The Ultimate Guide to Recording your Baby's Milestones

A baby's first year is filled with unforgettable moments and rapid growth, making it essential to capture these precious memories. Documenting your little one's milestones not only provides a way to look back on their development but also creates a cherished keepsake for years to come. In this article, we'll explore creative photo ideas and memory-keeping tips to help you preserve your baby's first year.

1. Monthly milestone photos:

One of the best ways to capture your baby's growth and create a beautiful keepsake is by taking monthly milestone photos. Use a milestone blanket or milestone discs and snap a photo each month to see how much they've grown. 

You can use the same special toy in each photo to help track their growth and compare month to month. By using the same toy, you'll be able to see just how much your baby has grown over the year, and it'll be a fun reminder for them of how little they once were. 

A great option for showcasing your baby's milestone photos is a customised First Year Photo Frame that features 13 slots for your little one's monthly photos, starting from their newborn photo and spanning until their first birthday.

2. Create a memory box:

Creating a memory box for your baby is a wonderful way to preserve special mementos and memories from their first year of life. A memory box can include items like your baby's first outfit, hospital bracelet, ultrasound photos, a lock of hair, and other keepsakes that hold special meaning to you and your family. Make the items come to life by writing a small note to go with each one. 

As your baby grows, you can continue to add items to the memory box like artwork, letters, and other memorable items. When you stroll down memory lane, you'll have tangible keepsakes that bring those cherished days to life, accompanied by the heartwarming stories that make them truly special.

3. Create a One Second a Day Video:

A one-second-a-day video is a fantastic way to capture the daily moments and memories from your baby's first year. Although video recording and editing can be labour-intensive, the clever app 1 Second Everyday streamlines the process. Simply download the 1 Second Everyday app and capture a one-second video each day. When your baby turns one, you can create a video that weaves together all 365 days, resulting in a stunning keepsake to share with your child as they grow older. An added bonus: this concept isn't limited to the first year. You can continue this practice as long as you'd like, documenting your baby's transformation into a toddler and beyond.

4. Baby Foot and Hand Prints

Capture your baby's tiny hands and feet by taking a print of them. You can use a non-toxic ink pad  to take the prints. Simply press your baby's hand or foot onto the ink pad and then transfer the print onto paper or a special keepsake item. Make sure to have a damp cloth handy to clean your baby's hands or feet after taking the print. Clay is another option for taking hand or footprints. You can press your baby's hand or foot into the clay and let it dry. Once it's dry, you can paint or decorate the clay to create a unique and beautiful keepsake.

These prints are a special reminder of just how small and delicate your baby was in their first year of life. You can frame them, put them in a special album, or add them to your memory box.

5. Newborn Photo Shoot

A newborn photo shoot is an excellent way to capture those first few weeks of your baby's life and create beautiful, timeless images that you and your family will treasure for years to come. 

Before the shoot, discuss your vision with the photographer and prepare any special outfits, blankets, or props that you would like to use. Many photographers recommend scheduling the shoot during the first two weeks of your baby's life when they're still sleepy and easily posed.

These photos will be a special reminder of your baby's early moments and will be treasured for years to come. You can display them in your home, create a special album, or give them as gifts to family members.

6. Delivery Room Photos

Capture the moment your baby enters the world by taking photos in the delivery room or hospital. These photos will be a special reminder of that incredible moment.

It's essential to discuss your plan with your healthcare provider in advance and ensure that it's permissible to take photos during the delivery. If allowed, you may want to consider hiring a professional photographer who specialises in birth photography. Birth photographers are experienced in capturing the raw emotion and moments of labour and delivery and will ensure that the photos are tasteful and respectful.

7. Buy a Newspaper on the Day of Birth

Buy a newspaper on the day of your baby's birth and put it into tissue and plastic to preserve it. If you forget on the day, many major newspapers offer back issues that can be purchased. This is a fun way to remember what was happening in the world on the day your baby was born.

In addition to buying a newspaper, you can also consider keeping a copy of your baby's birth announcement or any congratulatory messages you received from family and friends. These items can be added to your baby's memory box, creating a unique and personal collection of memories from their birth.

Buying a newspaper on baby's day of birth is also a lovely thing to do for friends and family when they have their babies.

8. Newborn Plaque

A life-size newborn plaque is an excellent way to capture and remember your baby's birth details. The plaque can be made from materials like wood or acrylic and can be customised to include your baby's name, birth date, weight, and length. You can choose to decorate the plaque in colours and themes that match your baby's nursery or family's preferences.

Once the plaque is complete, it can be hung on the wall, creating a unique and personalised addition to your baby's room. Every time you look at the plaque, it will serve as a beautiful reminder of your baby's birth details and the joy of welcoming a new life into the world. 

9. Baby Journal

Creating a baby scrapbook or journal is a wonderful way to capture memories and milestones throughout your baby's first year. Some parents-to-be even start journals to their baby when they are still expecting. You can choose to include photos, special notes, and milestones, such as their first words or steps. You can also include mementos, such as hospital bracelets or locks of hair. To create the scrapbook, start by selecting a special album or notebook. Then, choose a theme or colour scheme that reflects your baby's personality or matches their nursery decor. As you add to the scrapbook or journal, you'll have a beautiful and personalised keepsake that captures your baby's first year of life. It's a fun and creative way to celebrate your baby's milestones and share their growth with family and friends.

10. Emails to Your Baby

Create an email address for your baby and send them special messages and memories throughout their first year. You can include funny things they do, milestones, records, photos and school newsletters that feature their name. You can even send them funny stories or quotes that capture their personality and growth over time.

Many parents choose to share the email account password with their child once they reach 18, but there is no rule saying you need to wait that long. Your child will be delighted to see how much they've grown and changed over time and read messages from you that date back years. Remember to log into your child's account from time to time to keep it active!

Share your memories:

As you document your baby's first year, don't forget to share these memories with friends and family. Whether you create a private social media group, send monthly email updates, or print out photos for loved ones, sharing these moments helps to strengthen your support network and celebrate your baby's journey together.

In conclusion, capturing your baby's first year is an important way to preserve memories and create a special keepsake for your family. Whether you use a milestone blanket or wooden milestone discs, create a one-second-a-day video, or keep a memory box, there are so many creative ways to capture and celebrate your baby's first year. So grab your camera and start capturing those special moments – you won't regret it!