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Putting together a baby’s memory book is a fun exercise for capturing all the best moments for you to both look back on as your babe grows.
It can even prove a sweet way to include loved ones who can’t be there for each milestone during baby’s first year.
Besides, your baby looks simply too cute not to chronicle and take a snapshot of every single feat so far.
Because take it from us, these first 12 months will zoom by ‒ although when baby’s up at 3am, it might feel more like each minute is an eternity.
In this article: 📝
- What is a baby memory book?
- What can I do instead of a baby book?
- What do you put in baby’ memory book?
- Where to buy baby memory books
- What are the best baby memory books?
- Types of baby memory books
- How do you make a baby memory book?
What is a baby memory book?
Memory books for babies are essentially places to keep photos and keepsakes of your little peanut’s early years, along with journaling their progress as they grow.
They’re a great place to record milestones like the first time baby rolls over, sits up, walks, talks… the list goes on!
As for the level of detail, mama that’s totally up to you!
No one will look twice if, among the big achievements you’ve dutifully recorded baby’s birth weight, time of birth, favorite baby food, and lock of hair from the very first trim.
From preserving their first favorite songs to the simple things that make them smile, baby memory books are a must for any new mom.
What can I do instead of a baby book?
There are so many variations of baby memory books, including baby memento books, milestone books, first-year memory books, baby journals, or baby scrapbooks.
But sometimes keeping up consistently can prove difficult with the demands of parenting or even a second pregnancy.
If you’re struggling to find the time or even if journaling doesn’t come naturally to you, you could opt to start a digital film archive or go old-school with a memory box.
Another fun idea is to set up baby with their own email account and send them messages packed with milestones, records, and photos.
You can also give the email address out to family and friends, so they can send messages, too.
Imagine gifting them that on their 21st birthday!
A few other ways you can record baby’s first year, include:
- Take a photo of them each day to see how much they’ve grown
- Write a few lines at the end of each day detailing their progress
- Make a timeline on a big sheet of cards, complete with photos and key dates
- Write letters to baby and lock them away until they turn 18.
- Share baby’s memories on Peanut – our community of mamas will share your joy!
What is a milestone book?
A milestone book is essentially a baby memory book that has space to record specific milestones, like their first tooth, first movements in the womb, first food, first Christmas, first words… whatever you want!
What do you put in baby’ memory book?
It depends on the type.
Some have specific prompts, while others will be more of a scrapbook, so you can record whatever you want.
But here are some common things that our Peanut mamas tend to include in their baby memory books:
- First ultrasound
- Photos of you in each trimester
- The first time baby rolls over
- The first time baby holds their head up
- The first time baby sits up
- The first time baby stands by themselves
- The first time baby walks
- First words
- First foods
- First haircut
- First birthday
- First Christmas
- Footprints and handprints at birth
- Christening and baptism
- Other key events in baby’s life, like weddings or holidays
Where to buy baby memory books
Most bookshops or craft stores will have a range of baby journals and baby scrapbooks, as will larger retailers like Target and Walmart.
Amazon is another place.
We lowkey love the selection of Etsy baby books – so many personalized options with adorable designs.
What are the best baby memory books?
Here are a few things to consider so you can find the right one for you and your baby:
1. What you want to put in it
Photos, notes, locks of hair, hospital bracelets ‒ or even all of the above?
There’s no point in getting something with lots of space for physical items if you’re only looking to add photos.
And if you do want to add a few other bits of memorabilia, you’ll need space for them.
2. How long you want it
There are usually two timeframes for baby memory books: baby’s first year book for the first 12 months and five-year baby memory books.
The full five years can be quite a commitment, but when your baby’s all grown up, it can be so sweet to read through together.
3. How it looks
With a huge number of memory books for babies and toddlers on the market, you want one that suits your aesthetic.
Cute and floral or bright and bold?
Rustic or modern?
Whatever you want, you’re sure to find it.
4. What type of baby memory book
As we mentioned above, there are lots of different types of baby memory books to chronicle baby’s life in the womb and their first years.
But don’t worry, we’ve done all the research, so you don’t have to… (Let’s face it, you’ve got your hands full at the moment!)
More on that below.
Types of baby memory books
We’ve chosen some of our favorites to stand the test of time.
Which one will grab you?
First-year memory books
Designed to chronicle the first 12 months of your little peanut’s life, most of these include space for the major milestones.
