A babies’ first birthday is highly anticipated and celebrated time in most families as it denotes a full year since the birth of the baby. This year included many changes and milestones as well as lots of hugs, smiles, boo boos and tears. There may not be another birthday for a while that is surrounded in as much excitement as the first birthday, so having a big bash for baby is not only fun but a great excuse for a party.

Party Time
What time is the best time to invite everyone over for your baby’s party? You want to make sure your baby is not going to be cranky, so you should pick a time when your baby will be well rested and not hungry. If your baby is on a schedule and you know when he should be napping, try to schedule the party between naps. Don’t make the party last too long. Your baby has a short attention span and after too much festivity is likely to begin getting fussy.

Invitation List
Invitation lists vary from house to house. If your main focus is your baby’s birthday don’t invite over so many people that he gets easily overwhelmed. Just a couple of family members would be enough to celebrate the big day. If you want to use your baby’s birthday as a time to have a family get together try having an outdoor barbeque so that your baby doesn’t feel closed in, or inviting a few family members early to celebrate the birthday and have the rest come at the end of the party.

Decorations
Everybody loves balloons, especially babies! There is nothing silly about decorating for your baby’s first birthday party, but remember if you make it too “busy” your maybe may get stressed or overwhelmed by it and not be able to relax and enjoy his day. Try keeping the decorations low key, and in bright colors that will catch your baby’s eye. Stick to one theme and have fun with it!

Cakes
Yes, we said “cakes”. The best part of a first birthday is watching your baby put cake all over his face. No one really wants to eat a cake though that has been in a baby’s face! Many stores will make mini cakes, just for your baby, or you can make a little cake to decorate just for your baby’s birthday. This way your baby has his own cake that he can pose with for pictures and enjoy making a mess out of, while you and your family have a cake you can enjoy eating.

Pictures
Be sure to take lots of pictures and video. This occasion commences the end of your baby’s first year of life and will only happen once. You will definitely want pictures of every moment to look back on and to share with friends and family members that were not able to make it.

Presents
Don’t feel pressured to open all your baby’s presents while the guests are at your house. Most people will understand if you choose to wait till it is quieter and less active in the house to have your baby sit down and try his hand at unwrapping packages. It might be that your baby needs a nap before he is able to tackle the task of tearing off wrapping paper. Be sure to keep a list of what everyone gives your baby though for your thank you notes.

Thank You Notes
It is always good manners to send thank you notes out for the gifts your baby receives from his birthday parties. Use the list you made as your baby opened his presents to write the thank you cards. You can even enclose a picture of your baby with that gift, or another pictures from your baby’s first birthday party. This is a good way to send out baby’s one year pictures to family members, without having to use an extra stamp.

By Brenda McLean

Are you planning a baby shower? Diaper cakes can be a creative centerpiece for your table as well as a practical gift for your expectant mom. A Diaper Cake is created out of dozens of diapers and decorated with small baby products such as combs, pacifiers, teething rings, booties and toys. The entire cake can later be taken a part and the items utilized for the new baby.

Diaper Cake Ingredients:

• 16″ disposable cardboard platter
• Baby bottle or empty cardboard towel roll
• 8 feet of 1” wide ribbon
• Rubber bands of different sizes
• Clear adhesive tape
• Approximately 50 newborn diapers
• Decorative baby items (bibs, socks, toys)
• Cake Topper (candy filled baby bottle or stuffed animal)

Diapers:
The number of diapers you will require depends on the size and number of tiers you would like your cake to have. On average 50 newborn diapers will create a standard sized 3-layered cake.

• 20 diapers for the bottom layer
• 10 to 15 diapers for the middle layer
• 5 diapers for the top layer

Assembling Your Diaper Cake:

• Use a cardboard paper towel roll or a baby bottle to roll your diapers
• When rolling your diapers, have them opened lengthwise with tabs tucked in
• Secure your diapers with a rubber band whenever necessary
• Fold and wrap a receiving blanket around each tier using tape to hold in place
• Use a ribbon to cover and hide the rubber band and as a decorative touch.
• Assemble your tiers on top of your cake platter, using adhesive tape
• Tuck your baby items in the ribbons as decorations
• Top your cake off with something fitting the theme of your party. Whether it be a small stuffed toy, a baby bottle or rattle

Other Decorative Ideas:

• Drape baby bibs over the receiving blankets
• Use baby items related only to your theme
• If using a baby bottle as the topper, fill it with candy or small baby items.

Add a professional touch by using clear cellophane. Spread a sheet out and center your cake in the middle. Gather the sides and edges and tie together with a nice ribbon or bow

A diaper cake is a fun gift to give. Be creative and happy baking!

About the Author:
Brenda McLean is a stay-at-home of two small children and is married to her husband Albert. Brenda is also the creator of http://www.your-baby-shower-guide.com/ A website providing in-depth information, fun ideas and useful tips to help guide you in your baby shower planning. Brenda and her family enjoy camping