As your child begins to grow, time flies by before you know it. You blink, and your newborn has just turned a year old. It’s an emotional and wonderful time to celebrate not only the hardships of raising a baby but also to look forward to the years to come. So, how are you going to celebrate their first year of life?
Don’t sweat it; there are so many wonderful ways to celebrate a first birthday, from celebrating at home or taking them somewhere with your extended family. Take the day to create new memories and do something fun together! They may not remember it, but you and your family will for a lifetime.
Take Your Family Out
One of the most wonderful ways to celebrate a first birthday is to take them somewhere active. If you include extended family and friends, see if you can bring them out somewhere to spend time together. It’s great for hosting limitations in your residence but also an excellent way for other kids to run around and play.
If you’re unsure where to go, you can take your family to the park for a birthday picnic, a local zoo to see some exciting animals, or even a restaurant that includes a play area for the other kids. It’s a great way to socialize with family and friends while seeing your one-year-old’s reaction to what’s going on around them. It also makes it easier for food and beverage options for everyone attending the event.
Celebrate With a Smash Cake
A staple of celebrating your child’s first birthday is creating a cake that they’ll love. The goal is to allow them to make a huge mess and enjoy the delicious flavors. You can find many recipes online or in a cookbook that suits your child’s preferred taste. If you aren’t interested in making it yourself, you can visit a local grocery store or bakery specializing in smash cakes.
Be sure to capture every moment with your camera and phone. You’ll feel nostalgic looking back on the memories years down the road. Also, you can have your guests fill a page in a notebook for your child to read in the future. Seeing them make a huge mess and enjoy the delicious sweetness of a smash cake is something you’ll want to remember for a long time.
Party Together Virtually
If spending time together in person with your loved ones is not possible, there are other alternatives you can try. One of the most popular ways to see your family without it being in person is to do video calls together. Thankfully, many options are free, and you don’t have to go all out to host a party, especially if you have family and friends who are out of town and can’t come in to visit.
Of course, you can schedule phone calls to talk to loved ones. They can read a book over the phone or even allow you to catch up on any other life events. Having quality family interaction is essential in child development and creating bonds—not to mention, everyone loves seeing your baby grow.
Birthday milestones are a great way to celebrate the triumphs of raising a child while looking forward to the future. Years of life go by quickly, so celebrate every birthday and victory over your child’s growth. You’ll look back and stand proud of who your child grew to be.