12 baby memory books that you’ll actually fill out

One day you’re growing a bump and the next, you’ve got a full-blown one-year-old with first birthday cake smeared from head-to-toe. What the heck happened in between? Chances are it’s totally a blur—unless of course, you’ve kept up with their baby memory book.

Yes, it can easily become one more thing to stress over. But the truth is, there’s no family heirloom that’s more special (or more entertaining!) than a baby album. Everyone in the family will cherish it for years to come and there are plenty out there that don’t make creating it a monumental task. (They also make terrific baby shower gifts for mom!)

Not sure what to include in your baby book? Don’t sweat it. Most of the options out there make it incredibly easy for you. (They’re like Mad Libs for mom brain.)

From traditional baby scrapbooks you can customize to five-minute-a-day journals, we’ve rounded up some of the best baby books that won’t end up blank and dusty when you pull it out for wedding toast inspiration. We’ve also made sure that each and every option we include takes into account the fact that not all families are Mom + Dad= Baby. The selections below include inclusive language or versions specifically for LGBTQ+ families and single parents as well. Congrats on your new addition!

Best baby memory books you’ll treasure forever

Artifact Uprising

The Story of You

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$84.15

Artifact Uprising creates some of the most gorgeous museum-quality mementos that instantly become family treasures. They’re a go-to for photo prints, vacation albums and yes, a best-selling baby book. The binder-style book comes with a pen, adhesive for photos and treasures and a free set of Everyday Prints to get rolling. The thick pages provide thoughtful prompts and space for milestones and if you have more to add (or you know, change a name or something down the line 😉 ) you can purchase additional pages to slide right in.

And because the fun doesn’t end after year one, Artifact Uprising also offers The Story of You: The Early Years book to document years 1-5. Choose from the same sophisticated color palette to create a luxe collection of timeless treasures.

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Chronicle Books

Mom's One Line a Day Five Year Memory Book

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$14.55

​The baby book overwhelm is real, friends. If the thought of filling pages with every little detail makes your head swim, this simple book has you covered. As part of the One Line a Day series, each daily diary page allows for an entry for five successive years. With a five-minute daily journaling practice, you can create a priceless keepsake for yourself and your child.

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Peachly

Unisex Baby Book

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$41.95

Simple, open-ended and inclusive of all kinds of families, the modern baby book from Peachly crafts your little one’s story without forcing a narrative that doesn’t fit. Not only is there plenty of space for all the memorable moments, but the gender-neutral language is super refreshing. Inside the linen cover you’ll find 60 spiral bound pages that cover milestones from birth through age five with places to include photos of various sizes. There’s also an envelope for mementos like a lock of hair or hospital bracelet.

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Promptly

Childhood History Journal

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$39.99

The linen-wrapped Childhood History Journals from Promptly are a family heirloom in the making. Their 254-page memory books are perfect for the mama who wants to chronicle all of the important motherhood moments but doesn’t think she has the time. Each journal is filled with short, easy prompts, making it easy to document all the little moments from birth all the way through age 18.

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Paper Peony Press

The Baby Memory Book

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$21.63

This modern memory book takes you all the way from pregnancy through the first five years of your little one’s life with sweet prompts and places to record all easy-to-forget moments. And since its gorgeous linen cover with gold foil text makes it almost too pretty to tuck away, you won’t have to worry about neglecting it! Charming illustrations accompany pages to jot down their family tree and information about the world on the day they were born and a spiral binding makes it easy to use.

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Uncommon Goods

Baby Keepsake Library

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$97

From their hospital bracelet to that first lock of hair, there are so many baby keepsakes to cherish. This library-style cloth-covered organizer features one side for chronicling all the important moments while the other side provides space to keep all the most special things in one place for years to come.

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The Short Years

Baby Book

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$129

Analog meets digital with this convenient baby book that builds itself in just five minutes per week. Start by receiving the hardcover book filled with chapter cover pages and a hands and feet pages to take to the hospital. Through weekly prompts from their app you upload a photo and answer a couple questions about milestones and special moments. Each time you complete three chapters in the app, they print and ship the pages to you. Easy-peasy.

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Rag & Bone Bindery

Personalized Baby's First Book Zodiac Stars

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$92.95

It’s hard to choose a favorite style from Rhode Island-based Rag & Bone Bindery. The company, which has been artfully crafting heirloom-quality albums and journals since 1990, offers illustrated and simple covers with ribbon binding that can be personalized with your baby’s name and birthdate (and in this case, zodiac sign!) But what we really love is the inclusive personalization on the inside. Choose from language that reflects mom and dad, two moms, two dads, mom + me, and adoption. Because not every story starts with “When mom and dad first met…”.

