Baby's First Valentine's Day: Outfits, Books, Toys, Gifts, and More

A baby's first holiday is the perfect excuse to do a little extra celebrating. Valentine's Day is no exception. Of course a new outfit will be the first item on the list. There are a number of other fun options to consider, too, such as toys, games, book, sensory play, and photo ideas. Happy Valentine's Day! Enjoy the holiday with your little one.

Most Valentine's Day baby outfits are red and white with lots of hearts. The girl outfits are often frilly with lacy skirts and sleeves. As a new parent, you're well aware of how frequently babies can go through outfits. Prepare for outfit changes and think about rotating a handful of special holiday items throughout the day. Here are just a few outfit and accessory options to consider as you plan for Valentine's Day.

• Virtually any clothing item or accessory that has a heart on it and will keep the baby sufficiently warm
• Onesies with cute Valentine's Day sayings or features (i.e. a cupid with a bow and arrow, a red and white polka dot printed tie)
• "My first Valentine's Day" t-shirt or onesie
• Red frilly dresses and skirts
• Knitted or crocheted caps with hearts
• Headband with a large red flower for the girls
• Red or red and white bow ties and/or suspenders for the boys
• Red socks or shoes

As you shop for a few special baby toys and gifts for Valentine's Day, keep your eye open for red, hearts, and other holiday themed items.

• Roller toys
• Key toys
• Rattles
• Stuffed / plush / felt hearts and cupids
• Stacking / nesting toys
• Red or red and white patterned crocheted or knitted socks or shoes
• Teething toys
• Tag toys
• Lovey blankets
• Wooden blocks
• Amish puzzle ball

As you select books to share with your baby for the first time on Valentine's Day, consider age-appropriate board books as well as classic tales that you will both enjoy reading over and over again on a regular basis.

Tip: Consider using a sensory bin or tub that is large enough for babies to sit in completely so that they can feel all of the materials easily with both their hands and feet.

Choose a large bin or tub to fill with sensory bin items. You can opt for a wet base material such as water, shaving cream, or Playdoh or a dry material such as rice, dried beans, or unpopped popcorn kernels. Some people like to dye the rice in festive colors, such as red, purple, or pink, for the holidays. Consider adding any of the following items to your Valentine's Day sensory bin to maximize baby sensory play.

• Cookie cutters
• Cups / measuring cups
• Measuring spoons and other kitchen tools (i.e. wooden spoons, plastic spatulas and ladles)
• Heart ice cube trays
• Foam balls
• Pom poms
• Small containers

Take care to select items that a baby cannot swallow easily, and supervise a baby at all times during sensory play.

Preserve one of two of your baby's first Valentine's Day events in a special frame for the holiday. There are lots of beautiful handmade frames available online through sites like Etsy. You can also make your own frame. There are dozens and dozens of DIY picture frame ideas out there that are simple to customize with Valentine's day colors and/or themes. Don't be afraid to pull ideas from different tutorials and blog posts and create a unique design that fits your personal decorating tastes and preferences.

• Hide large plush or felt hearts under a large bowl, overturned bucket or tub, or under a blanket and help the baby "find" them.
• Offer a large bucket or bowl for the baby to place the same hearts or other small Valentine's Day toys and then take back out again.
• Make noise makers out of cardboard tubes or other appropriate items, fill them with rice or beans, and seal them securely. Decorate them with hearts and/or Valentine's Day colors. Babies may also have fun chasing the noise makers around on the floor.