Are baby journals still a thing?
Are baby journals still a thing?
In this time of camera phones and Facebook, it seems like every moment of your little one's life is already being documented, there are certainly more photos being taken, but probably not as many in frames or photo albums. So the question is, do you still need a baby journal? I think yes and here is why.
Milestones
In a few years, those exciting first steps and the adorable first words will be a haze of many other memories of the time and if you have more children it is nice to have a bit of a guide as to the age of each milestone was met (not in a competitive way, everyone runs their own race). Those busy and exhausted early months can be hectic and taking the minute to write things down means you can look back and remember how lovely it was (seriously, as with most things, you tend to remember the best bits). First smile, first tooth, first time they said mummy or daddy, they are the moments you will be thinking about.
How you are feeling
Writing about how you are feeling, the joys and the frustrations after all parenting is not always sunshine and lollipops and as I mentioned earlier we have a tendency to focus on the good times, so sometimes it is nice to have a touchstone to recall that you were challenged before and how you got through it (and more importantly that these times too will pass). It is also a nice reflection if you have more children to remind yourself how much you have learned since your first child.
Funny stories
Every child is hilarious in their own way and you will find yourself laughing with them and their view of the world and how they naturally do things. Their extreme attachment to certain toys, and the foods they refuse to eat, are all great story fodder. It is a great idea to write things down when they do something particularly adorable or funny so that in years to come you can tell them about it and maybe embarrass them on their 21st birthday with an anecdote (you have to think ahead).
Health and growth
On a slightly more serious note, keeping track of important health-related information, like weight and height measurements, and vaccination dates is crucial to ensuring your child is developing as they should and that any delays are addressed and investigated as soon as possible. Throughout Australia, you will be issued a baby book for your maternal health care checks, but it is good to keep a record of all doctor visits and any notable reactions or possible allergies.
Remember that a baby journal is just for you and your children, there are no rules you need to follow, just suggestions. If you like a bit of guidance there are Baby Memory Books that give you a full range of options and are nice keepsakes that your children will appreciate (eventually). However, no matter how you want to document your child’s youngest years, you will be glad you did, for them and also for you, when you find yourself looking through your notes as they grow, marvelling at a time when you couldn’t wait for them to say their first words.
