Feet are the easiest place to start. A newborn's hands like to stay curled into little fists, but their feet open out. A footprint taken in the first weeks shows just how tiny they were, and it only takes a few minutes at home. No ink on their skin, and no paint on the sofa.
Why start with footprints?
Babies are born with a strong grasp reflex, so getting a flat handprint from a newborn can take patience. Feet don't have that problem. If you're deciding where to begin, our post on handprints or footprints first explains it.
How do you do footprints for a baby?
- Pick your moment. After a feed is ideal, when they're full and relaxed, or while they're asleep. Prints can be taken while your baby sleeps.
- Set up first. Have the reactive paper on a firm, flat surface, such as a book or a tray, before you pick anything up. It's much easier with a second pair of hands.
- Wipe the foot. Wipe the sole of the foot with the inkless wipe. It leaves no residue on skin.
- Press heel to toe. Hold the paper against the sole and press gently from the heel through to the toes. Don't slide.
- Lift straight up. Peel the paper away in one movement, so the print doesn't double.
- Take a few goes. Each kit comes with two wipes and four sheets of paper, so there's room for a wriggle or two.
Curled toes and wriggly feet
Toes often curl as soon as you touch the foot. Wait a moment for them to relax, and a gentle stroke along the sole can help them spread. If your baby kicks, don't worry: the reactive paper captures every tiny detail even if your little one wriggles. If it goes wrong, take a breath, wait for the next calm moment and try another sheet.
Newborn or older baby?
The earlier, the tinier, and the easier it usually is, because a sleepy newborn barely notices. Older babies are stronger and quicker, so a sleep is your friend. Any age works as long as the foot fits on the reactive paper.
Can you do baby footprints on paper?
Yes. Our kit uses special reactive paper with inkless wipes, so the print appears on the paper while your baby's foot stays clean. It's made for this, so you get fine detail without ink or paint.
Clay, plaster or paper?
Clay and plaster casts give you a 3D impression, but they take more work, can crack, and are bulky to display. Paint and ink are messy and can irritate a baby's skin. A print on paper is quick, flat and easy to frame, and we can foil it so it lasts. Our foil, ink, clay and casting comparison sets them side by side.
Is ink safe for baby footprints?
Many parents would rather not put ink on a newborn at all, and you don't need to. Our kit uses inkless wipes, which are non-toxic and hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested, and gentle enough for even the tiniest newborns. There's no ink on your baby's skin.
Photograph and send your prints
Photograph your best print with all four corners of the paper visible, in good light. Upload it with your order number through our upload portal.
Your free digital proof
We send a free digital proof within one working day, by WhatsApp or email, whichever suits you. Nothing is foiled until you're happy with it. Once you approve, we foil the print in gold, silver or rose gold and post it back free within five working days.
Quick answers
What's the best time to take baby footprints?
After a feed or while your baby is asleep, when they're calm and still.
How long does it take?
Taking the prints takes less than five minutes.
Can I do a hand and a foot?
Yes. A finished keepsake can carry one hand and one foot, two feet, or two hands.
What if the first one smudges?
Use another sheet. Each kit has four.
Doing hands too? Our guide to taking your baby's handprints neatly covers them, and if you were thinking about paint first, read can you use paint for baby handprints.
Everything you need is in our baby hand and footprint kit.
