WTF, How Do You Stick To A Baby Book Routine When You’re Busy With A BABY?
There’s a knowing glance that Moms give Baby Memory Books. We collectively know these books are filled with good intent, yet all they do is collect dust instead of memories.
What’s a busy mom to do when you've got a tiny tornado of cuteness to take care of?
Fear not, for the art of sticking to a baby book routine is possible without the mom guilt and witchy bargaining for more free time (remind me what free time feels like again?!)
Embrace the Chaos: Remember, your baby's schedule is a magic spellbook written in hieroglyphics. Embrace the unpredictability! Because your baby book will have a few blank spaces, but that's just character-building!
This Kea Babies My Baby's First Years Book is my memory book of choice. Mine is from Amazon, but you can get it directly from Kea Babies.
2. Know Your Why: Quick story time!
In the process of simplification, I added baby book to my to-do list because of a very convincing first grader. This Squishmallow-loving gal pulled out her baby book that her mom had made her and she narrated through the entire book with so much pride, I was hooked! I want that for my daughter!
3. Get Your Supplies Together: You wouldn’t show up to a gunfight with a knife, so why would you complete your memory book in pencil?! s h u d d e r
If you’re a minimalist, I’m jealous; you’re all set to collect memories with your baby book, phone, and pen!
But if you’re an avid collector of cute stationery, like me, your baby book is the perfect place to funnel those holographic stickers, fountain pens, stamps and whatever else you have in your stash!
My go-to memory book supplies: stickers, sticker tweezers that my hubby likes to borrow for whatever reason…, muted colour highlighters, trusty Sharpie pen , LePen , glue stick, and paper cutter to trim baby photos.
Not shown - Washi tape, my HP printer , and a big pack of photo paper
4. Multi-Task Like a Mom: Who says you can't update the baby book while nursing?!
Sure, a squirmy baby (like mine) will involve some acrobatic moves and contortions that could rival a Cirque du Soleil performance, but you got this!
*Words that commonly pour out of my mouth include, “Eww why is this wet?!” Bonus points if you can keep baby drool away from the pages.
5. The 2 a.m. Chronicles: You know those middle-of-the-night feedings when you're half-asleep and wondering if you're on Earth or a parallel universe?
That’s the time to reflect on those baby milestones or baby’s first encounter with ice-cream… and make some short and sweet notes if you can’t get back to sleep. Before you know it, you’ll be winning at filling in those prompts in your baby book!
When you have so much going on in your head, 3 prompts is more than enough! It’s great for documenting the big stuff without feeling weighed down.
6. They Said It Takes a Village To Raise A Child: And I believe them.
Encourage friends and family to pitch in with baby book entries. After all, they've got stories to share about the little rascal too. This way, your baby book becomes a true family project.
7. Bribery for Yourself: Make updating the baby book a treat for yourself. Promise yourself a slice of scrumptious cake or a hot bath once you've conquered a page or two. Reward your inner superhero for surviving another day in Babyland!
8. Side of Self-Care: Don't forget to sprinkle in some self-care while managing your baby book routine!
How about documenting your own journey alongside your baby's? Parenthood is a wild rollercoaster, and you deserve to be part of the story.
For me, the baby book is my Me Time!
I’ll put on a Plan with Me video on Youtube (basically a vlog on paper that lets me see someone else’s sticker collection), get my Vietnamese iced coffee ready, and pick a sticker theme for the baby book page.
Month four’s theme was pink, with a side of Rilakkuma, Korilakkuma, and desserts!
9. Baby Book Routines: One day, just seeing the book will send you into autopilot.
Here’s how into this baby book I’ve become! Judgements are welcome, while comments are appreciated.
Week 1 - Plan out Bunbun’s outfit (Baby cheongsam because September was the Mid-Autumn Festival), and do a mini photoshoot.
Week 2 - Print out 3 copies, giving the extras to the grandmothers. Trim down the photo and never in my life will I do a sticker overlay again. Those air bubbles are still giving me stress!
Couple days after Week 2 - Reflect, write, and decorate.
Add as much as you want, or keep it very simple, modern and timeless.
Stickers that come on a clear sheet help with placement! You can position them and see where you like them before removing the sticker to put on the page.
Month five is finished!
10. Celebrate Imperfection: Your baby book doesn't need to be a masterpiece.
Embrace the smudged ink, incoherent scribbles, and the missed entries. It's a reflection of the beautiful chaos that is parenthood, and that's what makes it uniquely yours.
Remember, parenting is a wild ride, and your baby book should capture that ride in all its messy, unpredictable glory.
Your baby will grow up faster than you can imagine, and one day, you'll look back at your witty and haphazardly documented baby book and cherish every chaotic moment. So, grab your pen, your coffee, and your sense of humor – you're in for a memorable journey! 🍼📖
Look at those tiny fingers!
Thanks for Memory Book Planning With Me!
Do you keep a memory book for your baby? Or have you gone the digital route?
Let me know in the comments!