Baby photos, toddler photos, beach photos, first day of school photos…I love taking pictures of my girls, and like many moms, I document them rather obsessively. What’s less fun is trying to organize the ludicrous quantity of photos into an album or photo book. Recently, I bit the bullet, forcing myself to spend a Saturday sorting through and creating a “Baby’s First Year” album — just in time for college! Kidding, preschool. As I made my selections, I noticed that certain photos held way more meaning than others. It wasn’t just the cute shots I was drawn to; I mean, come on, they’re all cute! It was the pictures that captured those tiny milestones; the moments you might not realize are important at the time, but turn out to be such special memories.
I won’t try to stop you from taking 8,000 pictures in year one (you’ve earned it!), but here’s my ultimate list of the essential baby photos to capture. These snaps will help preserve your memories of that whirlwind and magical first year with baby.
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16 Essential Photos to Take of Your Baby During the First Year
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Just Born
This one is a no-brainer, but make sure to document baby's very first moments on earth, when he still looks like a cross between a little old man and a space alien. The hours and days after the birth can feel like a blur, but the photos--with sweet little details like the regulation hospital cap and swaddling blanket--will bring all the memories right back.
Photo: Amy Wruble -
Sibling's First Look
If your baby isn't the first in your family, then there's a magical moment coming when big sister or brother lays eyes on her real, live baby doll. I was only a little (lot) nervous to hand my newborn over to a 3-year-old, but a fortress of pillows allowed me to relax enough to snap some special photos.
Photo: Amy Wruble -
Sleepy Newborn
When our babies are born, we are constantly trying to capture those fleeting moments when they are awake. We want to see the color of their eyes, or try to commemorate that first gassy smile. But looking back, I love the pictures I took of my baby fast asleep, snug with a lovey in her swing, swaddled like a burrito, or passed out on her Daddy's chest. Just seeing those sleeping faces makes me feel calm, like all is right with the world.
Photo: Amy Wruble -
After Bath
There is nothing cuter than a squeaky clean baby wrapped up in a plush hooded towel, if you ask me. I'm a big fan of actual bath photos too, but those are for my private collection so I don't embarrass the hell out of my kids later (even if their tushies are perfect).
Photo: Amy Wruble -
First Feedings
Whether baby is suckling at the bottle or the breast, capturing his earliest form of nourishment will remind you of a time when it was all so simple: food and love. I remember feeling silly when I asked my husband to snap a discreet nursing shot, but I'm so grateful for the memory now.
Photo: Amy Wruble -
Tummy Time
When you're going through the tummy time phase, it feels like forever--especially if your baby hates it! But before you know it, baby is rolling over, sitting up, and jumping off the coffee table (just try to stop her). To capture tummy time, lay down on your belly too. You might even get a smile.
Photo: Amy Wruble -
'I Found My Toes!'
One precious milestone is when baby realizes his feet belong to him and he can grab them all he wants. Just look at the delight. There's a reason this is called the "Happy Baby" pose in yoga.
Photo: Amy Wruble -
Surrounded by Friends
Gather all the stuffed animals--as many as you can fit onto the floor or couch--and surround your baby with them. Not only does it make for an adorable photo, but years later you will love remembering those favorite furry toys, some of which have been long lost (or discreetly thrown away, shhh).
Photo: Amy Wruble -
The Tiny Details
Toes and fingers will never be as small as they are right now, so get to snapping! Personally, I'm obsessed with long baby eyelashes and spent so much time trying to master this shot, it's amazing I didn't wake her.
Photo: Amy Wruble -
How Big Is Baby?
It's also fun to play with scale. Place your tiny baby in a huge chair, or next to the Halloween pumpkins, like I did. You could even turn it into an annual tradition to mark baby's growth.
Photo: Amy Wruble -
First Finger Foods
Early days in the high chair are often hilarious as baby gets food on his face, in his hair, on the floor, and pretty much everywhere except his mouth.
Photo: Amy Wruble -
The Joy of Standing
Sometimes your baby hits a milestone and they are so proud. I took this photo the very first day my girl pulled up to standing in her crib, and she could not stop smiling.
Photo: Amy Wruble -
Baby in the Mirror
One day, your baby will make an exciting discovery: There's another baby living the mirror! Of course it's just her reflection, but it will be many months before she can understand that fact. For now, it's fun to capture baby making faces, kissing, and even licking the "other" baby.
Photo: Amy Wruble -
First Halloween
How do you make the cutest baby in the world even cuter? Dress her up in a ridiculous Halloween costume! Even if it's too cold to take your kiddo trick- or-treating, this is one time a staged photo op will be totally worth it.
Photo: Amy Wruble -
First Holiday Season
Whether baby poses in an over-sized Santa hat, atop a mound of presents, or under the tree like the gift that he is, you'll be glad to have a special photo of baby's first Christmas, Hanukkah, or other meaningful holiday.
Photo: Melissa Mowry -
Smash Cake Delight
Oh my, has it been a year already? Of course you'll have your camera ready at baby's first birthday party, especially when it's time to cut the cake. For both of my girls, this was the first time they'd ever experienced frosting, and I can still hear their joyful giggles. This little guy in the photo loved the sweet stuff, too.
Photo: Heather Morgan Shott
