Keep food simple because most of it will probably end up on the floor anyway!  Finger Foods are excellent for both babies and adults, as eating them won’t interrupt play or interaction. Parents may well have brought a bottle or feeder cup with the drink of choice for their baby, but have water, milk and diluted fruit juices at the ready. If you’re providing food for the adults, keep it simple and avoid peanuts and other foods which may present a choking hazard to little ones.

Some babies will have quite a few teeth and be able to bite into food, while others may still be toothless, so cater for both extremes. Organic bread sticks, tiny sandwiches with cheese spread, cubes of mild cheese and mini fromage frais cartons are all good ideas. Chocolate fingers are scrummy, but messy, so plain biscuits may be a better choice. Jelly tends to be more of a play material at this age than a dessert.  To be honest, your mini guests will probably eat very little food, so aim for a variety of taste, texture and colour rather than lots of it.

However, no party is complete without a birthday cake. You can either make one yourself or choose from a variety at a supermarket or bakery. Don’t let your baby near the candle as she will want to grab, not blow, it.

Loud bangs from party poppers and bursting balloons may frighten your baby, and discarded poppers and balloons are serious choking hazards, so leave them until next year. Why not have some musical fun instead, such as dancing with your baby, or putting on a nursery rhyme CD in the background.

She’ll appreciate a few simple games, such as Row the boat or Round and round the garden, with plenty of tickles, too. She’ll also enjoy peek-a-boo games, finding toys hidden in a box or under a cloth and, of course, helping you to open her presents. Do brace yourself for her being much more excited by the wrapping paper than the actual gifts!  Party Suppliers can also help you with suggestions and ideas. Many sell themed party packs and more.