Things to do in baby's first year

[danigrace]

Just that really. What did you do in your baby's first year that you enjoyed? Or what did you wish you did? Looking for inspiration!

I enjoyed saving his outfits and making bunting from them, I put it up every birthday.

I bought a 12-18 month sleep suit and took a photo of him every month in it to show how much he grew.

Watched a lot of films and tv programs and films whilst they fed and slept, drank a lot of tea and coffee at baby groups with new friends and went for long walks.

Go on a nice holiday while they are easy non-mobile blobs - you can laze around and go with the flow. You won’t be able to do that in the second year! Plus it’s cheap, no air fare etc.

This does quite depend on having an easy baba though.

Also applies to getting out for nice meals (go for lunch or early so as not to piss off other diners by simply existing 🙄!).

Generally enjoy the nice slow pace!

Baby swimming...DS loves it so much. He likes to run around the house shouting 'ready go' like the swimming teacher does.
He can pretty much doggy paddle now (with support) at 20m which I'm super impressed by as i'm not very good swimmer.

I Love the swimming classes and will do that with my own.
All the little ones I've looked after as a nanny have been swimming independently by 3yrs.
I quite enjoyed the shocked faces of adult swimmers when i used to get my last charge to jump in the big pool and swim to me (she was being lazy in the small pool and pushing with her feet from the floor - she was def capable of swimming properly. Had no choice in the big pool!) 😀

I'm planning to make memories. Get out and about a lot, take many pictures, make keepsakes like hand and foot prints and just enjoy every second!
The early years fly by too quickly x

Not me but my DF took a photo everyday and sent it to her DH. She now has a wonderful library of photos documenting their first year together.

I've loved doing baby signing. Also swimming is great fun. Just don't do what I've done and get pregnant

Survived. Took the dog for a walk in the afternoon with dd in a carrier. It was the only thing I imagined doing before I had her that actually went to plan.

I enjoyed baby yoga. Sometimes it's just nice to have some structured "fawning over the baby" time under the guise of gentle exercise and relaxation.

I am really enjoying mummy and baby singing, there is a nationwide chain of groups called Thula Mama which is lovely.

0-6 months
Did a massive sort of the house, declutter, installing flatpack furniture etc. Never has it looked so organised! (Before or since)
Chat with other mums at NCT postbirth groups, baby sensory etc

6-12 months
Do very low key day trips which suited me, like to museums and national trust houses with nice coffee shops.
Go to Little Chef at dawn and watch the lorries go past whilst drinking hot chocolate

Tbh, getting to the end of the year with everyone alive and healthy felt like a bit of an achievement at times

Wow these ideas/tips are amazing! Thanks! A lot I'd have never thought of.
We are already doing baby swimming which DS seems to love - all smiles and splashes!
Loving the crafty and memory ideas also.
But I must say @BestZebbie how on earth did you do a big sort of your house?? That is very impressive. My DS is 4 months and my house has never looked worse just trying not to let it bother me too much! Love the little chef at dawn idea, wonder if anywhere near us is open that early