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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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!
Gather The Craft Supplies:
1) Cardstock Paper
For your printable handprint or footprint crafts, I recommend printing on heavyweight cardstock paper. 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
I love these Cra3) Ink Pad
An ink pad is the easiest way to stamp your baby’s footprints or handprints. There’s hardly any mess and as long as it’s washable, the ink will come right off with a wet wipe. Make sure your ink pad is: 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!) Grab a Foam Paintbrush” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>paintbrush
4) Wet Wipes
5) Paper Plate & Paintbrush
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.)
Remove Baby’s Clothing
Even though the paint is washable, it makes for easier cleanup if you strip your baby or toddler down to their diaper while crafting.
But if the weather is cold, a painting smock with sleeves may come in handy!
Craft Tips According To 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.
Bring the paper to the foot.
Attach your paper to a book or a piece of cardboard. That way, you can press the paper against Baby’s feet while they’re sitting in the high chair or 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, I find it helpful to 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: I remove the tray so my son can see what I’m doing while I paint his feet. I want him to have fun and be curious, but I have him strapped in so that he can’t track paint all over the house.
Plus, I don’t have to juggle a squirming baby with my hands full, which can turn into a safety hazard.
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 either 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!
Techniques For Applying Paint
Use a paintbrush to brush on a thin, even layer of paint.
I suggest a thin layer because this way, the handprints/footprints will show all those cute little wrinkles and dimples!
Other options for applying paint:
- Paper Plate: Spread a thin layer of paint on a paper plate and stamp your child’s hands or feet onto the paint. (You’ll get a thick layer of paint and it’s fun for your baby.)
- Fingers: Squirt a few drops of paint onto your baby’s hands or feet and spread it around with your fingers. (Great for having fun and encouraging your baby to enjoy this sensory activity with you.)
Again, a thin layer of paint is key!
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!)
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)!
Footprint and Handprint crafts are not only fun to make with your baby, but they’re such a sweet keepsake for years to come.
I love looking back on all the footprints my son has crafted over the past two years. We keep them all in his baby book, so I’m really excited for YOU to make this a regular activity as well!
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