Celebrating a Child’s First Birthday

You made it through the first year of your child’s life. You survived and they survived! It’s likely been one of the wildest years of your life that has brought about some pretty unexpected changes. However, your child’s first birthday is one of those days that most parents look forward to and want to make a very special day. That is completely understandable considering how much work you’ve put into raising your baby.

It’s important to remember that your baby is just that - a baby. They are still learning and exploring the world. They have no concept of what a birthday is and this is their first one. Throwing a huge wild birthday party is not a requirement. Your child will not remember their first birthday party and they aren’t going to care how big or small the party ends up being. There is no reason you have to throw a huge party for your baby’s sake.

Parents are excited for the first birthday party. Grandparents often are too. Many parents feel like they have to throw a big party for their child’s first one since it’s just that - the first one. It’s a milestone. However, parents would be far better served to keep the celebration small and not spend too much of their energy on trying to make a memorable party that will only be remembered by the adults.

Another thing to keep in mind is that while this day is going to be one of the most important to you, it is unlikely that it holds the same special significance to your friends and much of your family. While these people will certainly be happy and excited for you, at the end of the day it’s simply the day your child turns one year old. They haven’t lived and breathed your child for the last 12 months the same as you have. How excited are you for the birthday of your friend’s child? You are certainly happy and excited for them, but not to the same degree as you are for your own child’s birthday.

All of this is to say that you shouldn’t expect other people to put the same importance and significance on the birthday as you’re going to. If you’re planning to throw a big party (which you really should reconsider) then don’t be surprised if some people are unable to make it - people can still support and be happy for you while filling their other responsibilities. Not everyone you invite will show up, and even your family may not come.

Rather than throwing a big huge party, where there’s a likelihood that you’ll be disappointed by your own expectations, you’d be better off putting together a small gathering of those that have supported you the most in the first year. Grandparents and any close friends that have really supported you. Have a cake to celebrate the day, and allow gifts if you’d like. Don’t go overboard with it though - enjoying the company of other adults is enjoyable for you and your baby.

In terms of gifts, don’t go overboard, especially if you’re having others come over that will bring gifts. Your child will be more excited to open gifts than they will be with the actual gifts. They don’t need or expect a ton of gifts, and setting the precedent early on that they always get a lot of gifts is generally a bad idea (fortunately if you do get them too many gifts on their first birthday they won’t remember it so stop doing it). As much as you’re excited for the new toy, your child will likely rather just play with the wrapping paper or the box in the moment of opening their gifts. It doesn’t mean they don’t like the gift, but they like the sound the wrapping paper makes. Let others bring gifts if you’d like, get them one or two small items, and that will be plenty for your baby.

Keep a child’s first birthday small. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future to throw big parties when your child will actually remember the day. Celebrate small with your family that your child is now a full year old, and prepare for another exciting year ahead.