Birthdays: babies Your baby's first birthday is a time to gather together close family and friends for a special celebration. Remember her birth and those first special days. Have fun looking at photos to see how your baby has grown. And take plenty more to look back on in years to come!

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What does it mean? The present

The celebration Party checklist

At one year, your baby has quite a short memory and will remember very little but her first birthday can still be an occasion to remember for the rest of your family. Take a moment to think back over the past year. You've had amazing triumphs together and started an exciting adventure of learning that has only just begun.

One-year-olds enjoy interactive toys that push-along, pop-up or can be shaken. Age-appropriate present options include rattles, teething toys and mobiles. Remember, at this age, your baby is just as likely to enjoy playing with the wrapping as the actual present!

The following are some tips for a fuss-free baby birthday party:

Think about holding a small, morning or afternoon celebration, rather than an out-and-out huge family dinner.

Don't invite too many people - your baby won't remember how many people were there, and it will mean less work for you and more time to enjoy yourself!

Make a tape of your baby's favourite nursery rhymes and songs to play.

If you have older children, include some activities to keep them entertained.

Prevent sibling jealousy - where there is not much of an age gap between your baby and an older sibling, think about getting your older child a small present, to prevent jealousy.

Bring out your baby's photo albums and memoirs from their birth, for example a copy of the newspaper from the day they were born.

Keep food simple - finger food is best. Don't get too stressed about providing the 'perfect' birthday cake.

• finger food
• birthday cake
• paper plates and napkins
• tapedeck/cd player and selection of nursery rhymes and songs
• camera and plenty of film
• baby's photo album and memorabilia
• present for baby
• present for older child, if appropriate

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