One year old, party or not?

Anadia - posted on 01/12/2010

Dear Eva,

Please do throw a party for your small one. Upset with all the people around them, that is the dumbest thing i ever heard off. It would be wonderful to throw a party for your kid and please do go ahead, the small one will enjoy it, have a theme if you want to. Enjoy your party with your 1year old kid, in MARCH. I will throw one myself for my baby, turning one on the 22nd of March 2010.

YEAH!!! TO THE MARCH MOTHERS!!!!

Tamora - posted on 01/11/2010

Definitely more for the adults than the kids sake - but my little one is comfortable in 30 kid play sessions, and sat through an entire hockey game with all the sights and sounds - so I'm pretty sure he'd be okay with a handful of people at his 1st birthday party.

Sarah - posted on 01/11/2010

i am definitely having a party for my son born 3-26-09 just like i did for my older boy you gotta take pictures and give them a piece of chocolate cake to dump there face into they are not going to remember it but you will your baby only turns 1 once

Susan - posted on 01/11/2010

Do what makes you happy. Plan the party with a set start/end time and try not to have it during your baby's nap time. My 4.5 yr old was miserable at his first 2 parties but everyone else had a good time. I think he slept through 1/2 of them and they weren't during nap time and he didn't want anything to do with his cake at 1 either. I will be having a party in March for my 9 month old and am prepared for the same. Try to keep it low key if you're worried about it and realize that it's not really for your baby, it's for you and your family/friends. She might be a bit cranky for the rest of the day, or you might be suprised and she might think it's great fun. Whatever you decide, have fun.

Kristy Lee - posted on 01/11/2010

yeah for SURE.. were having his 1st birthday conbined with his naming day!!

Bonnie - posted on 01/11/2010

When my daughter turned one we had a big party, booked a hall and let her have her own cake. Presents were saved to be opened later as it was too much excitement for her.
My son will be one soon, we will plan big for him, but in smaller ways due to his prematurity and over stimulation can really upset him. I am suggesting gifts with a bow on it, or in a bag to make it less stressful, yet we will still save gifts for later time after he has had time to regroup. In some cultures it is important to have a huge celebration for the first birthday.

Patricia - posted on 01/11/2010

my son is going to be one on march 22nd and we are having a party. a big one. we always do everything really big for the kids no matter how little or how big. its a celebration of life. so its something to celebrate.

Sarah-Anne - posted on 01/11/2010

Bella's birthday will be march 20, and i've been planning her party for over a month now. i know she won't remember anything, but she'll see pictures later. This party is also mostly for our families and friends. There will be about 50 people there. Bella also loves everyone and isn't afraid of being in a crowd. If your child is shy and scared of crowds then maybe have something small with only a few people they know well and aren't afraid of. personally i can't wait to watch her smash her cupcake and tear into presents. She tried to help everyone unwrap presents at christmas.

Mandy - posted on 01/11/2010

My daughter turns 1 in March as well. We are going to have a party. I think its up to you but it really depends on the child. You could always just have a small party. I think you should def have a party for your daughter if you want and not worry about what people say you should or shouldn't do. Be excited and things will be fine!

Aangelina - posted on 01/10/2010

I too plan to have a party for my son's 1st birthday which is also in March n as i never had a 1st birthday myself, all the more reason i have to celebrate his birthday..some babies do remember their 1st birthday's....u see today's kids are advanced...so go for the mama instinct and celebrate her birthday...you will have another memory to cherish when they get old and when u too grow old...it will be fun..!!

Cassie - posted on 01/10/2010

Hi Eva of course you should have a party.Just make sure it is a good time for your baby.

Not at sleep time etc.If you have a baby that is shy don't have many people or stagger the time they arrive.You don't need to do much they are happy with anything.My little girl birthday is on march 6th and i can't wait for her party. I have an 8year old daughter as well. The best thing about her first birthday was i had one cake for everybody and one just for her to eat and do what she wanted to it.

I could not even fathem NOT having a party no way.

Hope this helped .Have fun at your daughters party.

Ivy - posted on 01/10/2010

We will be making it a special day for our daughter who turns 1 on the 6 March. We won't be having a party as she won't remember and she doesn't like a lot people in her face. So it will be a special day for our immediate family with her a homemade cake or cupcake. She has plenty of toys so it will probably be a book she will enjoy as she grows up for her gift. Everyone is different, do what you think your daughter and you will enjoy.

Katherine - posted on 01/10/2010

Wow, I never heard that one before....needless to say my older daughter had a large party for her 1st and she loved it. 2 little friends showed up and her 2 cousins were there...it was better than our wedding.
Now my son's party maybe smaller since its before March break and his cousin are in school but I'm sure mom & dad will make it fun for him.

