I’ve got a little Ziploc bag tucked away in my desk holding a lock of hair from my child’s first haircut. I’m not quite sure why I saved it or what I plan to do with it, but it feels like a classic mom move. I’ve also kept other sentimental items like extra birth announcements, burp cloths, pacifiers, and every stuffed animal that has crossed his path.
While some friends have created beautiful shadow boxes and scrapbooks for their keepsakes, I’m not exactly the crafty type. Plus, what do you even do with larger items, like teddy bears? So, I’ve made my own decisions on what to keep and what to let go.
KEEP:
- The Birth Announcement: This one’s a no-brainer! With my first child, I handcrafted my announcements (thanks to being overdue), but I forgot to make one for myself. I thought I’d remember all the details, but with the sleep deprivation that comes with parenting, that was wishful thinking.
- Favorite Lovies: Thankfully, my son is still attached to his blanket seven years later! I’ve heard of parents salvaging pieces of their kids’ beloved items to create quilts or keepsakes. Some people are just so darn creative!
DISCARD:
- The Hospital Bracelet: I used to hang on to the plastic bracelets they gave us at the hospital. One day, I realized I was keeping an ugly piece of plastic with scribbles on it. I have plenty of photos and the actual baby to remind me of that day, so why keep it? Toss!
- Every Outfit: I was guilty of saving every little thing—his first swimsuit, that hat from his first beach trip, the cute rain boots… Eventually, I had to accept that not all of them could stay. I kept a few favorites, passed some on to friends, and donated the rest to charity.
HIDE:
- Baby Teeth: Here’s a tip for all the new moms out there: When your little one starts losing teeth, the “tooth fairy” will take them away while they sleep. My son once asked, “What does the tooth fairy do with my teeth?” The last thing you want is for him to stumble upon them later, leading to awkward questions. Do yourself a favor and keep those baby teeth hidden!
So, what keepsakes do you treasure? Have you done anything creative with them? For more ideas on preserving those precious memories, check out this post on our blog.
In summary, figuring out what baby mementos to keep can be a challenge. Focus on the most meaningful items, don’t hesitate to let go of the less significant ones, and remember to hide those baby teeth!
Leave a Reply