubs have function rooms available at a reasonable price and offer catering too.
Or a church hall can be a fab venue to save you cramming people to the rafters in your own home.
If there are a lot of children to be invited, you could hire a bouncy castle, a caterer and really make an occasion of it. Your little one can open their presents, and you can arrange group games, like sleeping lions, pass the parcel and musical bumps.
#4 PARTY AT HOME
For smaller families and close-knit l friendship groups, an intimate first birthday party at home is ideal.
You can tailor it to your tastes and decorate it how you please, perhaps you’ll get beautiful banners and balloons, or be a little more low key.
Stick some nursery rhymes on and… get the little ones dancing!
A small tea party with sandwiches and cakes, delicate finger food that your baby will enjoy too.
FIRST BIRTHDAY IDEAS: #3 CAKE SMASH AND SPLASH!
What better way to celebrate your baby’s first birthday than a beautiful photo session. Even better when it involves smashing a cake up!
Your little one will love to get stuck into the cake, and you will have stunning images to look back on this milestone occasion.
Did you know that a Cake Smash and Splash is like a 3-in-1 photoshoot? Yes! We begin with some simple classic portraits, then some… messy cake fun… and then some relaxing bubbles to capture all the giggles!
#2 SOFT PLAY
Soft play centres are everywhere! And babies love them – generally, they have a separate area for the small ones too, so they can be allowed to crawl, or toddle about and wear themselves out.
You can invite some of their little friends, and it’s ideal for parents to bring older children along too.
You might even get a coffee and chat for ten minutes!
They will also wear themselves out here, so once you’ve popped them to bed YOU can celebrate surviving the first year with a well-earned glass of wine.
FIRST BIRTHDAY IDEAS: #1 BIRTHDAY PICNIC
Picnics are a fantastic way to celebrate!
If it’s warm weather as your baby turns one, you can go to a local park or beach. Take balls, games, blankets and picnic food, and get yourselves settled for a fun day in the sun.
For winter babies, an indoor picnic still works!
Set out blankets on the living room floor and use your imagination to make it special.
Whatever you decide to do, take plenty of pictures for your baby’s photo album and memory book and above all, enjoy yourselves!
Charlotte Bass Photography – based in Bentley, Ipswich – specialises in newborn, baby and maternity photography for families in and around Ipswich.
Looking for a Cake Smash and Splash photoshoot? Get in touch!
