1st birthday

[1sttimerdue260816]

What did you all do for your babies first birthdays? My daughter will be 1 in a couple of months and Im torn between hiring a church hall/similar to have a party, or to have a party at home or to just have some family round. I really don't know what to do!!

We did a small family party at home. Given she was still on two naps a day, it was easier as the cot was right there, and meant we had as long as we wanted to set up things and tidy things away afterwards. Couldn't have coped with tidying a hired venue!

She was pretty clueless, but enjoyed the company and the cake (!), and it was a nice relaxed gathering for the rest of us. I figured there are plenty of years to come when we can do more elaborate things, but for her first birthday it was just about right for what she could cope with :)

Just make sure you're not going to get stressed by whatever you decide to do, because really the memories you're making are for you, not your baby at this age - so enjoy it!

We had a couple of close friends and family around for first and second. For ds3 we met at a local park for a picnic as most friends (and us!) had older children who needed a bit more space! We did not do the big party in a hall type thing until they were in their reception year.

We just had SIL, BIL, granny and godparents. I didn't know anyone else, and it didn't occur to me to have a party. The baby won't appreciate it as they are for the adults really.

For our dc we just had a small informal gathering at home.

The main reason was that we were and still are skint so couldn't afford to have a big bash in a church hall or similar and I would have found organising it to be too much of a stress.

All the older children could play out in the garden and the adults and younger children stayed in the kitchen/dining room. We had cake, buns, sandwiches and a massive pan full of chilli with some tortilla chips, soured cream and salsa - that made a cheap and quick meal for all of us.

When the 1 y old got tired we could just put them to bed for a nap and carry on with the party without worrying too much about routine and dealing with a fraught and overtired baby.

Tbh I wouldn't go overboard because the baby won't really remember it. It's more a celebration for the parents than it is for the child imo.

Hopefully, whatever you decide to do, you have a lovely day and that the weather is nice

How about a teddy bears picnic? Invite a couple of similar aged babies from baby groups, have a few toys out, maybe do a little pass the parcel (musical shaker or something between each layer) and then picnic rug for little picnic with their favourite bears? Jolly music bit of bunting etc? Or just invite the grandparents for a cup of tea and piece of cake?

Thanks everyone. I think we will stick to some family and maybe some friends at home. It will be cheaper and easier. I hadn't really thought about naptime and she is on two a day at the moment. Also clean up at home will be much easier. I know the memories are just for us really because she won't remember it, i just didn't want to let is pass by without doing anything!
Thank you for all of your responses. I don't have any friends who have had babies so don't have anyone in real life to ask about these sorts of things :)