Shutterbug: 12 Pictures to Take During Baby's First Week

Flickr user Donnie Ray Jones

Hello, paparazzi! Once the craziness of baby's first day subsides, mama will be a bit more aware of the people and events surrounding her. The immediate days following a little one's birth are full of milestones that everyone will enjoy looking back on as the tot continues to grow. From the trip home from the hospital to baby's first bath, here are 12 must-take photos for baby's first week of life!

01
First Time in the Car Seat

First Time in the Car Seat

Most hospitals won't allow new parents to leave unless they have seen the newborn in an approved car seat. Getting the little one into the seat can be quite a feat for new parents. Once the tot's in, photograph the achievement (or better yet, photograph the whole process so you can look back at it and laugh in a few weeks!).

02
Leaving the Hospital

Leaving the Hospital

Finally being able to take your lil one home is one happy occasion. Take a picture of mama on her way out the door!

03
The Ride Home

The Ride Home

Most likely, dad will be driving about four mph on the ride home from the hospital. Take a photo of the little one's first car ride (or walk home, if you're able to do that) to mark the occasion.

04
Coming Home

Coming Home

Baby's first time entering her new home is a memory everyone will want to remember. Take a moment to pause outside the door, or right inside, and let someone snap a photo!

05
First Time in the Crib

First Time in the Crib

Babies will spend a lot of time in their beds, so capturing the first time the little one rests in it can be momentous. Seeing just how small the tot looks in the bed is also fun!

06
First Time Baby Meets the Family Pet

First Time Baby Meets the Family Pet

Mama may have spent much of her last trimester preparing the family pet for the baby's arrival. Capture the moment the two meet. It's sure to be a keeper!

07
Baby's First Bath

Baby's First Bath

Baby's first bath can be intimidating for both mom and tot. Once the little one's comfortably in the water (or even not too comfortable), take a picture. It is another milestone event mom and dad will want to remember.

08
Baby With Visitors and Friends

Baby With Visitors and Friends

Family and friends will want to lay their eyes and get their hands on the lil one, but those first days can be a blur for mom. Capture each visitor with the baby and help mom remember just who came by for a visit!

09
First Tummy Time

First Tummy Time

Doctors encourage parents to rest their tots on their bellies, but the little ones aren't usually so fond of the position. Take a picture of baby's first tummy time and see how much progress he or she makes in just a few week's time.

10
First Time in the Stroller

First Time in the Stroller

Remember how small the stroller looked when you bought it? Put your little one in it and see just how big it really is! Baby's first outing in the stroller is a milestone — it means everybody's ready to move beyond the confines of the home.

11
First Time in Real Clothes

First Time in Real Clothes

Chances are that your little one is wearing nothing more than a diaper and a kimono-style top during your hospital stay, so when it's time to head home, mom has to get baby dressed for the first time. Sometimes it's a struggle, and yes, baby and mom can end up in tears, but the results are always sweet as can be!

12
First Time Babywearing

First Time Babywearing

There's a lot of babywearing in your future, but that first time you strap baby to your body is magical — for both mom and tot. Don't miss that shot, even if it means a selfie in the mirror!