13 creative ideas for taking monthly baby photos

If you want to keep track of your baby’s measurement the good ol’ fashioned way, this all-in-one backdrop and card set has you covered. Go with a blanket that has a ruler printed right on it and you can watch your baby’s progress with the included monthly cards. Lulujo “Loved Beyond Measure” Baby’s First Year Blanket and Cards Set: $25, lulujo.ca

The letterboard idea is trendy, simple and to-the-point. Include your child’s name, age, and any other memorable details or milestones, then snap a pic. Letterboards are available at retailers like Michaels and on Etsy, but we love how @janettmarieee added her own personal touch to this one with some bright pink flowers. The Poet Oak: $65 USD, letterfolk.com

Belly stickers like these are the go-to choice for plenty of parents. They’re affordable and easy to use. Bonus: if your baby’s a squirmer or learning to crawl, this keeps the photo shoot process quick and easy. Just peel and stick on your baby’s onesie each month, snap a photo and voilà! Pearhead First Year Foil Belly Stickers in Grey: $12, bedbathandbeyond.ca

These wooden blocks do double duty as both a classic nursery decor item and as a milestone marker. They can be placed into the frame of your shot quickly without much prep, but older babies will still want to play with them (and chew on them). Pearhead Wooden Milestone Age Blocks: $30, well.ca

If this isn’t your first child, get your older kids involved in the monthly documentation project with something handy, like LEGO or Duplo blocks. It can even turn into a math lesson: Instagrammer @dayswithgrey had her older son measure his baby brother. “My baby brother is 12 Duplos long! 👶🏼 I am 26 Duplos long. 🙋🏼‍♂️” It’s such a sweet way to include siblings. LEGO Duplo Deluxe Box of Fun: $60, shop.lego.com

These floral wreaths have become quite the trend on Pinterest—we’re thinking they might be Beyoncé-inspired after her flowery twins announcement? We realize this might be tricky once baby starts to roll over and grasp at items, but if you can catch her while she’s napping, it’ll make a perfect photo! Also trending on Pinterest are floral number wreaths. You can make these wreaths yourself with supplies from Michaels, or buy them pre-made from sites like Etsy.

Here’s another milestone blanket and card set option for parents who want something that’s inexpensive and requires almost zero work. The multipurpose lightweight blanket can also be used as a swaddle, car seat canopy, nursing cover or stroller shade. Lulujo “I Will Move Mountains” Baby’s First Year Blanket and Cards Set: $25, lulujo.ca

If you want something instant without having to leave the house (let’s be real—who has the time with a newborn?), then these printable milestone cards are the perfect option for you. Purchase online, then download and print. Instagrammer @lee_kristine keeps it easy (but super-cute) by using the same white chair as a consistent backdrop, which helps showcase her baby’s monthly outfits. She got her pink printables from Etsy seller kardzkouture. If you’re looking for something more gender-neutral, we love these black and white printables by ARRAcreative for $13.

Here’s a simple idea: take your baby’s photo next to the same favourite stuffie every time. In the early weeks, that stuffie will look huge next to your teeny-tiny newborn. But at the end of year one, you’ll be wowed by how big your baby has grown in comparison. We love this monochromatic shot from @ourlittlephotodiary’s Instagram page.

Nothing beats a classic chalkboard—it’s easy and reusable. If you want something other than your standard rectangular shape, opt for a heart or star. Uxcell Wood Festival Home Heart Shaped Blackboard: $5, amazon.ca

If an app on your phone has replaced your wall or fridge calendar lately, this idea will feel almost old-school: Buy an oversized wall calendar (the bigger the better), rip out the pages, and circle the date when you do your monthly photo session. Lay down a blanket or comforter as your backdrop, and place the calendar beside your little one. Tip: take a cue from @ourlittlephotodiary and add in some confetti for flare. We love this “All Things Wild” cute animal print wall calendar by Studio Oh!: $22, indigo.ca 

A garland or banner with empty spots for the monthly photo is a great visual reminder to make sure you capture a cute moment every month. (And it’s OK if you’re occasionally late by a few weeks—we’ve all been there!) These felt banners by Mud Pie are available in pink and blue. Mud Pie First Year Photo Banner in Pink: $20, buybuybaby.com

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