Here are our top picks:
1. Baby, You’re Here!: A One-Line-A-Day Baby Memory Book
Perfect for mamas with lots going on and not much time to spare, all you have to do is write one line a day.
Plus, their weekly prompts help capture all the information that is so easy to forget.
2. Baby’s First Year Memory Book: A Simple Book of Firsts by Lucy Darling
There’s a reason why this is known as one of the best first year baby books.
And it’s not just 1,800-plus stellar reviews.
Printed on eco-friendly paper that’s not too thin (goodbye, annoying ink splotches), it’s got pages for all the important milestones with room for photos and a few words.
3. First Year Baby Book | Baby Journal and Memory Book
We love the prompts in this simple baby’s first year book, designed by ThisLittleLoveCo on Etsy.
It’s easy to fill in and gender-neutral for boys, girls, and they-bies.
Baby journals
Baby journals tend to focus less on the photos and mementos while baby’s growing up, more on your comments and thoughts.
So get writing with these gorgeous baby journals:
4. Baby Memory Book for Boys & Girls by Ronica
Combining prompts with photos, you get the best of both worlds with this best-selling baby journal.
Some captions are pre-written to save you time, and it also comes with cute themed stickers to make adding photos a breeze!
5. Letters To My Child Baby Journal by LovelySprouts
A little different from the others on this list, this baby journal is done in a letter-writing style for you to give your little peanut once they’re all grown up!
You can also write letters during your pregnancy, too, with prompts for your baby shower, family tree, as well as all the important firsts!
6. My Baby Book: A Keepsake Journal for Baby’s First Year by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
A super-simple hardcover journal that’s easy to fill out because we know your time is precious, mama!
Plus with plenty of wit and humor (and colorful design), you’ll look forward to scheduling in some baby journal time.
Personalized baby memory books
Your baby is unique, so why not check out our top personalized baby memory books for you both to look back on?
7. Personalized Baby’s First Book With “Zodiac Blue” Cover by Rag & Bone Bindery
The star sign cover of this one is so cute!
Get it personalized with your baby’s zodiac sign, date of birth, and name.
It’s not got the most pages out of all the baby keepsake books on our list, but it does include all the important milestones and other information.
8. Baby’s First Years Gender-Neutral Memory Book by Pondering Pine Store
Another gender-neutral addition to our list with a boho woodland theme.
This baby milestone journal has space for during pregnancy and for baby’s first five years, with pages for ‘Coming home’, ‘My first holiday’, and all baby’s firsts.
9. First Year Baby Memory Book by Catch This Moment
We love the modern style of this baby record book, and you can get it personalized with baby’s name on the front cover.
You can also choose whether you want enough pages for one or five years.
Baby photo books
Naturally, you’re going to have tons of photos of everything your little peanut does in their first few years, so why not get a baby photo book to keep them safe?
10. Modern Baby Photo Book by Shutterfly
With the Shutterfly baby scrapbook, you can add a photo of your baby to the entire cover.
Although you won’t be able to fill this one out along the way for the first year, you can have it printed once you have lots of snaps of your little peanut as they grow.
11. Welcome Home Photo Album by Tree by Kerri Lee
OK, we had to include this one mainly because it’s such a cute design!
While this house-shaped baby photo album doesn’t have many pages, it does have space to put congratulations cards and keepsakes.
12. Baby Magazine by Mixbook Photo Co.
If you’re after a baby photo book with lots of customizable options, this is the one for you.
You can choose the shape of the memory book, the paper inside, the finish of the cover, and you can add a photo of your little peanut to the cover for everyone to see.
Baby scrapbooks
If you’re a boho mama or you love a bit of bullet journaling, then check out our top picks for the best baby scrapbooks:
13. Little Camper Memory Book by Lucy Darling
We love the rustic look and the way you can make it your own.
Grab your favorite pens, washi tape, stickers, and pics of your little peanut to add a DIY feel to your baby memory book.
14. Blue Little Star Wood Baby Photo Album First Year Journal Scrapbook by mywoodenLOVE
The wooden cover adds a beautiful natural touch without compromising on color.
Our favorite thing?
You can choose whether to use it as a scrapbook or a photo album to record all of baby’s milestones.