Jana - posted on 01/10/2010

EVA, def have a party for your baby. my my eldest turn 1, we had one for her and she def knew something was up and it was for her, if she will remember it or not, she will always see the photos we took, and see that she had so much fun. yes there are some kids that get scared but hey, it's not to say it will be yours. Besides have a 3 year old, and my 2nd that is also turning 1 in march I am a party planner as well, and the most parties I do , is for `1 year olds, its amazing how many do them. But please just one HUGE tip, dont go over board for the kids, especially if they are all about the same age, because they NEVER eat all the food and drinks, rather have entertainment ,like face painting, jumping castle or a water slide, they ,much rather like having fun, than having to stuff their faces, and believe me cupcakes are better for little ones than a huge cake, keep the cake for the parents.

Shannon - posted on 01/10/2010

It's certainly a cultural event. Obviously, the baby will have no idea what the fuss is all about. These types of celebrations are all about the parents - and to some degree that's fine. I think the mom, especially, deserves a little celebration as it was she who delivered the baby a year ago. One of my best friends is Pakistani, and she had a HUGE party for her son (I mean her friends) a few years ago, and I can promise you, the baby had no idea what was going on... in fact, I think he slept through most of it. There were over 75 people there, the women were definitley dressed to impress - it was definitly a party for the adults.

I'm of the opinion to have a simple, low key event. I am learning that with my daughter (who is turning 4 this week), there are many more birthdays to celebrate in a "big" way. We may have a few friends over to celebrate our son's 1st birthday, but because I know my son would get overwhelmed with a big crowd, it will be simple.

Selene - posted on 01/10/2010

i think you should but definately keep it small. too many ppl can cause your baby to freak out. also keep it short, a couple of hours. and if you are invited more smaller children keep that number down too. it should be fun and although they might not remember down the line there are always pictures. plus its your babies FIRST birthday, thats something to celebrate :)

Amy - posted on 01/10/2010

My son wil be 1 on March 20th and we are having him a 1st birthday party.... I believe that if we didn't later on in life we would regret it and not be able to get that moment back. I also want to be able to celebrate with my beautiful lil man and remember what I was going through a whole year ago and how that day changed my life forever :)

Dani - posted on 01/10/2010

we are having a party for our son whos one in march its a big celebration its his 1st and i think its a special party. its also a chance for family and friends to get together as my family is big and it dosent happen very often. i cant wait am organising the cake now will be doing a New McDonald farm theme he loves Max and Milly haha..enjoy the organising as it will be worth it!!

Kaitlyn - posted on 01/10/2010

hey eva. my daughter is turning one in march also and we are definitly having a party.. its important. not just for your baby but for yourself and family...

Dawn - posted on 01/10/2010

my friend's son turned 1 last week 7th Jan and she had a party... he absolutely loved it!!!! so i think u should go for it... my son will be 1 in March aswell and i will be definately having a party for him x

Jontue - posted on 01/09/2010

I think a party is great but you also have to think of your daughter and her "nap" schedule, if she has one. Is your daughter happier in the morning or evening and then schedule something around your daughter.

Just a suggestions because I have been to three 1 year old parties in the last couple of months. It seems like the little one's are cranky due to lack of sleep but the one mom did it in the morning and everyone was gone by nap time ...

Krystal - posted on 01/09/2010

We are !! We're having a pool party lol....mainly for us adults and the kiddies have a splash pool and gym outside. Im excited. I know he wont remember but its a good chance to catch up with everyone too xx

Katherine - posted on 01/09/2010

It's ALL for us, not them. I did with my first and she was so over stimulated and tired. All of our babies will be one!!!! AHHHHH! It went by so fast :( I will have a 'family' party and that's it. I'm not going to go all out like I did with my first. She will have her own cake to wreck, but she got so much at Christmas and she's only 10mo! How many toys can a baby have?

Cassandra - posted on 01/09/2010

My daughter Hayden is turning one in March and I have been planning her first birthday party since she was six months old. My Four year old had a big party and loved it. The first birthdays are one the biggest in my book. I think you should!

Jenea - posted on 01/09/2010

We will be celebrating Amber's first birthday in March as well and she will be haivng a party with family and friends with cake and ice cream and presents. I think she should have a party, I just don't believe in spending an arm and a leg to do it, when she won't remember it the next day.

Maureen - posted on 01/09/2010

You never to have another 1st birthday! Enjoy plaaning a party for your child and forget about what others say...You should be making the memories with your child and this is a milestone as well as a special memory. I will be celebrating my daughter's 1st birthday with a party for family and friends. It was a tough first year in her life and would not think twice about it.

Donna - posted on 01/09/2010

my son will be 1 March 5 and yes i sooooooooooo planning a party for him not only is it his birthday, his first birthday but it is also a day for me (as selffish as it may seem). That is the day he made me whole, complete and full of meaning, not to say I wasn't before it just seems like there is more of a purpose now for me. I have thought about what to do many times and all i can do is cry happily of course because my son will be 1 WHOOT WHOOT

TIFFANY - posted on 01/09/2010

you should have a party, it is a time for u to remember that joyful day she was born, especially the 1st birthday. They only turn 1 once and the first year is rough but goes by so fast, my 3rd baby will be 1 march 26th and it has gone by so fast, i will be having a big party for him as i did with my older 2 kids.

