Want to make handprint/footprint art like a pro? I’ve rounded up a few tips to make your crafts come out neater!
(Because making keepsakes together should be fun for you and the kiddos!)
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Grab This Free Printable
You can also find over 500 printables for every holiday, season, and event in my Etsy shop.
Download & Print
If you need help printing your craft from Etsy, click the links below for detailed instructions!
Recommended Craft Supplies
1) Cardstock Paper
I recommend printing on heavyweight cardstock paper for your printable handprint or footprint crafts. It’s less likely to rip, wrinkle, or tear under the paint (or if your baby is wiggling).
On Amazon, I like this white cardstock.
If you want to shop around, just look for a cardstock that 216 gsm/80lbs or greater to ensure that the paper is thick enough to add painted handprints.
2) Washable Paint
Make sure your paint is washable and non-toxic!
I love this Crayola Tempera paint because I can mix the colors. The added bonus to using paint is that my sons LOVE how the paint tickles.
A word of caution: I recently bought Crayola Finger Paint and was not happy with the coverage.
3) Ink Pad
These large ink pads are the EASIEST way to stamp footprints or handprints. There’s hardly any mess and it’s washable so the ink will come right off with a wet wipe!
4) Wet Wipes
For quick cleanup, keep a box of wet wipes within reach.
You can quickly wipe off Baby’s hands or feet so they’re clean enough to transport to the sink or bathtub. This way, you won’t get ink or paint all over your clothes (or theirs) on your way to the bathroom!
I always use these Water Wipes because they have the least amount of ingredients I’ve seen. (Available at Costco and on Amazon.)
Tip: Pull one or two wipes out of the package before you start so you won’t have to dig around for them with paint on your hands. (We all know how hard they are to separate!)
5) Paper Plate & Paintbrush
Grab a paint tray or paper plate and a paintbrush! (I like using foam brushes.)
6) Optional: Tape
Keep your paper in place by securing it to the table with blue painter’s tape or a tiny amount of Scotch tape. Too much might rip your paper!
My son gets really excited to paint, so securing the paper to the table frees up my hands to help him stamp! (More on this below.)
Craft Tips By Age
Newborns: Use The Diaper Table
The diaper table is the best place to make footprint crafts with newborns.
It’s a wipeable surface, so it’s easy to clean. It’s at a nice height for you, so you’re not awkwardly hunched over. And it’s usually cushioned, so it’s comfortable for Baby to lay there.
1) Remove their clothes if you’re worried about getting paint on them.
2) Bring the paper to the foot. Attach your paper to a book or a piece of cardboard so you can press the paper against Baby’s feet while they’re lying on the changing table.
Tip: Newborn hands are usually balled into tiny fists, so footprints are much easier to get!
Mobile Babies: Use The High Chair
If your baby is busy-busy-busy, use the high chair for crafting.
For handprint crafts: Secure the paper with tape to the tray and wash the tray afterward.
For footprint crafts: Remove the tray so Baby can see what you’re doing. He/she can have fun and be curious without tracking paint all over your house!
Again, bring the paper to the foot by taping it to a hard surface, like a piece of cardboard or a book.
Toddlers: Wipeable Counter or Table
Now that my son just turned 2, we use our washable paints on his wipable kiddy table.
If you want to get perfect-looking handprints, secure the paper to the table with tape so it doesn’t slide around while you apply a thin layer of paint to their hand. Then, press their hand firmly onto the paper, making sure to press down each finger from palm to tip.
Sometimes, we even use or even our cement patio in the summer.
After we make a handprint craft, I give him extra paper or cardboard and let him get creative with the leftover paint.
It’s so easy to hose down the surface once his masterpiece is finished!
Frame Your Keepsake
These handprint crafts make excellent gifts for grandparents and family!
If you’re looking for cute frames, I’ve put together a list of some of my favorites from Amazon:
Share Your Masterpiece
I hope you enjoy making these sweet memories with your kiddos!
I’d LOVE to see what you come up with. Tag me on Instagram (@holalittleone) or send me an email (lisa@holalittleone.com)!
Have Fun!
Before becoming a mom, I worked full-time at a daycare with babies ranging from newborns to two-year-olds. I’ve done my fair share of crafts!
I learned ways to make it a positive, stimulating experience for the baby, while also keeping the cleanup easy for myself.
Painting with your baby or toddler can be a great way to stimulate their cognitive and fine motor skills, so encourage them to be curious and get involved. Explore the colors and textures together.
My son always giggles when I tickle his feet with paint. And now that he’s older, we name the colors and count, “One, two, THREE!” before we stamp each print.
While I like to be prepared for cleanup, some days my son just wants to make a mess and that’s okay too! We turn his handprint art into a creative portrait instead. (Remember, you can always print it again!)
↓Pin these tips to your DIY Craft board on Pinterest!↓
