How to Make a Baby Footprint Shirt

If you have a baby at home and want to make a special present for friends and family this is a good way to do it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Shirt
• Acrylic paint
• Vinegar
• Clothes dryer
• Fabric Paint (optional)
• Two adults
• Rubber gloves (optional)

1. Wear something you don't mind getting paint on. Bare the baby's feet and legs at least up to the knee. For a more relaxing experience make sure the baby is fed and well rested. If you don't want paint on your hands rubber gloves may be worn.
2. Place the shirt on a flat surface that is easy to reach while holding the baby. Pour the acrylic paint into a container that is large enough to hold the baby's foot.
3. One adult should hold the baby. The other adult will spread the paint evenly onto the bottom of the baby's foot and toes. The adult holding the baby will place the baby's foot onto the shirt. The second adult can assist by gently pressing on the baby's foot while it is in place.
4. This same procedure can be used to make a print of the other foot or paint can be applied to the same foot again for multiple footprints.
5. Fabric paint can be used if you want to add words to the shirt. Some ideas are "World's Best Grandma", "Grandpa's Little Fisherman", and "I love Daddy". Another idea is to add the year the footprints were added to the shirt and the child's name.
6. The acrylic paint should dry within 24 hours unless the air is very humid. If fabric paint is used it may take up to 72 hours to dry. After the paint is dry, all painted areas should be saturated in white vinegar. The shirt should then be dried in a clothes dryer. This step helps to set the paint so it will not wear off easily.

Tips & Warnings

• This technique can also be used to make handprints.
• Although acrylic paint washes off easily when wet, it takes a little scrubbing when dry so wash the baby's feet immediately after making footprints.