I keep hearing from parents that the first 12 months with their child have "actually flown by". The first birthday is also a milestone in a child's development. It marks a point in time when many children already have their first own steps try to speak and at the family table eat in can. The little one just "felt" like a helpless baby - and now it is already well on the way to becoming a lively toddler and continuing to conquer its world. Your child's first birthday is also a special date for you parents: together with your baby, you have "made it" to the first year. If that's not a reason to celebrate!
Of course, the little ones don't yet understand that today is their birthday. But of course they still feel that it is a special day and that they are the centre of attention.
Organise the day
Despite all the enthusiasm, I would advise you not to celebrate this special day with a lavish party, huge hype and countless guests. This would overwhelm your birthday boy or girl and could potentially turn the cheerful mood upside down. In this case, less is more.
It doesn't have to be a perfectly organised day either. It could also cause you parents a lot of stress. And the fact that the parents' tension is quickly transferred to the child - you've probably experienced this more than once in the past 12 months.
So it's better to celebrate your first birthday in a cosy, small group. It can also be organised beautifully with just a few guests. Perhaps together with the grandparents? Or together with the three or four people who were most important to you and your child in the first year of life? Some families also like to celebrate the first birthday with a few of the child's friends from their toddler group. Others spread their guests over several days so that there isn't too much going on at once. On the actual birthday, for example, the family comes to visit, on another day perhaps some friends of yours and/or the child.
In any case, the rule of thumb for inviting little friends to children's birthday parties has proven itself many times over: Base the number of children invited on the age of your child. So for the first birthday one little guest (including parents), for the second birthday two little friends, for the third birthday three and so on.
The first birthday is also a good time to introduce a few little rituals that even "older" children will enjoy every year. These include a lovingly laid birthday table. This could include a Candle ringa Birthday parade or a Birthday caterpillar with the appropriate number of candles, a small bouquet of flowers and a few decorations (e.g. streamers). But don't use balloons, because if one bursts, your child will be frightened. There is also a risk that your child will put any balloon shreds lying around in their mouth or even swallow them.
Of course, a few small gifts also create excitement. However, you shouldn't hold it against your little birthday boy or girl if they are more interested in the colourful, rustling packaging and pretty bow than the contents. Rest assured: this will certainly change over the course of the birthdays!
In some families, a "Happy Birthday" garland or bunting is a must on every birthday table. For others, nothing works without a little serenade or birthday song. Every family will find and organise their own traditions. These can also be a mix of old, beloved rituals from the parents' childhood and new rituals - the main thing is that everyone enjoys them.
Birthday cake
A birthday cake is a great thing and is of course a must. Even if the little ones have been fed without industrialised sugar in the first year of their lives, the birthday child can certainly taste it. However, it is advisable not to put a sugar bomb on the table. In other words, it's better to avoid icing, fondant coating or rich chocolate icing. The better choice is a cake with your child's favourite fruit, e.g. apple or banana. Carrot cake is also very popular (also with children).
If you would like to bake your own and are looking for inspiration, you will find a delicious recipe idea here:
Gifts, presents
Parents often receive questions from grandma, grandpa, aunt or godparents some time before their child's first birthday: What can we give as a present? There are lots of ideas:
In its first year of life, your child has developed cognitively and motorically at a rapid pace, so new toys are now also welcome. You can read more about how development is linked to play on my blog.
For example, colourful picture and video cards now provide Touch books, first Wooden puzzle and Threading games or handy Building blocks for variety. Always a good idea Xylophone or a Wooden ball track on. A Baby walker and Slide- or Trailing animals are also welcome. Also a Cuddly toy as a faithful companion or a small Doll (also for boys!) make great gifts.
Little "racers" will be thrilled to get around on a slide car, while others will love getting on a bouncy animal or rocking horse. If there is enough space at home, it can also be a Climbing triangle or a small Tent be.
A "classic" gift for a first birthday is often a Children's cutlery handed over. In a handy size for small hands, it is ideal for practising eating independently. It goes perfectly with Children's crockery such as their own plate, a pretty little bowl or their new favourite mug. A small cosy blanket as a gift should also do the trick.
In addition, it's not just the birthday child who is happy to receive a small gift, but in some cases the parents also benefit from it, for example with gifts of time. Grandparents could give the grandchild a visit to the zoo with them, for example, while friends might give a voucher for one, two or three afternoons of play with the child. After all, the best gifts are always those that make the child happy and are also good for the parents. In some cases, these can also be gifts of money: Why not set up a savings account for the child and start feeding it with a little money? Or why not put three packs of nappies (in the right size!) on the birthday table? Beautifully wrapped and decorated with a big bow, the child will cheer when they unwrap them and spend a lot of time with the bow. And I also know parents who would be very happy about this (relieving) idea!
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