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Lucy Darling Shop

Rainbow Baby Book

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$44.99

If darling illustration is your weakness, good luck resisting the baby books from the aptly named Lucy Darling. Their “simple book of firsts” feature fun, on-trend designs (like whales and florals) and make it easy to capture all the special memories without spending hours you don’t have. There’s a great balance of prompts alongside space to freestyle and colorful illustrations throughout. And while it’s hard to pick a favorite, we do love this style which is perfect for rainbow babies. ❤️

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Love + Wild

Linen Baby Book

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$95

Love + Wild offers gorgeous linen baby books that you can customize. Choose among 5 soft hues including oat, blush, and sage, and add baby’s initials to the cover if you want. The linen baby book includes 124 pages of 100# opaque white stock that are full of thoughtful prompts to help you capture all the moments you don’t want to forget. Also, the high quality Smyth Sewn binding allows for pages to lay flat, making them easy to write in.

We also recommend you check out the other adorable line of baby books by Love + Wild that cost less and come in super cute patterns like checkerboard, sunshine, or dinosaurs.

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Stash and Story

10-Year Modern Baby Book

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$92.43

Okay, don’t get overwhelmed. We know 10 years is a long time, but think about how much happens in… year 4, for example. Or year 7. The first time they write their name! The first time they lose a tooth! Their first day of kindergarten! Imagine a big scrapbook-style book—with pocket folders!—that houses all of these memories. That’s what this modern baby book from Stash and Story offers, and we love it. Store not only your own hand-written notes that tell of cute things you want to always remember, but also have a place for your child’s photos, artwork, certificates, and other mementos that you know you’ll keep forever. We also love the fact they offer options for all kinds of families. Mom and dad duos, two moms, two dads and single parents as well!

SHOP ETSY

How to organize your baby book

Start with the Basics: Before diving into the sea of memories, let’s start simple. Your baby book is a story – the story of your little one’s first moments, milestones, and everything in between. Begin by gathering basic information: birth details, family tree, and a letter to your baby. This sets the stage for the memories to come.

Create Sections for Ease: Divide your baby book into sections such as “Firsts,” “Milestones,” “Holidays,” and “Everyday Moments.” This structure helps you organize memories without feeling overwhelmed. It’s like building a house, one brick at a time, and before you know it, you’ve created a home full of memories.

Use Monthly Updates: As your baby grows, so will the pages of your baby book. Consider monthly updates to capture how your baby changes over time. Include photos, a summary of new skills, and funny anecdotes. These snapshots of life provide a colorful timeline of your baby’s first year.

Embrace the Messy Moments: Not all memories are picture-perfect, and that’s okay. The spilled foods, the diaper disasters – they’re all part of the journey. Include these moments too. They add character and honesty to your baby book, showing the real, unfiltered beauty of parenting.

Include the Special ‘Firsts’: First smile, first steps, first words. These milestones are the heartbeats of your baby book. Document when they happen and how you felt. Did you cry with joy? Laugh with surprise? These emotions add depth to the story you’re telling.

Add Mementos and Keepsakes: Your baby book can be more than just words and pictures. Include physical reminders of the past: a lock of hair from the first haircut, the hospital bracelet, a footprint, or a cherished drawing. These items bring a tactile element to your memories.

Personalize with Stories: Every baby book has photos and milestones, but what makes yours stand out are the personal stories. The quiet moments, the loud giggles, the gentle whispers. Share these stories, as they capture the essence of your baby’s unique personality.

Keep It Up-to-Date: The most challenging part of a baby book can be keeping it current. Set aside a regular time each week or month for updates. This can be a special moment for reflection and bonding with your baby.

Remember, It’s Your Story: There’s no right or wrong way to create a baby book. It’s a reflection of your journey, your family, and your love. Don’t stress about making it perfect. What matters most is the love and memories it holds.

Ask for Contributions: Don’t forget to involve other family members. Grandparents, aunts, and uncles can add their perspectives and memories, enriching the story and making the baby book a true family treasure.

Enjoy the Process: Finally, remember to enjoy the process of creating your baby book. It’s not just a task to tick off; it’s an opportunity to relive those precious moments. As you sort, organize, and record, you’re not just making a book; you’re reliving the joy, laughter, and even the tears of your baby’s first years.

In conclusion, organizing your baby book doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little planning and a lot of love, you can create a keepsake that captures the heart and soul of your family’s early days. Cherish each step of the journey, and remember, this book will one day be a window into the past for your grown child – a gift of memories, love, and the story of their very beginning.

FAQ: All About Baby Books

When should I start a baby book?

Start a baby book as soon as your baby is born. Capture all special moments from day one.

What goes in a baby book?

Include milestones, photos, and memories. Add footprints, birthday details, and favorite things.

What kind of books are good for infants?

Soft, durable books are best. Look for bright colors, simple stories, and interactive elements.

When should you start reading books to babies?

Start reading from birth. It helps with bonding and language skills.

Are baby books still a thing?

Yes, baby books are still popular. They keep precious memories alive.

Are baby books necessary?

Not necessary, but they are a wonderful way to remember your baby’s early years.

What color does baby see first?

Babies see red first. It’s the easiest color for them to see.

When can babies see color?

Babies begin to see colors at about 4 to 6 months old.

Why are black and white books good for babies?

High contrast colors like black and white stimulate a baby’s vision. They help with focus and attention.

A version of this article was originally published July 20, 2021. It has been updated.