As parents, we always tend to capture every moment of our young ones, especially when they are newly born. Saving these memories in pictures and videos is our favorite option, but taking their hand and feet prints is a wonderful idea.
Hand printing is a procedure to transfer the impression of your hand onto a paper, canvas, sheet, or any other surface. It works by applying paint or inking the hands and then pressing them onto the surface to cast an image.
For babies’ hand prints, you may choose among several inks and paints, but mostly acrylic and other water-based paints are preferred. But is acrylic paint safe for babies hand print?
Although acrylic paint is non-toxic and harmless to the skin using it over the baby’s delicate skin wrongly can cause some complications like skin irritation, redness, allergic reactions, and skin itching. Moreover, if babies ingest the paint or inhale its fumes, it can lead to serious medical emergencies.
The safety of acrylic paint or any other alternative depends on how you manage the paint and handle your baby during printing. If you allow the kid put his painted hand into his mouth, it’s obviously not safe. There are several other safety measures I gonna discuss below.
In the post, I’ll educate you on the safest procedure to take hands and feet prints of your baby using acrylic paint.
What Paint Is Safe For Babies Skin? 5 Options
Babies have quite sensitive and soft skin and are susceptible to getting harmed easily. It is because their body is still in the development stage, and their immunity is not yet trained. So we always want to be more careful while dealing with their skin.
There are many safe options for babies’ footprints and hand prints, but even the safe things are harmful if you don’t know their usage. Following are some safe baby paints for feet and hand prints.
- Acrylic Paint
Is acrylic paint safe for babies’ skin? Yes, it is the primary option as it is water-based, making it free of toxic solvents. It dries fast and can be washed easily from the skin if not dried. Moreover, acrylic paint is invulnerable and long-lasting, which helps you save the prints for years. You can learn more about whether using acrylic paint on the skin is safe.
- Tempera Paint
Another safe choice for babies’ skin is tempera paint. Made from natural and organic ingredients, it is one of the safest options for babies hand print. Tempera paint washes off smoothly due to its non-sticky nature to the skin. It is also baby-safe paint for crafts.
- Vegetable Paint
You might have heard about edible paints. These types of paints are made by converting vegetables into powder form. The powder is mixed with water to make a paste or ink. It is a non-toxic paint for babies and the safest one for kids who are used to putting their hands in their mouths.
- Baby Ink
Baby ink is specifically designed keeping in mind the requirements and habits of children. These non-poisonous inks can be used to get a sharp print of your children’s hands and feet. These inks usually come with an ink pad making them easy to use, handle, and clean.
- Finger Paint
Finger paint is specifically formulated for use with skin, particularly for toddlers. It is also a baby-safe paint for handprints and footprints. It is non-toxic and made with natural ingredients.
Even if the paint makes its way to the mouth, it will not cause any harm or serious issue. But still, I recommend you not allow your kids to use the paint for eating purposes.
How To Select Safe Paint For Baby Footprints And Handprints
The best way to select the safest paint for your babies is to look for genuine sellers and read the label. Always buy from authorized sellers and authentic brands.
The second thing is the package label tells you everything if you can use the paint on the skin or not. Warning, usage guidance, and preventive measures are mentioned there on the package.
Look for the stamp of the Art and Creative Materials Institute. It is a regulatory authority that certifies companies producing art products. They ensure the non-toxicity and safety usage of craft materials. If the paint you’re buying is stamped with “AP” (Approved Product), it is non-toxic.
American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) also regulates most of the paints and craft materials. If the product is approved by society, it should have a specific code (ASTM D-4236).
How To Take Babies Hand And Foot Prints Using Acrylic Paint
How hard it is to get the hands and feet prints depends on how old your child is. But it’s not a big deal to do so as long as you know the correct procedure and the precautionary measures you take.
Here is a step-by-step procedure to safely take babies hands and feet prints using acrylic paint.
Step 1: Collect Supplies
You’ll need to gather some basic and common supplies first.
- Baby wipes to clean and wipe the baby’s hands and feet.
- Acrylic paint of your desired colours.
- Paintbrush for transferring the paint to the baby’s skin.
- Clean water and soap for post-printing cleaning.
- Lotion for skin safety.
- Frame for saving the prints.
