8 Ways to Capture Your Baby's Firsts ...

One of the best ways to capture your baby’s firsts is to have a good camera. I’m not going to say you have to buy a top of the line camera by any means, and trust that a good point and shoot is just as good as a more professional camera, because it primarily comes down to the photographer. However, it is a good idea to get a digital camera, because you won’t get stuck with a lot of film. It’s hard to find the time to get film developed any longer, and this way you can potentially print out pictures yourself. If your camera shoots video, by the way, that’s even better.

Most cell phones have cameras and video capabilities, and with better phones, the results are quite good. If you, like me, tend to keep your phone with you frequently, don’t be afraid to use it. You can capture all those candid shots you don’t expect, rather than missing them as you rummage around for your actual camera.

A baby book is a great idea for capturing all those milestones in baby development. However, it’s not easy to remember or have the time to feel them in right away. It’s a great idea to keep one all the same, because it’s a memory even if you only get it filled out a quarter of the way.

But it’s a good idea to buy some plain old photo albums for keep a record of baby’s firsts, too. It can actually be easier to snap photos or keep mementos than it is to find the time to sit down and remember every detail of the story of your child’s first steps or haircut or boo-boo.

Although I don’t yet have a child, I think this is my favorite way to document baby’s firsts, and I know I’ll end up doing it. If you do have time, if you like to write, even if you can’t begin writing things down until your baby is a bit older, this is a wonderful idea. You can remember all the little things and create a record that will later show your child what you were thinking and feeling, and who you are as a parent.

Conversely, you can also create a memory box. That can include your baby’s first rattle, lock of hair, lost tooth, holiday cards, and other significant items. You can put letters in there as well, and anything that marks a memento for an important event. Your child will have it to go through, which is a really tremendous gift.

If you want to remember the specific dates of important occasions, keeping a baby calendar is a great idea. It’s easy to jot down a notation, one you can keep right beside a regular calendar, or in your baby’s room. You can mark down the specific details for first steps, doctor’s appointments, sleepovers, and things of that nature.

The best way to capture all those important firsts is just to remember them! Don’t let yourself get overwhelmed with documenting everything in a specific way. Don’t get bogged down in the details. Give in to all those random moments or the seemingly innocuous details, because chances are those will be the things your child remembers, too.

There are lots of ways to keep track of and record your baby’s firsts, even if you don’t have a lot of time. Taking pictures and recording special events do help create memories, and you’ll love having them later. Tell us a story about your baby’s first milestones!

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