Your Home

• If you have the space to accommodate guests, throwing the party in your own home may be your best option. The comforting familiarity of your home will keep your baby's stress level low, making it easier for you to manage her mood. It also gives you the freedom to decorate in any way you wish and the control to call the shots -- if you only want to celebrate for an hour or two, you have the ability to limit how long people stay. Keeping the party in your home also eliminates outside distractions that may upset your baby, so consider staying in if you have the room.
  
  

The Zoo

• When the weather permits, consider taking your baby out in the sunshine for his first birthday. A trip to the zoo, for example, is a simple and family-friendly outing where your baby can be comfortable while enjoying the colors, sounds and sights of the animals. A trip like this is exciting enough for a one year-old, so invite just a few close friends. Alternatively, you may throw your party in a public park -- a picnic for your family and friends can be a low-key way to relax outdoors while celebrating your baby's big day.
  
  

A Relative's House

• An indoor birthday party is ideal for impatient babies, but you may not have the space or the resources. If this is the case, ask your baby's grandparents or other close relatives if you can host the party at their home. Babies demand a considerable amount of attention, so no matter where you host your baby's first birthday party, you need to enlist plenty of help. By throwing the birthday bash at a relative's home, you can ensure that you have backup in case of a temper tantrum or an emergency diaper change situation -- taking the stress of yourself like this enables you to enjoy your baby's party instead of rushing around the entire time.
  
  

Children's Museum

• A trip to a local children's museum is a sure way to keep the festivities and entertainment baby-friendly, so if you have one nearby, consider throwing your party there. The Children's Museum of Manhattan, for example, offers different birthday party options depending on the age group of your child -- activities may be as simple as listening to lullabies from different cultures. Keeping the festivities light like this while still going to an outside venue takes the pressure off of you and lets your baby enjoy her day as much as she can.