Advice for making my adult party (backyard BBQ) baby and new-parent friendly?
Hi, I have no kids and I need advice!
I'm throwing a party for my 35th birthday (Saturday, mid-August).
A handful of friends have had babies in the last few months/weeks. Many others have toddlers and kids up to 9/10 years old.
How can I best accommodate new parents and their kids? I have been to plenty of baby and kid birthday parties, so I am not entirely clueless about activities, but I am sure there are a lot of considerations for new parents that I would not be aware of.
Some ideas and questions. Please let me know what I am doing wrong and what I am leaving out.
- Invites -- I assume new parents will default to "no", but I would like to be able to say I've made the party "baby friendly" so they can at least stop by. Maybe a small window of time, even prior to the start time for adults. Thoughts?
- Entertainment -- I plan to have a small kid's table with coloring books, stickers, maybe temporary tattoos. I may be able to borrow a Little Tikes bounce house. I will get those easy hose-inflatable water balloons, bubbles, Any other ideas?
- Food -- IDK what is best for babies or picky eaters. Lots of water and juice boxes accessible. Grilled cheese. Ice pops (and I'm thinking about arranging for the ice cream truck to stop by or doing ice cream sundaes). Later, there will be a fire and smores.
- Comfort/safety -- I have a nice outdoor couch. Ill have plenty of shade. Lots of fans in case it's hot. There will be music playing over speakers.
- In-ground pool -- Can't avoid this one. Once you're in my backyard, there is no fence or gate to the pool. It also has a ladder instead of steps. Should I get some floaties? I have plenty of floats and pool noodles. It's never been a problem before.
- Inside -- It's usually quiet inside while we have parties. I only have 1 bathroom. Should I set up a changing table or nursing area? I can let them in my room.
What am I overlooking? What else can I do? What red flags did I list?
I want everyone important, friends and family, to be there. I don't usually make my birthday a big thing, but I am turning 35 and my GF and I are a few years away from being ready to have kids. I'm the fun uncle so I want the babies to be accommodated and my niece and nephew to want to stay. Thanks!!
Edit: Thank you all. All of your advice was so helpful! I definitely came to the right place.