Need help planning the perfect dinosaur birthday party for a 1-year-old? Then look no further, our first birthday party planning guide will help you every step of the way.
A baby's first birthday party is all about the adults or siblings rather than the baby, as it's too early for the baby to have formed any friendship groups yet. As such you'll probably end up just inviting your close friends with similar age children and your family.
As your child will still be too small to do any big activities, the location is dictated by the needs of the guests. As long as there is space for you all and refreshments you don't really need anything else, well maybe baby change facilities. Good locations for a baby's first birthday are either at home or a local park or beach.
Babies at 1 year old don't have many needs other than to eat and sleep, so as long as there is somewhere for baby to get some rest then the party length and time isn't that important. With that in mind though, it's a good idea to plan it to start just after baby's regular nap time so they are awake and active for at least some of the party.
It's always important to send out nice invites whatever age your child is. There are plenty of dinosaur party invitations suitable for 1 year olds.
Here are a few of our favourite dinosaur-themed invitations suitable for 1-year-old birthday parties
It might seem obvious but some people can forget to add important information to the party invitation, the invitation should include all of these:
It's important to decorate your venue to enhance the theme of the party, there are many different dinosaur decorations available from balloons and banners to tablecloths, drinking cups and bubble machines.
Here are a few of our favourite dinosaur party decorations for 1-year-old birthday parties
Unfortunately 1 year olds aren't quite capable of joining in with organised games just yet, so any games will be to cater for the other guests, so you need to plan something suitable depending upon their ages.
When planning the food and drink for a 1-year-old's dinosaur birthday party, it's important to consider the age of the guests and provide simple, kid-friendly options. Many of the children could still be breast-feeding or on premade baby food so you won't need to provide a huge amount. Finger foods such as cut-up fruit, cheese, crackers, and small sandwiches would be easy for little hands to grab and enjoy, but be sure to check if any guests have any allergies first. Make sure you cater for the adults too though, with some traditional party food and maybe a bottle of Champagne to help celebrate the big day.
When planning party bags for a 1-year-old's birthday, it's important to keep in mind the age of the guests. Many items you would normally associate with party bags will not be suitable for 1-year-olds so we'd advise sticking to things such as small soft dinosaur toys and bubbles. Obviously, you should include a slice of birthday cake wrapped in an attractive dinosaur napkin.
A few tips to help you plan a 1st dinosaur birthday party
A first birthday is really for the adults and siblings, as the baby is too young to have friends yet. Most people invite close friends with similar age children, plus family.
Somewhere with enough space for the guests and refreshments, ideally with baby change facilities. Home, a local park or a beach all work well.
Keep it simple with soft finger foods like cut-up fruit, cheese, crackers and small sandwiches, checking for allergies first. Many guests may still be on baby food, so you won't need much, but do cater for the adults too.
Stick to age-safe items like small soft dinosaur toys and bubbles, avoiding anything that could be a choking hazard. A slice of cake wrapped in a dinosaur napkin is a nice touch.
Plan it to start just after your baby's usual nap time, so they are awake and active for at least part of the party.
