Document everything about your baby by creating baby scrapbooks.
Babies grow and change incredibly fast, which is why it can be so meaningful to document important stages in their young lives. Create a series of scrapbooks, which can be more interactive, fun and representative of what you and your baby are experiencing than a traditional photo album. Simple scrapbooks make great gifts for grandparents or relatives that don't have the opportunity to spend as much time with the baby as you do.
Pictures
Gather your favorite pictures of your baby. Separate the pictures into groupings that go together. Use one, two or three pictures per page to keep it simple. Use colors and a layout that complement the pictures. For example, use a light-colored page with small baby footprints running alongside at least one edge to show off a picture of your baby sitting on the top left corner, crawling in the center and walking on the lower right corner. The title of the page might be "stepping stones" and include small notes next to each picture dating when he reached that particular milestone. Get inspiration for your scrapbook page by simply looking at your baby's picture.
Themes
Each page in a single book should have its own theme or fit within the theme of the book. One book might be dedicated to your baby's firsts, such as her first smile, laugh, words, rolling over, sitting up and all of the other little things she will learn to do. Create a monthly timeline by using something special from that month and your favorite picture of the baby. March might include large flowers with your baby's face as the center of the largest one and October might include your baby's first Halloween photo. Each of your baby's first holidays, such as Easter and Christmas--and her birthday--can have its own scrapbook. Create a book for the baby's first vacation. Use water as a theme, for your baby's first bath, first time swimming, first time playing in the rain or any other water-related event. Dedicate an entire scrapbook to your baby's parts, for example, her tiny hands and feet.
Extras
Embellish each page with a simple border or mat the pictures. Use stickers, glitter, gel pens or small charms that complement the picture on the page. Use small baby blocks that spell out your baby's name, add rubber ducks to a bath page or surround the picture with small stickers that relate to the theme. For example, create a wreath around your baby's first Christmas photo. Keep the decorations simple so the focus is on your baby. Write little notes to indicate what's so special about the picture, who was there, how you felt or anything else you want to share with your baby in later years. Write notes to your baby and stick them inside the scrapbook for him to enjoy when he's older.
