Baby Hand and Footprints – Tips and Tricks to Get Good Prints!
Getting baby hand and footprints can be tricky! These simple tips and tricks can make the process a whole lot easier! Keep on reading to find out!
Baby Hand and Footprints Make the Perfect Keepsakes!
There is no denying that kids grow up so fast! One way to freeze time is by making hand and footprints. During my babies first year of life, I try my best to get hands and footprints every single month because it is incredible to see how fast they grow! After the first year, I get their hands and footprints every birthday.
Plus, handprints and footprints make the perfect gifts and keepsakes. You can include them in a card, or use them in a piece of artwork as well!
All activities should be supervised by an adult. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This post may contain affiliate links.
Skills: Early Math
Ages: 2 Years +
Prep Time: 20 Minutes
Mess-Free Ink Pads versus Large Washable Ink Pads
In this video, I test out mess-free ink pads for babies and compare them to the large washable stamp pads.
There are definitely pros and cons to each of those that I further explain below!
Alternatively, you can always use regular washable paint, though this technique is the most messy!
Mess-Free Ink Pads versus Large Washable Ink Pads
In this video, I test out mess-free ink pads for babies and compare them to the large washable stamp pads.
There are definitely pros and cons to each of those that I further explain below!
Alternatively, you can always use regular washable paint, though this technique is the most messy!
Baby Hand and Footprints Using Mess-Free Ink Pad Technique
These mess-free ink pads are a great choice for infants and babies. Baby is able to place the hand or foot down on top of a non-ink side, thereby transferring the ink onto a piece of paper without getting any ink on themselves!
I found a set that comes in lots of different colors, not just the jet black one that you may have seen before or that hospitals often use.
No doubt, there is a big benefit in this being mess-free, but there are a few cons. First, these pads are small and won’t be usable for older kids. Second, the number of uses is extremely limited. I was able to get 2-3 prints only from each ink pad.
Baby Hand and Footprints Using the Large Stamp Pad Technique
These large stamp pads do require getting ink on the skin, but they solve the big cons associated with using the mess-free ink pads.
They are much larger and can be used by kids of all ages, even adults too! They also have a much longer life-span with lots of ink to create one handprint or footprint after another!
And while they are not contact-less, they are non-toxic and easily washable.
In addition to the two ink/stamp pads described below, you can also use regular old washable paint! It will do the trick just fine, even if it is a little bit messy!
More Tips to Getting the Perfect Baby Hand and Footprints
Clipboard. Use a clipboard, hard cover book, or another hard surface when making prints! Just using a paper is too flimsy and may result in not so perfect prints!
Heel to Toe. When making footprints, gently hold baby’s foot by the ankle and guide it from heel to toe onto the paper. The foot should open up and give you a nice print!
Open Hand. Getting an open hand from an awake baby can be really tricky! With that in mind, try to grab baby’s handprints while they are sleeping. If that’s not possible, make sure baby is happy and fed, and gently add pressure at the top of the wrist before placing the hand onto the paper. This will often open the palm for optimum placement!
Create artwork with those precious prints! Pictured, is a fun project I did with my daughter after getting her footprints every month for her first year. You can also create lots of fun images out of handprints like this dinosaur, bee, and spider art projects!
More Tips to Getting the Perfect Baby Hand and Footprints
Clipboard. Use a clipboard, hard cover book, or another hard surface when making prints! Just using a paper is too flimsy and may result in not so perfect prints!
Heel to Toe. When making footprints, gently hold baby’s foot by the ankle and guide it from heel to toe onto the paper. The foot should open up and give you a nice print!
Open Hand. Getting an open hand from an awake baby can be really tricky! With that in mind, try to grab baby’s handprints while they are sleeping. If that’s not possible, make sure baby is happy and fed, and gently add pressure at the top of the wrist before placing the hand onto the paper. This will often open the palm for optimum placement!
Create artwork with those precious prints! Pictured, is a fun project I did with my daughter after getting her footprints every month for her first year. You can also create lots of fun images out of handprints like this dinosaur, bee, and spider art projects!
More Ways to Create Baby Hand and Footprints
Here are some beautiful ways to capture baby’s hands and feet while they are still little!
This kit comes with everything you need, including the cute rustic frame.
A beautiful way to capture those tiny hands and feet! This kit includes mold material, plaster, and detailed instructions!
This set includes 38 polymer clay blocks in 12 different colors. It can make 3-6 handprint bowls.
This kit comes with everything you need to create a lovely clay casting of your baby’s hand or footprint.
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