Baby Memories by the Book

Provided by Healthy Start, Grow Smart

A great way to preserve memories those first moments in your newborn's life is to create a memory book. It will be fun for you and your baby to look at as she is growing up.

You can use a scrapbook, a notebook, a photo album or any book with blank pages. Many craft stores sell pre-assembled "baby books" that are easy to use. Make sure the book you do choose has pockets to store treasured mementos and photos.

Save the front page of the newspaper from the day she was born. Your child can look at it when she is older and find out all the things that happened on that important day. Be sure to include birth announcements, your baby's hospital bracelet and any special cards, too.

Write down all your baby’s "firsts." First smile, first steps and first words, are all special milestones worthy of notation.

Include photos of your baby as she grows. As she gets older, you can add her drawings and writings. Write down cute things she does and says, as well as things she learns, what she likes and doesn’t like.

Track your child's monthly weight and height, and indicate when each tooth arrives. Keep a record of your baby's immunizations and mark dates and symptoms when your baby gets sick.

A memory book is a wonderful record of your child's early years. As she grows up, your child will enjoy sharing it with you and later on, the book will help her learn about her past.

Healthy Start, Grow Smart: U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services