Milestones
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Take a snapshot of your child each month, on the same day of the month, to capture the big picture of their growth.
They Grow Up So Fast!
Your baby is hitting so many milestones now: first smile, first solid foods, first time crawling and walking—group these shots in a photo collage or book.
Photo Collages
View Photo Books
Special Occasions
Big Days
You're dressing them up in their first fancy birthday, baptism, and holiday outfits—make sure to take their picture before cake time!
Professional Prints
Photo Magnets
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Collect little meaningful gifts from your child in a Keepsake Box; rocks, feathers, a flower—the smallest, most ordinary items can hold the most meaning!
Share the Love
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Share your child's information wtih a Mommy Card; include important information such as allergies, emergency numbers, and favorite color.
10 FUN TIPS
The First Year
1. Feeding Time
Your baby will probably start
eating solid foods around the 6-month mark. Usually around the time they develop greater head and neck strength. Start with semi-liquid rice cereal and start slow. She’ll give you signs when she’s full and when she would like more.
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2. Teething Tricks
Teething toys made specifically
for your little one’s mouth is a good place to start. When mere gumming will not quell the pain, move to teething drops or tablets. Some good herbal remedies such as Humphreys Teething Pellets and Gripe Water offer gentle relief.
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3. Cry it Out?
Letting your baby cry for small
intervals to get them used to falling asleep on their own may make life easier in the long run, however it can also be emotionally draining. Don’t let them cry for more than 20 minutes (or less) without soothing them until they learn to self-soothe. Do what’s best for you. You can always co-sleep!
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4. Help the Medicine Go Down
Giving his medicine some flavor
such as berry or grape helps. You can ask a pharmacist to do this. Use a dropper or medicine syringe and insert slowly. If they’re big enough, give them some control by letting them hold it.
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5. Have Baby, Will Travel
You might think travel with baby
is difficult but it’s surprising how helpful people can be—especially at airports. For long car trips, ensure your car seat is installed properly. Fill your diaper bag with plenty of toys, food, clothes, etc. Call ahead to ensure your destination is prepared to accommodate your baby.
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6. Baby Talk
Studies show that the more we
speak to babies, the faster they develop language skills. Slowing down your speech and raising the pitch of your voice has been proven to help babies learn faster. Steer clear of baby babble.
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7. Reading: Why Do It
Even though your baby may not
understand what you’re reading just yet, books help build their vocabulary, listening, and memory skills. And, because they will connect books to being with you, they'll be more apt to hold a lifelong love of books.
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8. From One Milk to Another
Close to the one-year mark your
baby will be ready to move from your milk and/or formula to plain cow milk. Yay—no more measuring cups! Choose organic for its pesticide and antibiotic-free properties, and make it full fat. Fat is vital to your baby’s brain development.
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9. Chemical Conscious
Keep your baby's exposure to
chemicals at a minimum. Ensure bottles and sippy cups are BPA-free—plus, be aware that some formula containers also contain BPA. Soap and lotion products may also contain the carcinogen formaldehyde so look for brands with the least chemicals. Arm yourself with knowledge.
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10. Bye-Bye Binky
Though it may be too soon to
think about taking away that all-important binky, it’s a good time to start curtailing its use. You may want to take it away during the day and allow it only when it’s most needed: nap and bed times. Some find success by simply throwing it away. Be brave!
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