Planning your baby's first birthday

Team AckoFeb 8, 2024

As much as birthday parties are fun it becomes a horror for a parent who is planning it, especially for their kid’s first birthday. The birthdays thereafter usually aren’t that scary to plan as by then your kid will usually take away all the guesswork of how he wants his birthday to look like. But the memories of the first birthday party will always be the most special thing for both you and your baby because it is the debut celebration of your baby and you as new parents. Hence, to ease some pressure on your back, here are a few tips on how to plan for your kid’s first birthday party. 

Have a vision

Before figuring out the nuances of the party, have a broad outline and vision of how you want it to look like and accordingly make your first checklist. You can also go about it by dividing your checklist into 3-4 major parts of the party and then break it down to inculcate all the nuances to make it perfect. 

Have an idea

There are a few things that are important to a birthday party, a place, a theme, a food menu, party games, party music etc. Make these your major headings and break it down to sub-headings to make it easier for yourself to keep track of all the things happening. 

Maintain a timeline

Start planning the party 7-8 weeks earlier to the D-Day to avoid last minute hassle and anxiety. Break down your work in these weeks to have a clear idea what needs to be done in which week and stick to this timeline, this will help you enjoy the D-Day to the fullest when it arrives. 

Ask questions

Ask as many questions as possible to yourself this will help you understand exactly how you want your kid’s first birthday party to be like and all the nuances of the party. 

Grandma’s Tip: Reach out to your friends who have already planned birthdays for their kids before. Talk to your partner to help you plan the party. This will help you not only with contacts but also reviews, tips and suggestions to make the party a success. 

Do your research

When it comes to how to plan for your kid’s first birthday party, do a thorough research not only by reaching out to your friends but also on the internet for the birthday theme ideas, return gift ideas, invitation card ideas, party games and even food menu and party music. Having done your research helps you to be prepared for one of the most important events in your baby’s life. 

Have contingencies

Have a backup for everything, it is important to avoid any last minute anxieties in case your initial plan goes wrong. Having a backup plan helps you have a peace of mind. 

The ultimate birthday party planning checklist

Once you know the above pointers as your guide, set your final checklist. Hereunder is the ultimate checklist we have prepared to help you get started on your planning and ask all the right questions on how to plan your kid’s first birthday party. 

Themes: Don’t make your theme very childish as you will be entertaining people from all age groups; select something which is a crowd favourite, invest in bright colours. 

Locations: Select a location that is easier for you to visit and access, which will be a perfect setting for the theme you are choosing and can hold the number of guests you are inviting. 

Guest list: Have a preliminary list and then refine it to have a final number, this helps you be prepared for everything else 

Budget: Have a budget for your party, this will help you be in check from overspending 

Seating arrangement and entertainment (if any): Book any rentals that you may require like extra tables or chair and if you are keeping an entertainment for the evening, also have a seating plan in mind. 

Invitations: If you plan on sending invites, you can handcraft them or print them, either way, make it with bright colours and appropriate to your theme. 

Baby’s dress: The star of the party is your baby, having a dress or a costume for your baby according to the theme is important. 

Music: Have light-hearted, fun, baby friendly music that everyone can enjoy keeping in mind the theme you are following. 

Party games: If you are having party games, have two kinds one involving adults and one involving kids. You can also have a separate play area for kids to enjoy. 

Food menu and cake: Depending on the number of people plan a food menu and the cake with minimal allergic substances, which is kid-friendly and which matches the theme and the timing of your party. 

Timing: Timing of the party is important, keep the party at a time when it is easier for people to come and make sure it is not coinciding with your baby’s nap time. 

Party supplies and decorations: Depending on the theme purchase your party decorations and supplies. 

Every party is different hence the requirement per party changes but through these tips, we try to help you with how to plan your kid’s first birthday party without freaking out. We hope you and your baby have a great time at the party and a very Happy Birthday to the little one! 

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only, based on industry experience and secondary sources. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified expert for health or insurance-related decisions. Content is subject to change, refer to current policy wordings for specific ACKO details.