So yeah, I have a few more first questions. My son is 8 months and my husband is complaining about how long his hair is getting and how he needs a hair cut. Sure he has a lot of hair but it's not like it's in his eyes or anything, and it's not super long that you think he is a girl, it's just shaggy.
So how old were your kids when they got their first hair cut? What kind of an experience was it? Do you have to go some place special to get it cut or just any salon?
My second question is about birthdays. I know I still have four months before his birthday but I was just wondering what some moms have done for the first birthday. His is a few days before Christmas and I've been told by EVERYONE who has a December birthday to make sure we celebrate it and make it separate from Christmas and my husband and I plan on doing that. It may just be us since our family lives a few hours away but we want to do something special. Maybe set up a tradition for him. I'm just not sure what.
Also he'll most likely be in daycare so I would like to do something with them and help him celebrate his birthday there too. Any ideas? I know another child had a birthday not too long ago and the mom brought in balloons-one for every child and cupcakes, which the teachers scraped off the frosting and gave the kids a little bit. But I'm wondering how old can a child be to eat cake? Do I even want to make a cake or should I do something different?
Any and all suggestions will be most welcome. Thank you!
My sons didn't get hair cuts 'til they were three; my Grandson got his first haircut at 2 1/2 and I will never recover.
I cut my kid's hair before they were 1, because baby hair mixed with new growth just looked funny. But I'm adept with a pair of scissors and I did it while they where sleeping. There's no wrong or right time, just your time and your child. Some kids are just afraid of getting a hair cut. Don't push it. If they are afraid and you push it, it may make them afraid for the rest of their baby lives! I also always gave them a lollypop afterwards. =)
For first birthday, it's always a big family event for us but do as little or much as you want. There are tons to sites out there with ideas for parties (Pinterest as well). Just type in "first birthday ideas" and you are ready to take your pick. Maybe each birthday you buy him a special ornament. That way, when he grows up and leaves the house, your child will get to take a set of ornaments to start his tree. A photo at each birthday in an ornament either made or bought is kind of cool for a Christmas baby.
As for daycare, check with the provider on rules. Ours is very open as to what we wish to do but it's usually cupcakes/cake. They sing and they give them a crown. If you feel crafty, put together something to give to everyone in the class, just simple stuff.
And a one year old CAN eat cake! Not with nuts on it and stuff but come on, I'm pretty sure we aren't talking about that kind of cake. You do what you want to do but my opinion is that it isn't a child's birthday without a cake. My kids love seeing the cakes I've made for them over the years. It's just fun and it adds that little bit of "I put some thought into my child's birthday". But that's just me. You put thought into it in a different way. I'm the cake person. Candy, toys, gifts... I wouldn't care... but I make them that cake every year.
DS got his first haircut this week at 22 months. He has curly hair. I tried to take him to the barber shop several times over the past few months, he'd throw a fit. Ultimately I did it myself, when he was drowsy, jetlagged, but awake. Nipped about an inch off the end of each ringlet. Thank goodness curly hair is forgiving.
As for the b-day party, the first b-day is more about you than it is about baby. A few family members a cupcake, and a balloon would do the trick.
We threw a big(ish) party for our son's first. It was a monster party for his October b-day. DS was at best bemused, at times overwhelmed and a little clingy.
Do what you want have a good time. I say let them eat cake. Birthdays and special occassions call for cake.
Good luck to you and yours,
F. B.
DS got his haircut at 14 months by the same person who cuts mine. She made a big deal out of it and saved hair from the cut for me. I have pictures ... He sat in my lap and played with ,y keys. One of the other girls in the salon took the pictures. I had the added complication of him being a foster son, so I had to have permission and get pictures without me or any of the salon team in them. She now cuts his hair about every 12 weeks. Uses clippers to make it faster and even ... Helps a lot!!
As for the birthday ... His first was over the top with lots of family and friends (probably 35 people in all). We did it at our house and had lots of fun. We, too, have a December birthday. I agree with fanged bunny ... Cake (and ice cream) all around! Our DS needed a wash down in the tub before his afternoon nap. You can get a high chair floor covering from a party store, which was a necessity. We did Elmo theme and had a Sesame Street cake from one of my fav bakeries. Make OT a big deal, but know its more for you and the pictures (which are priceless) than for your LO.
my oldest was almost 3......my younger son was about a year or so.........they do have kids oriented places but im thinking 8 months is a bit young. it depends on the child if they eat cake or not. or the parents i should say. do something with your family or just you and hubby. i wouldnt worry about daycare
Oh my gosh this brings back memories!! My son was well over a year old when he got his first haircut. Yes, it was a little long but not in his eyes and he was adorable; my husband really didn't say much about it!! My parents went with me and we took him to my Daddy's barber!! My Mom, Dad and I all sat there with tears in our eyes! Then we looked at each other and started laughing - we were all such big saps!! lol!! Ok, I'm tearing up remembering this!!!
Anyways, my son did great! Then afterward, the barber gave him a certificate acknowledging his first haircut. AND, the barber was so sweet, he didn't mind me taking pictures and he made sure I caught some hair to put in his memory book.
To answer your question, any salon should be able to cut his hair. I would go on an off-hour when they're not crowded and just ask for someone with experience with very young kids. As for age: that's totally up to you and when you think your son is ready!
As for daycare - I would probably just do a small cookie instead of a cake. Much easier to serve and clean up!! The party at home is where I would have a cake - actually more for the adults than your son. We had friends and family over and played a couple games and then my son opened gifts.
We had a tradition of going to Chuck E. Cheese (or the other place but I can't think of the name right now!) - didn't do their big party; just went and played games and sometimes got their pizza. Made it a special day.
Good luck!!
Mine was about 14 months, and it still isn't as short as his father wants it. I only cut it because he gets hot. I cut it myself because I am saving his hair. And because I don't want some stranger in a public chair performing such an intimate service on my baby. Maybe when he's 3 or 4....
First birthday--we invited over for casual lunch/dinner and hanging out certain people who were part of our support team during pregnancy. I am not into the big parties for babies.
At 19 months, he still doesn't eat cake. I just don't think that it's necessary at this early age. He's got the rest of his life to enjoy the stuff that I consider "junk".
