3 Tips From a Sleep Consultant To Ensure Your Child Has The Best Birthday Party

Planning your child's birthday party can be one of the most exciting things to do! Before my oldest son's first birthday (really by the time he was 6 months old), I had a whole Pinterest board filled with first birthday ideas.  I knew the theme, the decorations I would get from Etsy, and the food we would have.

But...One of the most important things didn't even occur to me...

And that was what time the party would be!

As a sleep consultant, I am (obviously!) big on keeping sleep routines because I know my son napped so well at his nap times. Rocking the boat wasn't something I wanted to do often because I knew the overtired monster that could come out if I didn't get him the sleep he needed!

So that ran my into a little dilemma. At that time he was still napping two times a day - at 9:30 and 2. So planning a party around that was kind of difficult! Did we do it around 11 for an early lunch? Did we do it at 3:30 for an early evening? I wanted him to be at his best and having fun at his own party, not cranky and crying in every picture because it was nap time but it was a more convenient time for me. He was only going to have his 1st birthday once, and of course I wanted it to be the best!

So when clients I'm working with have parties during our time together, I have them keep these three things in mind - no matter their child's age.

What Does Their Day Typically Look Like?

If your planning a birthday party for a one or two year old, chances are good that they are still napping during the day. Even your just turning 3 year old may still require a good rest time in the middle of the day. Planning the party around their typical nap schedule will save you sorting through picture after picture of your little one crying. OR of your little one zooming around like a rocket after no sleep and lots of sugar!

Who Are You Inviting?

Other parents of children you are inviting of similar ages will also thank you! Since most likely their child will be on a similar schedule, they will love that they don't have to choose between attending the party or keeping their nap schedule. If you have lots of friends and family with similar aged children, or are inviting your child's entire daycare class, then planning around their shared schedule for the birthday party will be best. However, if you know your child is the only one attending that still naps and everyone else will be an adult or non-napping child it's different. Then you can still plan the party around your child's schedule, or if they are ok skipping a nap one day, plan it anytime that works for you!

Don't Feel Bad About Planning Around Your Family!

No matter what, we can't please everyone! Someone may not love the theme you choose, someone may not be able to make that date, and someone may not be able to make that time. And thats ok! This party is for your child, and you want to do what you can to make it the most enjoyable for them! Especially with 1st birthdays, there can be pressure to do a certain thing or have certain people invited. But this is YOUR celebration of your baby and making it around trip around the sun with them! So you do you, and don't worry about the others!

For any other sleep or schedule questions, you can find me here!  For fun party and gift ideas, head to keepitdelighful.com!