Healthy Buffet Ideas For A First Birthday Party

Whether you're throwing a large party or organising a more intimate gathering for your baby's first birthday, you're likely realising there's a lot of organisation involved to pull all the various aspects of your celebration together. Food is a focal point for all parties, but typical buffet foods, such as sausage rolls and chocolate fountains, are full of salt, sugar and unhealthy fats. So, is it possible to have your baby's party catered buffet-style and still keep to the same healthy eating guidelines you usually implement for them? It sure is! Here are a few healthy buffet ideas suitable for little hands and tummies:

Pitta Strips And Dips

Most one year olds aren't quite ready to snack on crudités but can make light work of chewy strips of pitta bread. Add a few dips, such as guacamole, hummus and mild salsa, to a platter of pitta strips and watch the tiny humans get more and more excited as they explore the various taste combinations.

Quinoa And Broccoli Bites

Protein-packed quinoa and broccoli bites have a cheesy centre that kids will love. They can be served hot or cold and are just the right size for little hands to pick up and toddle around with. As a bonus, you get to boast you fed your kiddo broccoli on their birthday.

Baked Carrot And Courgette Fritters

Made with wholemeal flour, eggs, coriander and grated vegetables, these fritters are similar to mini frittatas and are baked until golden brown on the outside and fluffy on the inside. They are delicious on their own or with raita, and they're a good option if you're having the party earlier in the day when you're still caffeinated enough to cope with the mayhem.

Coconut And Oat Bliss Balls

The children will feel like they're getting a real treat when they see these bliss balls, and they'll love getting their fingers sticky. Raw, nut-free and free from refined sugars, these little balls of goodness are like chewy caramels and will give you the boost you need to soldier on through another game of pushing cardboard boxes around in circles as you realise you're now the parent of a toddler.

These are just a few suggestions of healthy buffet ideas that will go down a storm at a first birthday party. If you're not keen on these options, your caterer will be happy to come up with a healthy buffet menu based on the foods your child likes, but remember to check whether any of your guests have food allergies before finalising the menu. For more information or assistance, contact a local catering service.