My daughter will be one in November. She has been sick pretty much since she has been born. She can't eat by mouth and can not be exposed to any illnesses. I plan to have her a family only party. My question is since she can't eat by mouth do I have to do a cake? Can I just make cupcakes for the other kids? Should I do a big theme with the cake anyway? Also any suggestions of waht to tell people to get her for her birthday.( they always ask) She can't hold her head up yet so she is not developmentally ready for typical one year old toys. Any suggestions on either topic would be appreciated. Thank you.
2006-08-17 05:33:37 · 21 answers · asked by mommyofthree 3 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
dear mommy of 3 i also have a special needs child who will be turning 4 in sept. she also cannot be around allot of people as she can easily catch something and it will make her very sick. Every year for her birthday even thought she too has a feeding tube and cannot take anything by mouth we have bought her a birthday cake and let her try to blow out the candles(her 2 older sisters and her younger brother always help her) we always just have family but because of the excitement in her face when she sees the cake makes up for everything.
if you would like to talk further about special needs children you may do so by sending me an email or im at hotmama4476@yahoo.ca
Take Care and Good Luck
2006-08-21 11:08:02 · answer #1 · answered by Dawn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only thing that really matters for your daughter's birthday is that it makes her smile. Cakes are traditional, but certainly not a requirement. I would go so far as to say not to make cupcakes, either, if the sight of them would be unkind to your daughter (if not, it would be a nice gesture for the other kids). A big bunch of colorful balloons for her to look at would be a great cake replacement. Just sing happy birthday in nice, loud voices and she'll be fine!
If there is a theme that your daughter would realte to--like a TV show she enjoys watching--then by all means theme it up. If not, I wouldn't be too concerned with theme. Maybe just decorate in bright, fun colors to stimulate her senses and give a "fun" feeling. Also, playing familiar music helps the atmosphere in a huge way.
As far as gifts are concerned, why not suggest that each guest bring a dog or cat treat to be donated to a local shelter? Or some canned goods to donate to a local food bank? Some of my daughter's friends have been doing these types of things instead of getting more "stuff" they really don't need. I think it's a great idea. You could also suggest appropriate toys for your daughter, but only you can answer what that would be. If she likes soft things, maybe suggesting a beannie baby or similar toy. And gift certificates to Target or Toys R Us, etc. are always welcome. Just keep a couple of her favorite things handy and she won't care what the "presents" are.
Also, take lots of pictures so you can show them to her later, and even years from now so she can start creating happy memories.
Most importantly, have fun!
2006-08-17 05:51:38 · answer #2 · answered by sellb123 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cupcakes for the other kids is a great idea.
I dont think you have to do a big theme, get a helium bottle available at Walmart, Kmart and some of the other bigger stores, blow up lots of colorful baloons, hang some colorful streamers and maybe a bright pink paper table cloth will add to the cheerfullness of the whole party.
As for toys, I liked the Idea of registering at the local store, that way YOU can decide on exactly what is right, and the others will know what to get and what has already been purchased, avoid duplicate or un wanted items.
Redo her room in a favorite charector like Pooh bear, or a ballerina theme.
Register at the store where they sell them, tell your family, I am redoing her room and we could always use a new crib sheet shet, or, a new bumper pad set would work.
If you want to help her development, ask her pediatrician for some reccomendations as to what would be a good idea to help her.
Best of luck, And congratulations for making it through the first year!
Wish you daughter a happy birthday for me.
2006-08-17 07:59:52 · answer #3 · answered by kathi m 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I know where you are coming from. My daughter was born premature at 25 weeks and we had to be very cautious with her health the first 2 years.
For her first b-day party, I did the Sesame Street 1st Birthday theme. Although she wasn't totally into Sesame Street at the time, I knew she probably would be at some point. So if you want to choose a theme, my opinion is to do it! She'll love anything you pick! She'll get the idea that the gathering is for her when everyone is paying attention to her all at once. You don't HAVE TO do a cake, but if you'd like to, just give your daughter a slice and let her play with it and lick it. My daughter didn't actually eat any of her cake, but she tried to put the paper plate in her mouth! It made for some cute pictures. In the back of my head, I was trying to make her first b-day party as "typical" as possible, for her sake, and my own. It's not selfish, we all want our children to be typical, and we try to give them that as much as possible when they aren't quite "typical". I did send out invitations with a special note saying: IF YOU OR SOMEONE IN YOUR HOME HAS BEEN SICK WITHIN 10 DAYS OF THE PARTY, PLEASE DO NOT COME. I wanted to prevent illness to the maximum, and I did.
