5 Birthday Ideas For Baby l Tips For Birthdays l Planning a Child's Birthday

What do you mean there has to be a party? We were happy just to keep little girl healthy and progressing. The stress of celebrating seemed all too much when there is not family around. However, who chooses to not to throw their little girl a birthday party? Why can't we just Pinterest ideas? Well, all of you Pinterest overachievers ruined it for the average parent, so this is not an option. Here is the rebuttal: birthdays are special and to make it special, you don't need a huge party, catering or pricey invitations. You can think outside-the-box and create memories for the baby using simplicity, which also keeps a parent sane. If a birthday celebration for you involves pony rides, clowns and other entertainment, then this not for you. For more stress-free birthday ideas, you've come to the right place because creating lasting memories is what it's all about. If you’re already overcommitted, don't allow the pressure of making a perfect birthday scare you off. Here are 5 birthday ideas for you and your little one to enjoy.

Celebrate at a Local Park

Take your baby to a local park and have a gathering there. Depending on their age, they might really just want to observe the amenities like the swings and the slides. Also, the park is a wonderful place to throw a birthday party because there is a ton of room and not much to clean up. This outdoor space provides plenty of room for plenty of guests – and best of all, it’s free of charge. You can invite friends and family for a barbecue or a picnic lunch. Provide outdoor activities like games of croquet, horseshoes or offer opportunities to paint and color. You have more freedom at the park to make it what you want it to be. Most parks require that you reserve picnic grounds and pavilions. Check out the website first before making plans.

The Aquarium

An aquarium is more than watching fish. Celebrate your child’s birthday and introduce them to animals like otters, stingrays, turtles and maybe dolphins. Many aquariums have educators who do workshops and sessions to teach children about the animals they are featuring. Introduce the baby to crafts, games and meet native animals. If you want to travel, there are some amazing aquariums! The Monterey Bay Aquarium is famous all over the world for its efforts in marine life education and conservation, according to tripping.com. This Northern California aquarium had over 400 different species of marine life. Parents and kids will both love the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Splash Zone. "Loaded with 45 interactive exhibits, this fun section is perfect for kids under 9. Adding to its intrigue, the aquarium is perched right on the Monterey Bay itself, which acts as a field laboratory for staff scientists and conservationists." The National Aquarium in Baltimore, Maryland has 500 exhibits and has a rooftop rainforest, they have 20,000 animals on exhibit for children to view as well as workshops for them to participate in. Even if your child does not understand everything, the experience will be thrilling for them on their birthday.

Go to a Resort

Consider spending time at a resort where there are a ton of things to do, even for little ones. Plus, many resorts offer babysitting services, so you can actually relax as well. Where can you find these baby friendly resorts? Smugglers' Notch is located in Jefferson, Vermont and is 3,000-acres with playgrounds, the gradual-entry wading pool and a petting zoo. "In summer, babies can bask on a screened porch with infant swings situated to enjoy the breeze. If you'd rather your tot stay in your condo, babysitters work for hire," Parenting.com shared. Another baby friendly resort is in Turks & Caicos where story time and dance parties "Sesame Street" characters will be introduced like Elmo and Cookie Monster. "The elaborate Pirate Island Water Park has a quiet splash area for tiny ones as well as a wet-and-wild pirate ship with slippery slides for rambunctious toddlers," the site added. Do searches of resorts in your area, if distance and time is an issue.

Celebrate at Home

There is nothing wrong with having a quiet gathering at home by having a potluck or a barbecue and of course, lots of cake. Invite loved ones over to relax, eat and just be together. For food, make it simple. Make finger foods and small sandwiches. "Provide cheese, cut-up fruit, pasta spirals, and mini yogurts are good options. You can also try animal crackers or graham crackers broken into small pieces," babycenter.com suggested. Purchase a separate birthday cake just for the baby, so they can dig in and enjoy. If you are feeling ambitious hire local entertainers, musicians, face painters or balloon artists. Another reason to have a birthday celebration at home is at such a young age, your baby might not be comfortable around a lot of strangers. By keeping it intimate, it will make them feel safe.