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Planning your baby’s first birthday

Your baby’s first birthday is a really special day, and one that you‘ll want to enjoy and have plenty of pictures of to treasure for the years to come. But how can you best structure things so as everyone has the best time possible?

The party venue

Think about the space you have for the party and how many people will be able to comfortably fit in it. Also remember to baby-proof the venue if it’s not your home. Think about the stairs, windows and any electricity points you will need to protect babies from.

If the party’s going to be held in your home, you might want to consider preparing a bedroom as a private nappy changing space for both your own and any other babies attending the party. Arrange a children’s play area with plenty of toys and activities where babies can safely crawl around on the floor.

The guests

Most of your guests will probably be adults, as friends and relatives gather together to celebrate the special day with you. As far as possible, ask guests to keep alcohol out of reach of children and any smokers to go outside for a cigarette.

A maximum of about five other young babies is advisable to keep the party manageable and fun for everyone. Don’t be too much of a perfectionist; expect some tears, tiredness and accidents from your younger guests and be prepared with cloths and cleaning products for any spills.

Ask a trusted friend or family member to help you look after your own baby while you entertain guests or attend to any emergencies.

Food and drink

If you’re going to provide food for your guest, keep it as simple as possible. Avoid dishes with runny sauces or that are complicated to eat standing up. Stick to easy buffet food that can be eaten without cutlery.

If you have a friend or relative who loves to cook, you could ask them to help you out with the catering. Don’t try and do everything yourself. Think about preparing some different food for the younger guests, and set them a table in a separate area from the adults. This will make it easier to feed the children, which will in turn help your party to run smoothly.

The birthday cake is going to be a key focus for the day, and a great photo opportunity. Feel free to have a memorable novelty cake created or to make one yourself. Just remember to check the ingredients carefully. Too many E numbers or sugar could be a bit much for your baby and any young guests.

Birthday cake recipe

Peach & Pear Cream Cake

Cake ingredients

• 170g (6 oz) soft margarine.
• 170g (6oz) soft brown sugar.
• 3 large eggs.
• 170g (6oz) self- raising flour.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla essence.
• 15ml (1 tbspl) water.

Filling ingredients

• 300ml (1/2 pint) whipping cream.
• 3 tbspl icing sugar.
• 75g sliced peaches.
• 75g sliced pears.
• 30-45ml (2-3 tbsp) apricot jam.

Method

Pre-heat the oven to 180°C/350°F/Gas 4 and line and grease two 20cm (8in) sandwich tins. Beat together the margarine and sugar, then add the eggs, one at a time, adding 1 tablespoon of flour with the eggs. Beat in the remaining flour, lemon zest, vanilla essence and water until the mixture is fluffy.

Divide the mixture in two between the prepared sandwich tins and bake in the oven for about 20 minutes or until lightly golden and risen. Turn them out of the tins onto a wire to allow them to cool.

Then, whip the cream with the icing sugar until it is firm. Thinly slice the peaches and pear fruits and stir them into the whipped cream. Spread the apricot jam over only one of the cakes, top with the fruit and cream mixture, pipe some rosettes around the cake and place half a peach and half a pear on top of each alternating rosette. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. This recipe can make approx. 8 portions for all the 1st birthday party guests!

The length and timing of the party

Schedule the party around your baby’s nap times so he’s as wide awake as possible to enjoy the event. Remember your baby will probably be a part of the celebration for an hour and a half or so. After this he may become a little bit tired, and possibly tearful. Many of your adult guests will probably stay for longer to socialise for a while after the guest of honour’s gone to bed.