It’s sometimes better to choose cupcakes over cake when planning a little one’s birthday. For one thing anyone under three finds a cupcake easier to manage than a slice of cake. For two, you won’t have to buy paper plates or mess up your own dishes. Less clean-up. Woo hoo.

For Cedar’s 1st birthday we had carrot cake cupcakes. Actually, we’re having cupcakes for his party today as well. We like cupcakes.

You can order custom cupcakes from a bakery or try some designs yourself. Cupcakes are actually much easier than homemade cake to decorate - for me anyhow. There’s so many of them. If you mess one up it’s ok. Plus you can make them all different if you like.

Need baby cupcake inspiration? Try these ideas on for size…

From Sweet Cakes in the Raleigh, North Carolina area, the perfect cupcake for a winter baby.

From one of my favorite cake shops on the planet, Pink Cake Box, the adorable animal cupcakes. They deliver cakes only to New Jersey, New York, Connecticut and Eastern Pennsylvania areas, but will ship their delightful cookies anywhere. Actually, you know, 1st birthday cookies is a cool idea - you should go look at their design options.

These cupcakes could be easily reproduced in your kitchen with some animal cookies and frosting.

Last up, something sweet from Cakeadoodledo - darling cherry cupcakes.

For some more amazing inspiration, check out this baker’s, flickr set of cupcakes and cookies - you won’t believe your eyes. The little cakes she makes are so lovely.