3D Casts of Hands/Feet

[zoobaby]

Just wondering if anyone has had a 3D hand/foot cast made. Maybe being PFB, but wondering if they are as easy and safe as they're made out to be.

I've found a company on the web which has franchises all over the place. They say that it's safe as the hand/foot is dipped into a warm mixture made from seaweed which firms up a bit before bringing hand/foot back out. Apparently it comes out clean.

Has anyone had one of these? Alternatively, can anyone recommend anywhere else to have this done in West London? Thanks.

BTW - the website is Babyprints. Not sure if I'm allowed to mention a website/company name but it might be important info to add. Apologies if not allowed though.

When dd was born we had both of their feet done so dd was 3 weeks and ds was 3 years. I am really glad I have them, they are framed and in our bedroom.

It was super easy dd didn't even wake up.

We tried about 5 times to do this with our DD when she was tiny and we never managed to get a single one done properly!!! We found it really hard work and wish I had just got a simple kit so at least I would have a hand/foot print!!! Can't believe we got through a huge bag of the stuff!

This company do the whole thing for you. Costs more but looks like a quality product plus I can't be bothered with the faffing about. Just would like reassurance that my son's skin won't be affected. Worried first timer here. I've seen the clay imprints they do at John Lewis but didn't really like seeing them forcibly jamming little fingers down into the clay. Plus thought the 3D ones are nicer.

Day had the clay ones done (paid for by fil) and they did pies his fingers down but he was grinning throughout so I assume he liked it.

They used a baby wipe to get the clay off, if something isn't very absorbent it bring on their skin for 30 secs doesn't matter.

Ah sorry, just actually clicked on your link and realised the company you are talking about is the one we used, I think they advertise in lots of hospitals etc, I am sure that is where we picked up the leaflet.

The only thing I would add is that I had ours framed as I said but have often wished I had had tham as little statue things like this as I would really like to be able to touch them.

Oh yeah Gobblers, those statues are lovely. Quite pricey though. I'm probably pushing my luck getting the framed ones to be honest. Guess I'll see how persuasive I can be

Do some salt dough ones at home here

The seaweed is Alginate. It's harmless. Feels cold and is very soft. It has to be removed very carefully because it's only slightly firmer than a blancmange when set. Plaster is then poured in, and the Alginate scrubbed off. (Disclaimer: Worked as a body caster on film sets).

if you want to see how gentle the process is.

In case you're contemplating it, I would recommend that you don't buy one of the diy kits. I bought one thinking how much easier it would be than getting DS's prints done professionally, and it was a fecking nightmare. It took about a million attempts to get it done without the clay stuff staying stuck to his toes and it was a bugger to wash all the little sticky bits off his feet too. DS didn't seem too happy with the whole process either, although the end result was acceptable as I couldn't bear to try yet again ok

Yes, I'd get a professional. Speed and accuracy are key. You don't want to be holding a squirming baby in one arm and trying to read instructions as the alginate goes solid too early....

Here's a baby being done. Little thing seems happy about it. Not sure I'd be wearing a smart shit but whatever...!

shit??? SHIRT! oh dear.

Totally agree mycat. I feel bad for having purchased a DIY kit for SIL as a pressie 5 years ago. Thinking about getting it for myself however... I thought "screw that, like I can be bothered!" Haha. Never mind as I truly did have good intentions back then.

Thanks heaps Higgs and Moel. We had the casts done yesterday and it was perfectly fine. Amazingly fast and stress-free. Fingers crossed we get some good castings out of it. Our DS (only 2 months) was fine. He just got peeved at having his leg/arm held still for a full 2 minutes when all he wanted to do was wave them around as usual. The lady didn't wear a smart shirt either! Special thanks again Moel for taking the time to give reassurance!