What Kind Of Clay Do You Use For Baby Handprints?

Making handprints or footprints of babies and toddlers is a time-honored tradition celebrated by parents everywhere. Pressing a little one’s tiny hands or feet into clay creates lasting keepsakes and special art that capture a child’s temporary small size while preserving precious memories. These handprint and footprint keepsakes can be proudly displayed around the home and treasured for a lifetime as tangible mementos of a baby’s early days.

Different Types of Clay

When choosing clay for making baby handprints, the two main types of clay available are air-dry clay and oven-baked clay. Both have their advantages and disadvantages when used for baby handprint crafts.

Air-Dry Clay

Air-dry clay is clay that dries and hardens at room temperature without the need for baking. It is an easy, mess-free way to capture your baby’s handprint. Air-dry clay is convenient because you can make the handprint and allow it to dry fully at your own pace. It also doesn’t require any special equipment like an oven or kiln. Air-dry clays come in a variety of colors, allowing you to choose one that fits your design aesthetic. The main downside is that air-dry clay can take 24-48 hours to fully harden. It also tends to be more fragile over time compared to oven-baked clay.

Oven-Baked Clay

Oven-baked clay requires baking at a specific temperature to fully harden it. The advantage is that oven-baked clay produces a stronger, more durable handprint that will last for many years. The colors also tend to be bolder and more vibrant. However, you need access to a kitchen oven or kiln to bake the clay, which can be inconvenient. The clay also needs to be fully dried before baking to prevent cracking, which extends the time required. Oven-baked clay may release fumes when baked, so ventilation is required. Overall, oven-baked clay produces a more permanent keepsake baby handprint.

Air-Dry Clay

Air-dry clay is one of the most common types of clay used for baby handprints. As the name suggests, air-dry clay dries and hardens at room temperature without the need for baking. This makes it very convenient and easy to use. Air-dry clay is self-hardening; the water in the clay evaporates over time, causing the clay to harden. Typically, air-dry clay will be fully hardened and dry within 24-48 hours of sculpting.

Air-dry clay is a great choice for baby handprints for a few reasons. Since it doesn’t require baking, there is no risk of burns. The clay never gets hot, making it completely safe for babies’ delicate skin. Additionally, you can capture the handprint and allow it to slowly dry without worrying about working around nap or feeding schedules. Air-dry clay allows you to work at your own pace and convenience.

Air-dry clay comes in a variety of colors, including white, terra cotta, and gray. It typically has a smooth, doughy texture. When working with air-dry clay for handprints, choose a pliable clay that will easily capture all the lines and details of the baby’s hands.

Oven-Baked Clay

Oven-baked clay, also known as polymer clay, is a very durable type of modeling clay that must be hardened through baking in an oven. It consists of fine polyvinyl chloride particles combined with plasticizers and pigments. When raw, oven-baked clay remains flexible and workable. However, once baked at the proper temperature (generally 275°F for 15 minutes per 1/4 inch thickness), it hardens permanently into a strong, solid sculpture. The high-heat baking process causes the PVC particles to bind together irreversibly through “curing”.

Oven-baked polymer clays remain malleable and do not dry out when exposed to air like some other clays. This makes them excellent for detailed sculpting and molding. The hardening process gives finished pieces of oven-baked clay substantial durability and longevity compared to air-dry clays. Properly cured oven-baked clay sculptures will not deform or degrade over time. Many brands of polymer clays are safe even after baking and contain no toxic chemicals, making them a good option for children’s projects. Just take care to cool the finished piece completely before allowing a child to handle it.

Safety Concerns

When choosing clay for baby handprints, safety should be your top priority. Babies explore the world with their hands and mouths, so you’ll want to select a non-toxic clay that won’t harm them if ingested.

Avoid polymer clays like Sculpey and Fimo, as they can contain phthalates and other chemicals that could be harmful to babies. These clays also require baking at high temperatures to set, making them unsuitable for baby handprints.

Opt for an air-dry or cold porcelain clay that is labeled non-toxic and safe for children. Avoid clays with chemical solvents or extended drying times. Also be cautious with any clays containing gluten, as this could cause issues for babies with Celiac disease.

Even with non-toxic clays, supervision is key. Don’t let babies put clay in their mouths or leave it unattended where they could access it. Work on a protected surface and keep clay away when finished. Follow all manufacturer safety recommendations.

With some simple precautions, you can safely capture your baby’s handprint in clay for a cherished keepsake.

Best Clay for Baby Handprints

When choosing clay for baby handprints, the two main options are air-dry clay and oven-baked polymer clay. Air-dry clay is the simplest option as it dries naturally at room temperature without requiring heat from an oven. However, oven-baked polymer clay will produce a more durable handprint that lasts longer without cracking or crumbling.