- Pacifier to calm down your baby.
- Canvas or any surface to get the prints on.
Step 2: Prepare The Paint
Acrylic paint has a thick consistency, and I don’t recommend using it for baby’s crafts without thinning it. Thinning down acrylic helps you get sharp and clear prints.
For this purpose, water or paint thinner can be used. I recommend the latter, as it reduces the viscosity or thickness and doesn’t disturb the original composition.
Simply mix the paint thinner in acrylic paint in a specific ratio depending on your requirements. I generally mix one part thinner with two parts paint. Mix the solution well for homogenization.
Step 3: Get The Baby Ready
The next very crucial step is getting your baby ready for the prints. The main part is relaxing the baby so that he/she doesn’t move too much while we apply paint to his/her hands and feet because the body movements can interrupt the process and make it harmful for your child.
As mothers, we know how to calm babies. I usually rub my child’s head, stomach, or back. It helps him get a soothing feeling, making him calm. You may also massage their body to get them to feel comfortable and relaxed. You can also take the prints while the baby is sleeping.
Another good practice is putting a baby pacifier or soother in their mouth to keep them engaged and busy. It also helps them divert their mind so they’ll not move their hands or feet. Pacifier also eliminates the chances of paint getting into their mouth.
Are paint fumes harmful to babies? Yes, they are dangerous, but you can use a mask for your baby to prevent the paint fumes from getting into the child’s lungs or mouth.
Now clean the hands and feet of your baby using baby wipes. Apply lotion to the skin in order to protect it from direct contact with the paint. The layer of lotion also helps the paint get removed easily after printing.
Step 4: Take The Prints
Once your baby is ready, start your work. Take the brush and dip it into the bowl filled with paint. Now carefully apply the paint to the feet or hands of your baby.
Make sure your child is in a seating position. It helps you paint and print easily and also prevents spills. An alternative way of brush painting is taking a sponge, pouring the paint over it, and then pressing it to the baby’s hand or feet to load the paint onto their skin.
Now take the canvas or any surface you want to print on and put them in front of your child. Put a little pressure on your baby’s wrist to make him open his hand fully.
Now press their hands or feet over the canvas carefully, making sure all parts of the hand (palm and fingers) are touching the canvas evenly. If you’re not satisfied with the prints or they are not as regular and sharp as you want, you may repeat the process.
Step 5: Clean Baby’s Hands Or Feet
Once you’re done with printing your babies’ hands or feet, the next step is cleaning their skin and removing the paint immediately to prevent the paint from drying and avoid any misfortune.
Initially, wipe their skin with a soft cloth or baby wipes. Now take warm water and baby soap and rinse the painted area thoroughly. Once the paint is removed entirely, apply baby oil or baby lotion over the hands and feet.
It helps neutralise the effects of the paint and provides a soothing feeling. So that the baby will not feel itching or irritation at the site of the painted area.
Step 6: Frame The Print
Now that you’ve taken the prints and they are dried on canvas or any surface, the next thing is saving them. The easiest way to save them is to get them framed.
Buy a frame of the size of your canvas from a nearby store or online and simply put the prints in it. You may hang the frame on the wall or place it anywhere you want.
Safety TIPS For Babies Footprints And Handprints With Acrylic Paint
- Always choose a non-toxic, skin-friendly, washable, and thin paint for using it with babies’ hands or feet.
- Use a primary coat of baby oil, lotion, or any skin cream before applying paint to the skin.
- Don’t try to take prints until your baby is comfortable and relaxed. His movements can cause the paint to enter his eyes, mouth, or nose.
- Use a pacifier or soother to keep the child busy and divert his focus from the paint.
- Use a face mask for your baby to protect his mouth and nose from the possible paint fumes.
- Clean the paint immediately after the prints are done. Rinse the skin with water and soap and wipe with baby wipes.
Homemade Safe Paint For Baby Handprints And Footprints
If you’re too concerned about your baby’s health and don’t want to try paints from manufacturers, there is a way you can supervise the paint’s ingredients and ensure they are non-toxic and safe for use with children.
You can prepare DIY child safe paint at home. You really don’t require any additional components or elements, and these ingredients are common household items. Here is the procedure for making the paint.