15. Baby Memory Book: A Birthday Story by TLC Squared
With its minimalist design and old-school journal look, this baby scrapbook is perfect for mamas who love mindful activities like bullet journaling and sketchnoting.
The prompts are so simple, and you don’t have to spend too long adding your snaps and comments.
Baby memory books for boys
If you’re expecting a beautiful baby boy, one of these memory books could be exactly the vibe you’re going for:
16. Baby Boy Hardcover Memory Book by Jenny and Jeff Designs
There are so many prompts in this baby memory book for boys, with spaces for their hospital bracelet, a lock of their hair, their first tooth, and their first hat and booties (is there anything cuter than baby booties?).
One of the more extensive options, there’s even space for your pregnancy experience and your baby boy’s first five years.
17. Carter’s Blue Nautical My First Years Bound Memory Book for Baby Boys
Perfect for baby boys born into a sea-faring family, this nautical-themed memory book has space for mementos, photos, and notes of their key milestones.
We love the little inspirational quotes throughout, too – “dream big, little one”!
18. First Year Baby Memory Book & Baby Journal by LovelySprouts
The lovely blue and white striped cover feels utterly timeless.
But the appeal doesn’t stop there.
This memory book for boys has prompts for milestones like baby’s first meal, family vacations, Christmas, Halloween… all the way up to age five!
Not to mention over 80 photos boxes and space to capture baby’s hand and footprints.
Baby memory books for girls
How about something cute for your baby girl’s keepsakes?
19. Hello Beautiful Baby Memory Book by Pearhead
Looking for something trendy?
The Parisienne style of this pink with black and white striped cover is simply gorgeous.
This baby girl memory book also comes with a space for you to add a photo of your little princess, so everyone can see her beautiful smile.
20. Baby Girl Memory Book Scrapbook Photo Picture Album by New Seasons
Similar to the version for baby boys, this memory book for girls comes with lots of space for physical keepsakes as well as photo mementos.
And with over 60 pages, there’s lots of room for you to chronicle the first five years of your baby girl’s life.
21. “Dear Daughter” Baby Scrapbook and Prayer Journal by Duncan and Stone
Unique to our list, this scrapbook comes with prompts for prayers as well as space for keeping track of all the key milestones of her life.
If you’re after a baby keepsake book that you want to use to make note of any words of wisdom or as a family heirloom, this is the one for you.
Gender-neutral baby memory books
We’ve got the best of the best gender-neutral baby keepsake books for you to choose from:
22. The Story of You Baby Book by Artifact Uprising
This baby memory book is truly something.
With premium features like quality paper (no ink bleed-through), eco-friendly paper, and everything you need to fill it out (including a recommended pen and adhesive),
The Story of You baby scrapbook was an easy addition to our list.
23. New Baby Books Gift Set, Baby Shower Gift by Little Pickle Memories
We love Little Pickle Memories (keep scrolling and you’ll find them again!).
Their inclusive language and beautiful designs are absolutely perfect.
Plus, this gift set also includes a toddler memory book, three sheets of baby stickers, and a gorgeous keepsake box.
24. As You Grow Memory Book by Korie Herold
Looking for something a bit more arty?
Then Korie Herold’s As You Grow baby diary is the one for you!
With beautiful illustrations and space to chronicle your pregnancy, baby’s firsts, and their journey to age five, this is definitely a baby memory book for the ages.
Memory baby book first 5 years
If you’re after a baby memory book that spans the first year, toddlerhood and beyond, one of these can take you the whole five years:
25. All About Me: A Little Book of Love and Adventure by RubyRoo
This beautifully inclusive baby memory book features pregnancy journaling, room for baby’s first year and beyond.
It also includes lots of religious and important holidays (which you can easily remove if your family doesn’t celebrate).
Definitely one of our faves.
26. Baby’s Book The First Five Years by Holly Placate
There are so many things you can add to this baby diary: your baby’s birth journey, letters to them, photos of milestones (or just whenever they look cute), birthdays, journaling, family tree… the list goes on!
27. The Amazing Story of Me by KiddosArt
Bright and colorful, this baby keepsake book has space for all the key moments of your little peanut’s first five years.
Plus, it’s made with eco-friendly paper and soy-based inks, so you’re doing your bit for the environment, too!
