How to Document a Baby's First Year
Your baby's first year is filled with precious firsts that you'll never want to forget. Unfortunately, you'll probably spend so much of that year sleep deprived, busy and distracted, your memory may not be as sharp as you'd hoped. You may think you'll remember every special, heartwarming moment, but you'll be surprised how quickly little details (like your name) begin to slip after the little angel keeps you up all night. Document your baby's first year with a baby book, and you won't have anything to lose. In fact, you have more to lose if you don't.
Things You'll Need
- Baby book
- Cameras
- Folder or large envelope
- Memorabilia
- Journal or recording device
- Glue sticks
- Photos
- Pens
- Scrapbooking decorations (optional)
Instructions
Get a book to document that first year. Ideally, you should have it before the baby is born so you can start filling it up as soon as you get the chance. For a fuss-free option, get a pre-printed "baby's first year" book that already has decorated pages and places for you to write or add photos. If you prefer decorating the pages for yourself, get a blank scrapbook. Take lots of photographs of the baby from the moment of birth until the first birthday. Always have a camera on hand to capture those milestones. Don't just be ready for the planned milestones, like first bath or first strained peas; be ready for those unexpected milestones, like his first giggle or first time he smears handfuls of strained peas on his head. Collect paperwork related to the baby in a folder or envelope until you are ready to put them in the baby book. Start with the hospital items such as wrist bands, crib ID card and release papers. Other first year documents you'll want to keep in the baby book-- or at least keep a copy of in the baby book -- may include birth certificate, adoption papers, birth announcement card, checkup lists, growth charts, tape measures, immunization chart and greeting cards sent to the baby. Keep artifacts such as the belly button cord when it falls off and a lock of hair. Other things that bring warm memories are hair bands, booties and a single diaper from the first opened package-- just remember to keep a clean one. Organize your memorabilia as you gather it and date it. When something happens, quickly jot it down in a journal or record it using the audio or video feature on your computer or phone. Set aside a day every week, or at least a couple of days per month, to make your baby book. Begin transferring memorabilia onto the pages, arranging photos and items decoratively. Write in your memories and thoughts. If you bought a blank book, decorate the pages with stickers, die cuts or other embellishments to jazz it up. Add some fun components to your pages. For example, put baby's hand and foot prints on a page every month to show how she's growing. Let older siblings who can write add their sentiments to the book. The more you put into it, the more you and your growing baby will treasure it as time goes by.
