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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First thing’s first: If you need help downloading or printing your craft from Etsy, click the links below for instructions!
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Recommended Craft Supplies
2. Wet Wipes
3. Washable Paint or Ink Pad
4. Paper Plate or Paint Tray
5. Paintbrush
6. Optional: Tape
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) 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.)
Advice from a mom: Use the wet wipe to blow your own nose. If the scent is too strong or if your skin feels irritated from the chemicals, you know it’s not the right choice for your baby.
The most popular brands didn’t pass this test for me!
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!)
3) Paint
I love these Crayola paints because I can mix the colors, depending on what craft I’m making. The added bonus to using paint is that my son LOVES how the paint tickles.
A word of caution when buying paint: I recently bought Crayola Finger Paint and was not happy with the coverage. The paint had a jelly-like consistency so the color really wasn’t vibrant enough to pop on the page. While it still got the job done, the finished handprints looked like I had stamped them with watered-down paint.
Make sure your paint is:
- Washable
- Non-Toxic
- (Tempera paint has the best coverage)
4) Ink Pad
An ink pad is definitely 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:
- Washable
- Non-Toxic
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.)
Crafting 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.
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 to the tray and wash it afterward.
For footprint crafts, I usually take away the tray so my son can see what I’m doing. I want him to have fun and be curious, but I don’t want paint tracked all over the house!
For me, this is the best way to focus his attention on the activity. It also keeps me from having to juggle a squirming baby, which can actually turn into a safety hazard if your baby is too excited.
Toddlers: Wipeable Counter, Kids’ Table, or Washable Floor
Now that my son just turned 2, we use our washable paints on the tile floor, plastic kids’ table, or even on our cement patio in the summer.
We stamp a few handprints, then 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!
Reinforce The Paper
Your baby may be excited! Here are a few options to keep your paper from sliding around:
1) Use a Hard Surface
For handprints, lay the paper on the table or high chair tray in front of them.
BUT for footprints, bring the paper to the foot.
Use a book or a piece of cardboard to attach your paper to. That way, you can press the paper against Baby’s feet while they’re sitting in the high chair or laying on the changing table.
2) Tape It Down
To keep your paper in place, tape it to the book, table, or whatever you’re using to stabilize it.
Tip: Use painter’s tape. Scotch tape may rip your paper when you peel it off, so try sticking the tape to your shirt a few times before using it on your paper craft. This makes it a little less sticky.
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!
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 here!
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:
Show Me Your Projects!
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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