Baby milestone books
There are so many important milestones during baby’s first years ‒ rolling over, sitting up, standing, walking, talking… so if you want the best baby milestone books to track them all, we’ve got you covered:
28. Le Petit Baby Book by Marabout and Mesdemoiselles
This is such an easy-to-use baby milestone book!
It’s got everything you need, carefully laid out to make everything that little bit easier.
From an envelope to keep your ultrasounds to a folded family tree and a pull-out growth chart, it’s got all you need to track your baby’s milestones.
29. Firsts & Favorites: A Baby Journal by Kate Pocrass
From must-have baby milestones like first step and first words to the wonderfully weird, like favorite food to spit-up, Kate Pocrass’ babies’ first year memory book will help you remember those ‘smaller’ moments that mean so much!
30. My Baby Book: Precious Milestones & Memories from My First Year by Memory Lane Prints
A beautifully illustrated hardcover babies’ first year memory book with prompts for you to fill out, from pregnancy to baby’s first birthday.
Plus, there’s lots of space at the back for some scrapbooking of photos and notes.
Modern baby memory books
If you’re planning on decking out baby’s room with simplistic, minimalist, modern decor, then these modern baby memory books are for you:
31. Letters to My Baby by Lea Redmond
This modern baby journal takes the form of a sort of time capsule.
Simply write letters to your baby using the prompts, and post-date them for you to both read together in the distant future.
32. Baby’s First Book by Design Letters
A Scandi-inspired, minimalist, modern baby diary with simple prompts and space for both photos and letters to your little peanut.
Oh-so chic!
33. Baby’s First Years: A Book for Lasting Memories
Boasting more of boho style than, this baby journal comes with sections for keepsakes and mementos as well as detailed prompts for tracking the most precious moments.
Twins baby books
Expecting two bundles of joy?
Congratulations, mama!
Here are the best twin baby books to keep track of both your little peanuts’ milestones and memories:
35. Personalized Baby Twins Stars Photo Album
While this entry on our list isn’t strictly a baby memory book, you can use it as one.
Simply stick in the photos of your two cuties and add notes around the outside.
We’re also obsessed with the two adorable stars on the front cover which you could always personalize with both your babys’ names.
35. Twins First Year Memory Book by Unconditional Rosie
Uber-bright and colorful, this twins baby book has all you need to document all the special memories as your babies grow.
There’s space for two birth certificates, two hospital bracelets, and two immunization records – twice as nice!
36. Twin Baby Book by Charmbooks
Another personalized addition to our list, this twins baby book chronicles all the precious moments from your twins’ first 12 months.
Plus, you can choose whether you want to add pages for your pregnancy, baby shower, and your twin’s toddlerhoods.
Baby memory books for adopted babies
If you’re going down the adoption route, getting a baby memory book that’s tailored to your parenting journey can be a lovely touch:
37. Sadie ‒ Modern Baby Book ‒ The First Year ‒ Adoptive Version by Print Smitten
Another modern-style baby keepsake book, this baby book is very inclusive, with no specific mentions of baby’s gender, parents, or holidays.
However, it is specifically for those adopting a newborn baby, so if you’re looking to adopt an older child, one of our other options might work best for your family.
38. My Family, My Journey: A Baby Book for Adoptive Families by Zoe Francesca and Susie Ghahremani
This is another adopted memory baby book for those adopting newborn babies, with sweet illustrations by Susie Ghahremani and beautifully worded prompts by Zoe Francesca.
It’s a comprehensive baby diary, with sections for the adoption process, how you were matched with your baby, and all the important milestones.
39. Adoption Record Book for Adoptive Families by Little Pickle Memories
Another of our favorite baby memory books by Little Pickle Memories, this is one of the most inclusive and sensitively-worded baby books for adopted babies.
Instead of specifically being tailored to newborn adoptive babies, this baby record book is phrased so you’re adding memories of your first month together, not baby’s first month.
How do you make a baby memory book?
If you’re after a baby memory book that’s truly unique, then why not craft one yourself?
Simply pop into a craft store and pick up your favorite sketchbook or album, grab some pens, washi tape, and anything else you want to decorate it with and get crafting!
Don’t forget to share your DIY baby memory books with the other mamas on Peanut!
Whether baby’s in your arms, you’re in your last few weeks of pregnancy, or you’ve just found out you’re pregnant, baby memory books are an amazing way to chronicle your little peanut’s life.
Now go make some memories, mama.