Step 1
Collect supplies. You’ll need three main ingredients. The first one is flour, which gonna work as a polymer to hold the components. The second thing is water which has a role in providing a dissolving medium. The last thing is food colour to give a specific tone to the paint.
Step 2
Now take a bowl and add a cup of flour. Now pour some distilled water into the bowl. As you see, the ratio of flour and water is equal, but you can change it according to your requirement. More water means thinner paint. Less water means thicker paint.
Step 3
Now mix food colour in the above solution. Stir the mix with a spoon or any hard tool. Keep stirring until the components are combined and homogenized well. You may also try adding two colours at the same time to get the desired tone or shade. The quantity of colour decides the opacity of the paint.
Step 4
Once the paint is prepared, it is now ready to be used for baby footprint or hand print. Apply it over the skin and take prints on canvas or any surface. Let the dry image well before you handle it further. Also, don’t forget to clean the paint thoroughly from the baby’s skin.
Safe Alternatives Of Paint For Baby Foot and Hand Prints
Paint is not the only way to capture your children’s hands or footprints, and there are multiple safe alternatives to do so. These methods help you prevent direct contact between the paint and the skin. Some of the methods are the following:
- Crafting Clay
It is one of the safest and easiest ways to get your baby’s foot and hand prints. You can find crafting clay online on Amazon or buy it from a nearby art store.
It is a good alternative to infant-safe paints. Just take out the clay pad and press the baby’s hand or foot onto it. You’ll get an impression. Now just let the clay dry. You may also color the print once the clay is dried.
- Gelatin
You can use gelatin to prepare a non-toxic paste. It is a non-toxic and safe ingredient. Just mix one spoon of food colour into a bowl of gelatin and stir to mix thoroughly. Now the paste is ready to be used as paint for printing.
- Salt Dough
It is a fun and safe alternative to get your child’s hand prints. Just combine salt, water, and flour in specific ratios and mix them to get a thick dough.
Now flatten the dough with the help of a roller and press your baby’s hand or feet onto it. After getting the impression, you may bake the dough.
You can make them at home if your kids love playing with slimes. Read it here: Can you use acrylic paint to make slime?
FAQs
Is acrylic paint safe on baby skin?
As long as safety is concerned, acrylic paint is safe on baby skin. It contains water which makes it non-toxic. However, it is necessary to prevent the paint from swallowing.
Can I use acrylic paint for baby footprints?
Yes, acrylic paint can be used for baby footprints. But make sure you use a non-toxic brand. Moreover, prepare your baby by relaxing him and protecting his mouth, nose, and eyes. Paint the skin carefully and rinse immediately after you’re done with the prints.
Is acrylic paint toxic for babies?
No, acrylic paint is not toxic for babies if you use it on the skin, but it can be harmful if taken into the mouth.
Can your fingerprint with acrylic paint?
Yes, you can fingerprint with acrylic paint. Just thin down the paint and pour it over a sponge to create an ink pad. Press your finger over the sponge and then press it on a surface you want your fingerprints on. Rinse your fingers with water and soap to remove the paint thoroughly.
What paint is safe for babies hands?
There are several safe options for babies hands regarding paints and inks. You can select a non-toxic variant of acrylic paint or water-based colors. Moreover, tempera paint is an excellent choice for skin as well. Vegetable paints and finger paints are one of the safest skin paints.
Conclusion
So, is acrylic paint safe for babies handprints? Yes, it is safe if you use it correctly. I tried to put on a detailed answer, and I hope you have absorbed what I mentioned in the post.
The most important thing is how you work with the paint while taking prints. If you follow the warnings, precautions, and safety measures, you’ll definitely get promising results without hurting your baby.
Please comment below for any queries, suggestions, or support. Thank You!
After graduating from the School of Visual Arts in New York City with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Painting, I began my professional career as an artist. I quickly earned recognition for my extraordinary style and began displaying my work in galleries and museums across the country.
Throughout my career, I have received numerous accolades and awards for my work, including the National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship and the Guggenheim Fellowship. I’m also a part of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
Being in the field of art and painting for more than over 30 years, I’ve taught and trained dozens of students and helped them achieve their goals. My passion for teaching motivated me to start a website where everyone could get free access to my services. So here I’m with my website beacrylic.com.
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