Ask any mom with grown children, and they will tell you, that the baby years go by too fast. Wouldn’t it be nice if you could freeze time and hold on to all those cute little expressions, mannerism, and milestones?

Here are some creative yet simple ways to capture those precious moments without spending a lot.

Clay Handprint

Make your baby’s handprint in clay at home for a fraction of the cost of a prepackaged kit. Mix 1 cup baking soda, ½ cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¾ cup water. Heat over medium heat until boiling, then lower heat and stir until thick. Spread mixture in a mold like a whipped topping container or margarine lid. When cool, press your baby’s hand into the dough to form a handprint. String with a pink or blue ribbon and use a toothpick to write the date before it dries

Handprint Book

A handprint book is a creative way to record baby’s growth. Purchase a journal or scrapbook with unlined paper (such as a small scrapbook). On each page, write baby’s age and use an inkpad to do his handprint. Add journaling about what baby is doing at the moment and what he has recently learned.

Baby’s First Year Calendar

You can make a baby’s first year calendar at home using a regular calendar or custom-make one on your computer. In each daily square, jot down a comment about your baby that day. Your comments can range from the very ordinary (Nicholas loved playing peek-a-boo today) to a significant milestone (Emma took her first steps today!).

Patchwork Memories

Hate to throw out or get rid of your baby’s cute infant outfits? Create a blanket made from squares of your favorite baby clothes. It is sure to be a cherished heirloom for years to come.

Baptismal Keepsake

If you know how to sew, make your baby’s baptism gown out of your wedding dress train. It is a special way to reuse something that was very meaningful to you at one time, and leaves your dress intact you want to pass it on to a daughter someday.

Presidential Congrats

Send a photocopy of your baby’s birth certificate to the address below to receive a free congratulatory note from the president:

White House Greetings Office
Room 39
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500

Say Cheese!

Take your own portrait photos using a sheet and some props. Use simple props that won’t distract from the subject: a few strands of pearls, a metal washtub, fresh flowers, a ball or a teddy bear, some tulle, a wagon, or antique toys all add appeal to your photos without distracting from the subject.

Happy Birthday!

Start a "birthday tablecloth" for your child. Have guests sign the tablecloth, noting their favorite memory of your child from the past year. You can also do your child’s handprints on it with an inkpad. Be sure to date each entry. Over a period of time your child will have a wonderful keepsake.

Kimberly Danger is the owner/publisher of Mommysavers.com, an online resource for parents interested in saving time and money. Portions of this article are excerpted from her book, 1000 Best Baby Bargains, available online at Amazon.com. Ms. Danger lives in Southern Minnesota with her husband and two kids.