Parentpedia

What Experts Say

Saving memories from your pregnancy not only gives you something to look back on later but it also creates a past for your child who, especially when he or she starts having children, will be delighted to know more about what you went through.

There are thousands of Web sites offer step-by-step basics on making pregnancy memory albums and more, and you can find a directed pregnancy journal in any bookstore or baby section.

Here are some more ideas:

Make a pregnancy belly cast: A belly cast is a three-dimensional cast of your pregnant belly. It's a fun, rather trendy, and easy-to-do activity that creates a lasting (if rather large) memory. Get a do-it-yourself-kit like the one here.

Scrapbooking: Choose an archival acid-free scrapbook and put everything in it from photos and prenatal charts to cartons from food cravings and receipts from maternity clothes; write stories about how you and the expectant dad found out you were pregnant, what your first doctor's visit was like, and what food cravings you have in the middle of the night to complement the memorabilia.

Quilting: If you like to sew, you can make a pregnancy quilt to keep or to give to the baby. Use fabric from your maternity clothes, your old baby clothes, your spouse's clothes, and any other fabric you choose.

Photo Albums: Take pictures of your belly every month in the same location, the nursery, your family, the birth announcements, etc. and make a photo album of your pregnancy. With the rise in popularity of digital cameras, it is sometimes a challenge to remember to print photos. Try an online service like Snapfish or iLife that make the album for you.

The Shoebox Technique: If you have no time to do any of this, take an old shoebox and fill it with keepsakes -- you can organize them when your children go to college. If you're feeling extra-crafty, use baby wrapping paper to cover the shoe box.