Laurie - posted on 01/09/2010

My daughter will be one on 3/5 and I plan on having a small gathering with family and friends. She gets a little shy or may cry if she doesn't know someone but it really depends on her mood. I wish I had more babies to invite around her age. She loves babies and kids...and puppies too. Don't stress...have fun with it!

Samantha - posted on 01/09/2010

We will definitely be giving my daughter a party. My sisters had 1st birthday parties for my nieces and they had a great time. We have some great pictures to show them when they get older.

Tiffany - posted on 01/09/2010

I'm going to have a party for my daughter turning one in March. My daughter loves people though and I'm not inviting anyone she doesn't already know. I think you should have a party, but if you are worried about it you can make it small

Chelsea Ann - posted on 01/09/2010

my son 1st birthday is in march and hes having a 1st birthday party im planning it now

im inviting family and friends mine has a big family so hes use to alot of people so if u got a big family dont worry she well cope fine and im tlking lots of photos so when hes

older he can look at them.

Julie - posted on 01/08/2010

I think you should do it! Have a party.  Your baby is going to be 1! This will never happen again.  I have never heard of such a thing.  I am throwing my little boy a 1st birthday, he is going to be 1.  So exciting.  We made it thru our first year of motherhood.  Congrats to you.

Quoting Eva:

One year old, party or not?

My daughter it's turning one on March and I have heard that year olds shouldn't have birthday party because they get upset with all the people surrounding them. But, the thing is that I'm very excited on planning her party, you know we moms want to spoil our babies. Do you think I should make her the party? Did you made your babies a party when they turned one? Are you planning on doing one for you baby?

Andreea - posted on 01/08/2010

DEFINITELY having a bday party, am planning it now. It only happens once and I want to take pics, video and have them as memories for him to see when hes older. Im getting a clown, jumping castle, balloons and so on. If ur little one is shy and scared of ppl have a small party with the family.

Deanna - posted on 01/08/2010

I'm sure you could throw one, it's more for the parents to get together. in my oppinion. And the pictures you can take of them eating their own cake is priceless. :) i believe every baby should have a first birthday.

Helen - posted on 01/08/2010

Yup we are definitely having a first birthday party. And it wont be huge...But I am expecting 20-30 people. My daughter is fine with a lot of people and it is going to be at a children's museum so a lot of the kids will be playing and having fun!

Ashley - posted on 01/08/2010

Even though they may not remember it, you will. It is an awesome celebration, better than first Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc...because she is the only one that matters at this party. I agree with Renae, as long as she has been around other people and is good with that, there is no reason you can't have the party.

Cheryl - posted on 01/08/2010

Yes my daughter has been round lots of people, i have a big family. She can be funny sometimes but in general she loves being around people of all ages. Christmas she seemed to really enjoy herself and there were plenty of people about. I think if ur daughter is fine with people and doesnt become distress in anyway, go for it. Im going to start planning my little one's party soon aswell. Its an exciting time enjoy and good luck!!

Stacey - posted on 01/08/2010

My daughter allyson will be 1 march 28 and we ARE having a party for her. I mean we have waited a long time to have our kids and I think a first birthday party is a big deal. I am planning a dora the explorer party. I already want to start buying stuff for it but it's still 3 months away. I have already been to 3 first birthday parties and the kids were all fine and outgoing. Hope this helps

Renae - posted on 01/08/2010

Has your daughter been around a lot of people before? What about christmas? If she coped with it before she will cope again. I can't wait for my baby's 1st birthday, also in March. I'm planning it now.

Cheryl - posted on 01/07/2010

My daughter will be one in March also. She will be having a 1st birthday party. U can always take loads of pics to show her when she is older. I will be inviting friends and family. I dont want her to miss out as i never had a birthday party when i was younger.

Beck - posted on 01/06/2010

I was umm and ahhh over the decision too. Partly because I know bub wont remeber the big day (and all the effort we go to for it!) All of our 'mums and bubs' friends have had parties and varying sizes, my Mum tells me that neither I or my brother or any of our friends had 1 years old parties... So after considering maybe just a couple of small gatherings with family then one with mums and bubs group I decided to bite the bullet and do one gathering. We will probably have it one his actual bday which is a Sunday from 10-12 (whi is NOT bubs sleep time - usually happy, play time). We are thinking of having it at the local family center where playgroupd is held - very child friendly with outside play equipment. We will do no games but a friend has a bouncy castle so I am thinking about asking if they could put that up for the older kids. Low key, easy finger foods are my plan. On all reports the bubs have had a great time and been very socialable on the day. I would plan it around bubs routine (some did 11-2 cos their bub sleep morning and arvo) to try and ensure they will be happy. I wouldn't stress over having one or not, if its too hard or you dont have the money / time I would not be having one. Good luck, it is such a special time.

Liz - posted on 01/06/2010

my son was born in march as well and i am def throwing a party for him, although it wont be a huge thing, just very close friends and family.