Welcoming a newborn into the family is always a joyous occasion. This is especially so, of course, for the parents of the baby. Those first few days and weeks are like a whirlwind and are full of excitement and love. The development of the young baby each day is quite staggering, and they soon start to grow and develop. Before they grow too big, many parents like to take a handprint of their newborn. This is something they can then keep forever as a reminder of just how small and cute those hands were at that time. A prudent thing to do is to frame the handprint, as that will help to preserve it for the long term.
The best way to frame a baby's handprint
If the handprint is in an ink or paint form, then a frame that helps the tiny handprint stand out is beneficial. This would be your classic white or wooden frame with a wide mount. Many people choose to include a photo, the date of birth and the name of their baby alongside the handprint. A two-aperture multi-photo frame can work well, one aperture for the photo of the baby, and one for the handprint. And then there is the three-aperture multi-photo frame, one aperture for the photo of the baby, one for the handprint, and one for the baby’s name and date and birth. These multi-photo frame options are great for storytelling as they show their cute hand alongside their face at that tender age.
If the handprint is in the form of an ink impression or is a 3D clay impression, then a shadow box frame would be the way to go. This type of frame is similar to a picture frame but is much deeper (usually 2-5 cm), enabling it to house and display 3D objects as well as flat items. They are, therefore, ideal if you want to include additional items in the frame with the handprint, such as a hospital bracelet, their first pair of baby booties, a name plaque, and a photo of the baby. You could place the 3D handprint in the centre, with a card underneath which includes their name and date of birth, and a photo of the baby on one of the sides, with a keepsake on the other side. All these are neatly housed in the one frame, which will then be hung proudly on one of the walls of your house. A shadow box frame has a glass front, which helps to protect whatever’s inside from dust and damage.
To help prevent fading, it is best to keep the framed baby’s handprint out of direct sunlight. It is also prudent to use acid-free paper and mounts. For any ink handprints, it is essential, of course, to ensure that it is fully dry before framing. For clay or plaster handprints, it is important to remember to make sure that they are completely hardened and sealed with a clear varnish before putting them behind glass.