New Year, New Memories: 12 Monthly Photos You’ll Want to Take in 2026

Alexus
Jan 27
2 min read

Wow! January is nearly over! Before the month flies by, start your new year off right by hopping into a 12-month photography journey. This is a chance to be intentional, to celebrate your baby’s growth, and to create memories you’ll treasure forever.

If you’ve ever wanted to start a simple, meaningful photo tradition, this is the year to do it. You don’t need fancy props or Pinterest-perfect outfits. What matters is documenting your baby, your love, and your journey together.

Here are 12 monthly photo ideas to create a beautiful story of your baby’s 2026.

January — Fresh Start Photo

To kick-off the new year, capture photos of your baby in cozy winter pajamas or swaddles. Think soft blankets, warm tones, and natural light by a window. This photo sets the tone for the year: peaceful, simple, full of hope.

Child in winter coat and knit hat gazes out a window. Black and white image, captures a calm, introspective mood.

February — Love & Snuggles

You + baby in a soft embrace. This month’s image doesn’t need hearts or props (unless you want). Just warmth, closeness, and the love that’s growing between you.

March — Spring Awakening

Think florals, greenery, or simply a fresh outdoor moment. Document your baby exploring the world as the seasons change.

April — Little Hands, Big Wonder

Zoom in. Focus on details. Their hands, their toes, their favorite toy or blanket. These tiny details won’t stay tiny for long.

Baby hand gently grips adult finger, with a soft, floral-patterned blanket in the background. The scene is tender and intimate.

May — Mommy & Me Portrait

It doesn't have to be Mother’s Day themed, but it can be! Capture the two of you in a natural moment: laughing, feeding, cuddling, or simply gazing at each other.

June — Celebrating Dad

Whether it’s Father’s Day or not, take a photo of baby and dad together. These tender fatherhood moments become priceless as the years pass.

July — Summer Sunshine

A warm outdoor photo:

At the park
On a blanket in the yard
Splashing in water
Wearing their cutest summer outfit

Let the sun do the storytelling!

Smiling child with a red bow and yellow dress stands in a sunlit grassy field, creating a joyful and warm atmosphere.

August — Personality Snapshot

Your baby’s personality is shining by now. Capture them doing something they love: smiling big, concentrating hard, exploring, crawling, or babbling.

September — Cozy Home Moments

Fall starts to creep in. Document your baby at home—playing in their crib, snuggling on the couch, or reading a board book.

October — Fall Vibes

Pumpkins, leaves, neutral sweaters—simple and timeless. Your baby + nature’s prettiest season = perfect combination.

Smiling baby with a large tan bow, sitting inside a carved pumpkin on a wooden deck, surrounded by scattered autumn leaves.

November — Family Storytelling

Take a photo that includes more of your family history. Maybe grandparents. Maybe cousins. Maybe a holiday tradition.

This one becomes part of your legacy.

December — A Year in Your Arms

End the year with a full-circle moment. Hold your baby in the same spot you did in January, or recreate one of your first pictures together. Show how much they’ve grown—and how much your love has.

Your 12 Months = A Beautiful Time Capsule

Once the year ends, gather the photos into:

A coffee table photo book
A “Baby’s 2026” annual album
A wall collage
A keepsake calendar
A memory box

Pink fabric-covered photo album on textured gray surface, text "Amaya's 1st year" embossed in rose gold. Calm and reflective mood.

This tradition creates a visual history of your motherhood and a gift your child will cherish forever.

2026 will be full of beautiful moments. Let’s make sure you remember them!