Bringing home a newborn goes by faster than anyone warns you. One week your baby's hands are the size of a coin; the next, you're packing up newborn clothes and wondering where the time went. A handprint or footprint kit captures that size permanently before it's gone.
Walk into any baby store or search online and you'll find three completely different types of kits, each producing a different kind of keepsake. This guide explains each option clearly so you can choose the right one before the moment has passed.
The Three Types of Baby Handprint Kits
1. Inkless Print Kits
Inkless kits use a specially coated ink pad that transfers a clean, dark impression onto paper without leaving any ink on your baby's skin. The technology works by activating a reactive coating on the included paper when the pad makes contact.
What you get: A flat, 2D print on paper — typically white or cream paper with a dark impression. Clean, frameable and precise.
Best for: Parents who want a mess-free result they can use in a scrapbook, memory book or frame immediately. Ideal for capturing the exact size of tiny newborn hands and feet.
What to look for:
- Multiple print sheets included (newborns wriggle — you need backup attempts)
- Paper quality that suits framing or scanning
- Explicitly tested and non-toxic for newborn skin
Kiddospot's Newborn Inkless Hand & Footprint Kit includes everything needed for both hands and both feet, with extra print sheets for multiple attempts.
2. Clay Impression Kits
Clay kits use a soft, non-toxic air-drying clay. You press baby's hand or foot into the clay to create a three-dimensional impression, then leave it to air-dry and harden over 24–48 hours.
What you get: A 3D raised impression — tactile, permanent and displayable as a standalone object. Often included inside or paired with a display frame.
Best for: Parents who want a sculptural keepsake with depth — something that sits on a shelf rather than a wall. The raised impression of tiny fingers and toes is something a flat print cannot replicate.
What to look for:
- Clay that is explicitly non-toxic and baby-safe
- Sufficient clay for both hands and feet (or multiple attempts)
- Frame dimensions that match the finished impression size
Kiddospot's Pink and Blue Handprint Frames include a full clay impression kit inside a 28x33cm display frame — ready to hang immediately after the clay dries.
3. Traditional Ink Pad Kits
Traditional ink pad kits use non-toxic baby-safe ink pressed onto a pad and then onto paper. These are the oldest and simplest method.
What you get: A flat ink print on paper. Similar end result to inkless kits, though print quality can vary and smearing is more likely.
Best for: Budget-conscious parents, or those who want a coloured print — inkless kits typically produce only dark impressions on white paper.
What to look for:
- Specifically labelled non-toxic and tested for skin contact
- Fast-dry ink to reduce smearing
- Easily washable from skin and clothing
Key Factors When Choosing Any Kit
Age and Size
Newborn hands are tiny — some kits are designed specifically for small newborn palms. Check that the ink pad or clay area is large enough for hands but detailed enough to capture fingers that are only a few millimetres wide.
Best window: The first 2–4 weeks of life captures true newborn size. Most parents repeat the process at 3 months, 6 months and 12 months to document growth alongside the first set.
Number of Attempts Included
Babies move. Expect several failed attempts before you get a clean print, especially in the first two weeks when newborns keep their fists clenched. Any quality kit should include at least 4–6 print sheets or enough clay for multiple attempts.
Safety Certification
For inkless kits, look for products explicitly tested for skin contact and confirmed non-toxic. For clay kits, confirm the clay is non-toxic and air-drying (not requiring an oven). Avoid kits without clear safety information — your baby's skin will be in direct contact with the material.
What's Included
A complete kit should include everything needed without a trip to a craft store: the ink pad or clay, print papers or frame, instructions and ideally a test sheet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old should my baby be for a handprint kit?
Inkless print kits can be used from birth. Clay impression kits also work from birth, though very small hands can be trickier to get a clean impression. The best age for newborn keepsake prints is the first 2–4 weeks — that size is gone faster than most parents expect.
Is inkless really mess-free?
Yes. Inkless technology leaves no residue on skin — your baby's hands come away clean after the print is taken. The impression appears only on the specially coated paper. There is no ink to wash off.
Can I do both hands and feet with the same kit?
Most good kits are designed for both. Kiddospot's inkless kit includes enough materials for both hands and both feet across multiple attempts.
How do I get a clear print from a fist-clenching newborn?
Wait until your baby is drowsy but not fully asleep — this is when the grip reflex relaxes enough to open the hand naturally. Work with a second person: one to hold the hand open gently, one to press onto the pad and paper. Warmth helps relax the fist; a warm bath shortly beforehand works well for many families.
Can I redo the prints as my baby grows?
Yes — and it is worth doing. Many families repeat the process at 3, 6 and 12 months and keep all prints together to show the growth over time. Kiddospot's inkless kit is available for repeat purchase.
Which is better for a baby shower gift — an inkless kit or a clay frame?
Both are popular. The inkless kit is lower in price and immediately usable; the handprint frame is a more visual gift and produces a permanent display piece. Kiddospot's Newborn Keepsake Bundles combine both in a single gift set for those who want to give a complete keepsake package.
Browse the full Milestones & Memories collection including inkless print kits, handprint frames, milestone blankets and wooden milestone cards.