For most parents, air-dry clay will be the best choice for baby handprints. Air-dry clay, such as Model Magic or Crayola Model Magic, is non-toxic and safe for babies. It air dries to a hard finish within 24 hours. Air-dry clay is inexpensive, readily available, and comes in convenient packs for doing multiple prints. Working with air-dry clay requires no special skills or equipment. Simply roll or mold the clay, make the handprint, and allow it to dry.

Polymer oven-bake clay produces a more permanent, durable handprint, but requires baking at relatively low temperatures to set the clay. Parents would need to closely supervise the baking process. Polymer clay handprints stand up well to cracking or fading over many years. Brands like Sculpey and FIMO are designed specifically for oven curing at temperatures around 275°F. However, the extra steps of buying clay and borrowing or purchasing a small toaster oven may not be practical for casual one-off handprints.

For most parents looking to capture their baby’s handprint in clay, air-dry clays provide the easiest, safest, and most convenient option. The finished piece may not last forever, but serves as a perfect keepsake during the baby’s first year or two. For more permanent heirloom pieces, polymer oven-baked clays produce durable handprints, but require more effort.

Making the Handprint

When making a baby handprint, start by rolling a ball of clay and gently flattening it into a smooth, even disc roughly 1-2 inches thick. Make sure the clay is not too sticky, or it may get stuck on baby’s hand. Place the flattened clay on a hard, steady surface. Then, gently press baby’s hand into the center of the clay, holding their fingers together and keeping their hand flat. Apply even pressure so all parts of their hand imprint clearly. Hold for 10-20 seconds until the impression is made. Carefully lift baby’s hand straight up to avoid smudging the print. Allow the clay to fully dry or bake according to package instructions.

Making a clean handprint requires patience and care. Have everything prepared beforehand so you can focus entirely on baby during the process. Work swiftly but gently so the clay retains the impression without sticking or smearing. Avoid overworking or handling the clay excessively. With some practice and the right clay type, you can capture baby’s precious handprint as a lifelong keepsake.

Cleaning and Preserving

After the clay handprint has dried, gently wash it with mild soap and water to remove any residual surface dirt. Avoid rough scrubbing, as this can damage the impression. Rinse and pat dry with a soft towel.

To preserve the handprint long-term, apply a clear acrylic sealer or varnish. This seals the clay and protects the print from moisture, oils and dirt. Apply 2-3 thin, even coats, allowing each coat to fully dry before adding the next. Let the finished piece cure for at least 24 hours before handling.

For air-dry clay, water-based acrylic sprays work well for sealing. For baked clay, use a spray sealant formulated for ceramics. Carefully follow manufacturer’s instructions.

Proper sealing is crucial for keeping the handprint in pristine condition. With occasional reapplication of sealant over time, the print can be cherished and displayed for years to come.

Displaying the Handprint

Once the clay handprint is complete, you’ll want to display it proudly for years to come. Here are some creative ideas for showcasing your baby’s cherished artwork:

Frame the handprint in a shadowbox frame or picture frame. Choose a frame with UV-protective glass to prevent fading. You can frame just the print itself or mount it on a decorative background like scrapbook paper, fabric, or wood. Secure the handprint to the backing so it doesn’t slide or fall.

Turn the print into a tree ornament. Use strong glue or wire to attach a ribbon hanger to the top before baking. This allows you to hang it on the tree year after year. You can even date the back of the ornament to remember when it was made.

Mount the handprint on a plaque or board. Glue the print to a wooden plaque or canvas board for hanging on the wall. Paint or stain the background to match your nursery decor.

Preserve it in a keepsake box or baby book. Protect the handprint by sealing it in a ziplock bag or archival plastic wrap. Place it in a memory box or stick it in the pages of your baby book along with their birth stats and photos from their first year.

Your baby’s handprint offers a unique keepsake you’ll always cherish. Display it creatively to remind you of this precious moment in their life.

Conclusion

Making handprint keepsakes with your baby is a fun activity that results in a cherished memento. The best type of clay to use is non-toxic, air-dry clay that will preserve the print accurately. Take care when working with oven-baked polymer clay due to the small parts and high temperatures. Clearly imprint your baby’s hand into the clay and let it fully dry before painting or glazing. Display the finished handprint with a frame or keepsake box to preserve it. The clay handprint will serve as a lasting reminder of your baby’s tiny hand at this young age.

In summary, air-dry clays are the safest bet for DIY baby handprint projects. Follow basic precautions and properly care for the imprint after printing to create a keepsake that will bring joy for years to come.