How to Add Handprints to Your Memory Book
There’s something so magical about capturing your baby’s tiny handprints—those little fingers you’ll swear grew overnight. It’s a moment that deserves a special spot in your Willow Bear memory book, especially since it has a dedicated section for handprints and footprints when your baby is born. Whether you’re a crafty pro or just figuring it out, here’s how to add those adorable handprints to your memory book in a way that’s easy, mostly mess-free, and totally heartwarming.
Why Handprints Are So Special
Those itty-bitty hands won’t stay small forever, and a handprint captures that newborn magic like nothing else. Popping it into your Willow Bear memory book creates a keepsake you’ll get all teary-eyed over years later. Plus, it’s a fun way to get creative and make memories with your little one. The book’s handprint and footprint section is made for this exact moment, so let’s dive in and make it unforgettable!
5 Simple Steps to Add Handprints
1. Gather Your Supplies
You don’t need a ton to pull this off. Here’s the short list:
Baby-safe ink or paint: Go for non-toxic, washable stuff like Crayola Washable Paint or a baby-friendly ink pad (Pearhead’s kits are awesome).
Wipes or a damp cloth: Because babies and messes go hand in hand.
A flat surface: A table or changing pad does the trick.
Your Willow Bear memory book: Flip to the handprint/footprint section, ready to shine.
Optional: Scrap paper for a practice run.
Mama Tip: Try this when your baby’s in a chill mood—maybe post-nap or after a feed. A happy baby means less wiggling!
2. Prep the Handprint Page
Your Willow Bear memory book has a built-in spot for handprints and footprints, so you’re already golden. Open to that page and keep it flat—prop it with a book or your phone if it’s trying to close. If you’re nervous about spills, slip some wax paper or cardboard under the page to protect the rest of the book. Scribble the date and your baby’s age (like “3 weeks old”) in pencil nearby to add later for that extra touch.
3. Capture the Handprint
Time for the main event! Gently press your baby’s hand into the ink pad or lightly brush a thin layer of paint onto their palm with a sponge brush. Less is more—too much goop can blur the print. Hold their hand steady and press it firmly onto the handprint section of the book. Lift straight up for a clean print. If it’s a bit smudgy, don’t stress—those quirky prints are the sweetest! Wipe their hand quick to keep them giggling.
No-Mess Option: If paint or ink feels daunting, trace their hand with a pencil on a separate sheet, cut it out, and stick it in the book. It’s just as cute and zero cleanup!
4. Jazz It Up
Turn that handprint page into a little masterpiece. Around the print, try:
Writing a sweet note, like “Your hands hold my heart” or “First print at 12 days old.”
Gluing in a tiny photo of your baby from that day—the book’s pages can handle it.
Adding baby-safe stickers (think stars or animals) or a quick doodle with a washable marker.
The handprint/footprint section has room to play, so do what sparks joy. If you’re doing footprints too, follow the same steps and place them next to the handprint for that perfect pair.
5. Lock in the Memory
Let the handprint dry fully before closing the book—leave it open for an hour or two to be safe. If you used paint, a light spray of archival fixative (like Krylon Preserve It!) can keep it vibrant, but test it on scrap paper first. Once it’s dry, add final touches like your baby’s name or a mini-story about the day (e.g., “You were so sleepy but smiled!”). The acid-free pages in your Willow Bear book will keep this moment pristine for years.
Prompts to Make It Personal
Add a few lines in the handprint section to capture the vibe:
What was your baby up to right before the print?
How did it feel to hold their tiny hand?
What’s one thing you adore about their hands right now?
Who else was there cheering you on?
What do you dream these hands will do one day?
Why Willow Bear’s Memory Book Is the Best for This
Your Willow Bear memory book is like a cozy home for moments like these. The handprint and footprint section is designed with plenty of space for prints, notes, and little extras, so you’re not squeezing anything in. Its high-quality pages are tough enough for ink, paint, or glued-on bits, and the whole book feels like a love letter to your baby’s first days. It’s more than a book—it’s where your story lives.
You’re Nailing This!
Adding handprints to your Willow Bear memory book is a sweet, simple way to bottle up those newborn days. It’s a little messy, a lot of fun, and so worth it when you see that tiny print staring back. So grab some baby-safe ink, flip to that handprint section, and let those little hands make a big mark. Ready to get started? Snag your Willow Bear memory book and make some magic!