Yes, it’s true: your baby will not remember this event. But after 12 months of sleep deprivation, teething and diaper changing, as a parent you deserve a celebration.

Guests
Because your child may sleep through the entire affair, it’s fine to invite just adults if you want to limit the guest list. You may also want to have a trusted friend or babysitter around to help you keep an eye on the baby, so you can relax and enjoy the party.

If other one-year-olds will be attending, limit the guest list to a maximum of five children. Even if your own child isn’t yet crawling, now is the time to baby proof your home with child proof locks, blankets and pillows on blunt sharp edges, and the removal of dangerous substances (like cleaning fluids) and breakables to out of reach places. Also, you may want to nix the balloons, since, if they pop, they can be a choking hazard.

Scheduling
Try to schedule your party just after nap time so your child will be alert and happy. And the party needn’t be long, especially if other children will be attending: an hour and a half is more than sufficient for a party.

Food
Babies and toddlers may not each much, but they will probably enjoy playing with the food. Bagels and teething biscuits give them something to gnaw on and will keep them occupied. For the adults, finger foods allow parents to hold onto to kids while eating, and sandwiches and fruit are always appreciated. As it’s a celebration, champagne is appropriate, as is sparkling non-alcoholic cider, juice, milk, coffee and tea.

If you do serve cupcakes or birthday cake, your beloved will be covered with chocolate frosting by the end of the meal. Photos of the scene are obligatory.

Activities to mark the date
A time capsule is a great way to get your guests involved and make the day meaningful for your child, even if he doesn’t know it at the time. Friends and family can contribute mementos such as newspapers, recordings, and notes to the birthday child, which he or she can then open on another birthday.

Naming ceremony
If you’d like to hold a party with a little more ritual, consider a naming ceremony. This is a secular alternative or addition to traditional christenings and baptisms and is increasingly popular in the United States.

A family friend or godparent usually act as celebrant, and the ceremony can be as informal as introducing the child by his or her full name to the assembled guests. The ceremony can also be a more formal affair, with opening remarks, a reading, the naming, and declaration of support from chosen friends and relatives.

And even if your baby sleeps throughout the festivities, no matter: that's what cameras and digital video are for. As a kid, your son or daughter will get a kick out seeing his or her younger self covered with frosting. Plus there’s an added benefit: when your child hits adolescence, threatening to show these images to your child’s peers may give you valuable leverage in chore negotiations.