If you were to ever visit my home, one of the first things you’d notice as you step inside is a gallery wall of photos lining the stairs. As you make your way up, the hallway landing reveals another display—a collection of my most treasured memories from my babies’ newborn and milestone sessions. Almost daily, I hear my boys pointing at themselves and saying “That’s Baby Elliott” or “That’s Baby Vincent” walking up and down the stairs, cherishing these captured moments. Their dressers hold their precious newborn heirloom photo albums, each page preserving memories I hold close.
But, if you were to ask me how many photos I have on my phone and how many I’ve actually printed, it’s a little embarrassing. Right now, there are nearly 3,000 photos on my phone, and while I try to make an effort to print them every few months, life happens and it doesn’t always get done. Out of all those photos, I’ve only printed maybe 50, which is a story for another day. But it made me reflect—why is it so important to display your newborn portraits in your home?
I recently read an article titled "Health Benefits of Displaying Family Photos at Home" that quoted Jaclyn Gulotta, Ph.D., a licensed mental health counselor, who said, “When children grow up seeing photos of themselves proudly displayed around their home, it says to them, ‘I am a valuable and important member of my family. I matter.’” As a mom and a Columbus, GA newborn photographer, I truly believe there’s so much value in proudly displaying these memories. So today, I want to share some beautiful and creative ways to display those precious moments right where they belong—in your home.
Heirloom Albums and Matted Albums
Heirloom and matted albums are the perfect way to tell your newborn's story across multiple images, preserving every tiny detail in a keepsake that will last for generations. These albums allow you to relive the magic of those early days through beautiful, tangible memories. With heirloom albums, you can customize your layout to highlight multiple images across a page, or choose to feature just a single image or two for a more focused and intimate experience. Matted albums, on the other hand, bring an extra layer of sophistication, dedicating each page to a single image that unfolds your baby’s story with a timeless, elegant touch.
Not only do these albums beautifully preserve your baby's milestones, but they also complement your home perfectly. You can personalize your album with fine linens, leathers, or even velvet, making it as unique as your little one. Adding your baby's name and birthdate on the cover transforms it into a cherished piece that can sit beautifully on coffee tables or shelves, serving as both a conversation starter and a heartfelt reminder of those early moments. In our home, my boys love flipping through their albums, marveling at how small their fingers and toes used to be. These albums have become treasured heirlooms, filled with stories that can be shared and passed down to their own kids someday.
Framed Prints and Loose Matted Prints
Fine Art Framed Prints:
Fine Art Framed Prints are a beautiful way to display your family’s most cherished moments, turning your walls into a stunning visual story. A family gallery wall is the perfect way to bring multiple portraits together, allowing each memory to shine while creating a cohesive and personal display. You can mix and match frame sizes and shapes for a curated, layered feel that reflects your family’s unique style or stick with a single frame throughout for a more modern touch. Start small, perhaps with a few key images, and let your gallery evolve over time as you capture more moments together. Your gallery wall will become an ever-growing testament to your family’s journey. Or, if you prefer a simpler approach, choose just one or two favorite images to be framed, transforming them into a striking focal point in your home—pieces that instantly draw the eye and warm the heart every time you pass by.
Loose Matted Print Box:
If a gallery wall with photos that stay the same over the years isn’t really your style, or if you love a more hands-on, DIY approach to framing, a loose matted print box might be just what you’re looking for! With loose matted prints, you can easily rotate the photos on your wall whenever the mood strikes, giving you the freedom to refresh your space with new memories. And for the prints that aren’t being displayed, they can be beautifully stored in a fine linen or museum glass box, sitting elegantly on your coffee table or entry table. This way, your cherished moments are always within reach, ready to be shared with guests or simply enjoyed in quiet moments as you flip through them. It’s the perfect blend of flexibility and timeless keepsake.
Cards and Other Creative Ideas:
Another timeless way to share your newborn’s portraits with friends and family is through beautiful custom cards. Whether it’s a holiday card, a thank-you note, or a birth announcement, sending a physical card adds a personal, heartfelt touch that a digital image can’t quite capture. It’s especially meaningful for grandparents or loved ones who may not use social media but still cherish the joy of seeing your baby’s sweet face. A creative and lasting way to share your baby’s photos is with a personalized Christmas ornament, turning your little one’s portrait into a keepsake that can be treasured year after year. These cards and ornaments aren’t just ways to spread joy—they help keep friends and family connected to your baby’s journey in a special, tangible way that leaves lasting memories.
My Favorite Ways to Display Your Newborn Portraits in Your Home
As a Columbus, GA newborn photographer and a mom, I understand the deep connection that comes from seeing your baby's precious moments displayed throughout your home. There’s something truly special about creating a space that celebrates your family’s journey, whether through heirloom albums, framed prints, or even a loose matted print box. Each of these options offers a unique way to honor the early days of your baby’s life, from carefully curated gallery walls to the intimate experience of flipping through an album filled with memories. These keepsakes not only hold the story of your child’s first days but also become cherished pieces of art that invite warmth and love into your home.
Sharing these moments doesn’t stop with your own walls—beautiful custom cards, announcements, and even timeless Christmas ornaments offer heartfelt ways to connect with friends and family, especially for those who may not be online. From personalized birth announcements to holiday greetings, these thoughtful gestures ensure that your loved ones are part of your baby's journey. No matter how you choose to display your newborn portraits, each method serves as a meaningful reminder of those fleeting yet magical moments, keeping them alive for years to come.
