Part 1 - The Food - Part of the 1st Birthday Ideas Series

Today's first time parenting tip - Pick foods that are easy to prepare, easy for baby to eat and that can be made ahead of time

The 1st birthday is right around the corner! Are you going to plan a birthday bash for your little one? They may not be big enough to remember yet, but you and everyone who attends will. That's why its important to keep the day as stress free as possible so you and everyone else can enjoy it.

First, what will everyone eat? Since you've got a lot to deal with just getting your baby ready for the party, you'll want something easy to make that allows people to serve themselves. And you'll want the baby to be able to eat with everyone too!

Here are some food ideas:

• Fruit tray with bananas, apples, strawberries, kiwi with some low fat yogurt dip


• Vegetable tray. Unless you cook these, this'll probably be an adults only tray


• Cheese and cracker tray


• Bread and hummus tray
• Finger sandwiches with meat, cheese and lettuce. Mustard and mayo optional


• Taquitos or Flautas. These rolled up Mexican appetizers taste great and are easy to make


• Macaroni and cheese. Not the kraft kind, but the kind you make with noodles, real cheese with bread crumbs sprinkled on top


• Birthday cake of course. Cupcakes are also another excellent way to go

You get the idea. With a menu like this, it already starts to feel like a kids party and it will remind your guest of the parties they had as a kid.

What kind of food do you serve at your kids' birthday parties?

See all the first time parenting tips