Confession: I didn’t make a baby book for either of my children.
I knew I wouldn’t keep it updated and I didn’t want to feel guilty every time I looked at them (the children or the baby books) and realized I hadn’t documented every milestone. I don’t know many moms who have kept a baby book updated or managed to complete one in a timely fashion. In fact, when I asked around, I found a lot of moms had given up on baby books and chosen to go a different route entirely.
So if you’re like many other moms, and not the type to scrapbook your way through your kid’s childhood, take a look at some of their suggestions for preserving your memories:
- Make a Memory Box
“I did a box. Nothing too big, just enough for a couple favorite toys, pictures, first tooth, etc.” – Sara
“I just put everything in a pretty hat box.” – Lisa
This has been my method of keeping track of my kids’ milestones without losing my sanity. They each have a memory box, into which I put everything from ultrasound photos to their hospital ID bracelets to birthday cards and baby shoes.
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- Keep a Blog
“I keep a blog—it's not really tangible, but it was my substitute for a baby book.” – Leah
I started a baby blog when I was pregnant with my older son and I posted semi-regular entries up through his first year, then it kind of fell by the wayside (probably because I got pregnant with his brother). But even though I didn’t keep it up, I’m glad I did it and I have those posts from the pregnancy and his first year.
- Write Letters
“I started a month or two before she was born and started writing letters to her in a journal. Some of it was her progress growing and what we've been doing, some is just thoughts on life and bits of advice.” – Lea
“I made email addresses for each child so I can send them letters when I am missing them being on the road, fun things that we've done, milestones, and even days when they really worked my nerves.” – Emily
Letters are a terrific way to preserve your memories with something personal you’ll both enjoy. I've written a lot of letters to my sons, from silly to serious, and it's fun to go back and read them just a couple of years after the fact.
If you can’t beat technology, use it to your advantage.
- Stitch a Quilt
“I'm doing quilts for my two kids. My grandmother has a memory quilt of my great grandmother's old dresses. It's fun to sit around with my mother, aunt and Granny and listen to their memories of certain dresses and where/when she wore them.” – Meredith
If you’re handy with a needle, you can create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece made from scraps of fabric from favorite outfits and baby blankets. And if you’re not handy with a needle (like me), there are companies that will do the job for you.
- Create a Time Capsule
“We did a time capsule containing things from his first year of life. Favorite toys, a blanket, newspaper clippings, etc. We will give it to him when he starts his life as an adult.” – Jackie
Buried in the backyard or stuffed in the top of a closet, a time capsule provides your child (and you) with a little snapshot of what life was like during their first year.
- Publish a Book
“Printed books! You select photos from your phone and the company turns them into a book.” – Erin
Let someone else compile the photo album into a book. A quick Google search turned up a number of companies that print photo books, from as simple to as elaborate as you’d like. All you have to do is provide the photos and information you want included.
- Design a Shadow Box
“I made shadow boxes that I hung on the wall for each. Their outfit they wore home, their hospital ID, and little birth card with hand and footprints.” – Sarah
This might be my favorite suggestion of all. A baby book is a lovely keepsake, but I love the idea of making art out of my memories. The best part is, you don’t have to be terribly crafty!
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- Keep a Journal
“I kept a book where I recorded a lot of their sweet, funny, and or heart wrenching conversations.” – Chris
“I'm a working mom so I started a journal with my nannies so I didn't miss anything. Basically a communication log between our caretakers and us. It was so nice to know day to day nap schedules, eating schedules, and new developments.” – Emily
However you do it, keeping a journal is one of the best keepsakes for you and your child. You’ll love reliving the memories and someday they’ll love reading what you write about them.
- Use Social Media
“I use my Facebook feed to document everything. The little guy loves getting a hold of my phone and scrolling through old pics.” – Morgan
“Instagram photos!” – Kay
If you can’t beat technology, use it to your advantage. Just make sure your photos are backed up somewhere besides your social media accounts!
