I want to have a really big bash for the baby’s first birthday. I think it will be so much fun for all our friends to celebrate this happy day with us. But my husband thinks we should just have a small function that our baby will enjoy more. Can you help us solve this disagreement?

Your husband’s idea is the one that will probably suit birthday baby better. It is really common for the happy parents to plan a bash complete with decorations, entertainment and stacks of food, only to have the star guest miserable and overwhelmed.

The ideal party for a one year old includes a few select guests who are familiar to the party person. Keep décor simple, and make sure that the food is suitable for tiny guests. This means that the adults will have to forgo the salted peanuts and other snacks that could cause choking. Do not be tempted to get in entertainers such as clowns – there will be plenty of time for that in the years to come, and your one year old is just as likely to be terrified by a clown as thrilled by it. Try not to put too much pressure on baby to perform for the crowd. Let baby be himself and enjoy the things he wants to do – even if that is just to play with the discarded wrapping paper. It’s baby’s day – so make it an easy one for him to enjoy!

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