I created these baby books because I couldn't find one I liked for my firstborn. I found them way to detailed, and I didn't want to pass down a baby book that was full of blank pages. I wanted something that allowed more freedom, and more photos....
BUT, I have a confession.... I'm a bit behind with my boys baby books (as in a couple of years behind)... but I still have all the bits and pieces together so I can finish them. They both have their own folders (well let's be honest, they started out as folders but have since turned into boxes!) and everything is in there for WHEN I get the chance to catch up on their books.
We're Mums/parents... we're busy... sometimes baby books can sit for months (or years...), but don't forget to take the time to make your notes and keep those items in a special place. I've made a few points, that might help you on your journey to complete your baby book.
- Keep things from hospital, like their bands, birth card etc. You can stick these in the book, or store them in the pocket.
- Take handprints at birth, and then at each birthday
- Weigh and measure each year and write it down!
- Keep certain items like some of their favourite artwork
- Write down notes such as: reaching certain milestones, especially as they step into the toddler age bracket as there are no prompts for these in the book (toilet trained, riding bike, swimming etc), favourite books/TV shows/toys
- Write down some of the funny things they say
- If you're someone who likes to write your children letters when they reach certain ages (like turning one), you could either stick an envelope in the book and place the letter in there, or store it in the pocket of the book
...and don’t forget to record how old they were at the time, for everything!
But what happens if you forget to write down their ages? Or if you are filling in a book for an older child? Use your photos to help remember. While you may not have written it down, you're likely to have photos of their first steps and other milestones. Just take a look at the properties of the photo which will show you the date taken and there you have it! Bubs age at the time they reached the milestone!
HELP WITH ALL THOSE PHOTOS!
We all know we get snap happy with our babies... and why shouldn't we?! They are all we have to look back on, to remember how small they were.
When you take your photos, or are transferring them to a computer, put your favourites in a ‘Baby book’ folder… it will make sorting through the photos so much easier. I also try and organise that folder by age, or year, so that they are easy to place in the book.
Or better yet, print off your favourites and store for use later.
You could also do this with any videos you take, make a DVD for them which you can put in the pocket at the back of the book.
I hope these have helped and perhaps given you a starting point.
Let me know if you have any tips and tricks, I'd love to hear them!