My daughter was delayed also, and I found the Leap Frog toys to be fantastic! How about suggesting to your guests the Leap Frog Drum, the Leap Frog Shape Sorter, or Baby Tad? Baby Tad is a doll that teaches shapes, but also has musical buttons with a timer for sleep. It's really cute! In addition to that, you might want to suggest books, clothing, a winter jacket, mittens, and hats.
I think anything you do will create special memories for you and your family. I hope the party goes well, and I wish your daughter much happiness and good health.
2006-08-17 06:45:04 · answer #4 · answered by Marie K 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My niece has Rett Syndrome and is the same way. Everyone buy's her clothes for her birthday or when she was younger they would by rattles and other baby toys she could wrap her fingers around and through so she could hold on to them better because she does the hand wringing thing so her hands are always moving. She will be 9 this year.
Cupcakes is just fine for her birthday.
Does she have any favorite colors? If she has color's that she favors more then other decorate in those colors.
Wish her a Happy Birthday from all of us at the Love house hold.
Have fun and enjoy the day.
2006-08-18 15:39:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
These are very good questions that you ask. The easiest thing is to do what YOU feel comfortable doing. I think having cupcakes at a one-year-old party sounds about right. If you plan to send invitations, on the invitation you may suggest types of items appropriate for gifts for your child. One must assume that the people you invite know of the medical problems the birthday girl has, so they should not find it insulting or rude for you to suggest. In fact, I would find such a note very helpful. The nice thing about celebrating the first birthday is that the child will not remember it. The party is more for you, your family, and your friends to celebrate the special day.
Happy Birthday wishes a little early to your daughter, may the next year find her in better health. She sounds lucky to have such a caring and loving mother.
Good luck & have fun at the party!
Will D
Enterprise AL
http://www.notagz.com
2006-08-17 05:47:14 · answer #6 · answered by Will D 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't bother with cake the party is for her not the family be hospitable and provide snacks but concentrate more on the visual and sound aspect for her as well as textile. Have them sing the birthday song at the gift portion of the party. As far as what to tell them to get if they ask.. exactly what she need or you need for her as part of caring for her. A child that isn't at the normal developmental stages for their age still enjoy the things of life that people do at any age. Music, beautiful colors. different textures even different smells. As for the cake question if you feel it necessary to have a cake party light offers a ceramic birthday cake that you can put a candle in and do the whole birthday wish thing.
2006-08-21 16:15:53 · answer #7 · answered by old me... past sucks 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have the cake, even if she can't eat by mouth I'm sure she'll have fun smashing it to bits like every other 1 years old manages to do. As for the gifts, are there any kinds of services she can use? What about developmental toys for younger babies, books and CD's ( I've found that all the babies I know enjoy classical music. Be inventive, ask your Pediarician if he can think of any ideas as well.
2006-08-17 05:58:18 · answer #8 · answered by skylark455st2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can do a theme party if your daughter has a favorite character, just on a smaller scale and cupcakes are fine. When people ask what to get for her birthday explain that she isn't quite ready for toys....yet. Maybe they can get some of the things/supplies she needs on a daily basis and wrap them up. Books are always a great present. Surrounded by people who love her is the best present ever ! She is such a blessed little girl to have a mommy like you. Enjoy the day............
2006-08-17 05:45:15 · answer #9 · answered by Marcie J 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think I would probably have a small cake for the people who are there. Also, it means you'll at least have pictures of her 1st birthday when she's older. As for gifts, why not the "floor" mobiles she can lay under and play with. My daughter was injured when she was 4 months old and a little delayed and she loved hers!! Or, soft toys that she can at least hold or cuddle with. And she'll always need clothes! Something else my daughter loved was the socks that are rattles cuz she never kept her feet still! It also helped her coordination trying to reach them. Give her a big happy birthday hug for me -- that's such a great age, no matter what.
2006-08-17 05:43:24 · answer #10 · answered by icddppl 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