I’m an overachiever in many ways, but a huge slacker in the baby book department. I started the book for my first child just one day before #2 was born. Oops. Don’t even ask about how I’ve documented milestones for the second child. (Okay, it’s Post-It notes).
Fortunately, parents today have some great places to turn for help when it comes to documenting — and sharing — the news about baby’s firsts. Especially since we’re all on the computer all day anyway.
Big Day Books, founded by working moms Cori Marx and Julie Maasen, simplifies the process of building your baby’s book. Just log on to their website once a month or so to jot down details of little Emma’s first bath or describe Sam’s reaction to pureed bananas. Each finished page of your online baby book can then be downloaded, printed, and installed into one of Big Day’s really gorgeous handmade albums ("The Jake" shown at left). Easier than swaddling a newborn, that’s for sure.
If your out-of-town family and friends expect you to report back whenever the kid sneezes, Little Chapters might be the service for you. Sign up for free, and Little Chapters gives you your own baby website to share, including a photo gallery and journal. Members who upgrade (packages start at $49.95) can transfer all that info into a professionally bound baby book at the end of the first year–and you never even have to pick up a gluestick. Mom and Dad founders Claudia and Alex Reuter also offer custom photo gifts — great for sending Aunt Ruthie a picture of the baby wearing that sweater she knit. If only she knew he was only wearing it for the photo.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve finally got an excuse to go start my little one’s baby book. At this rate, I’m just pleased I’m getting to it before she’s starting high school. –Nancy
*Save 15% at Big Day Books on any book from their Celebrity collection–just enter code "coolpick" when you add a book to your cart.
*At Little Chapters, save $10 off the cost of any hardcover book with the code "cmpks"
Procrastinating Parents: We Have The Baby Books for You
