Capturing your baby’s tiny hands or feet is a beautiful way to preserve their earliest moments. This kit allows you to create two separate casts (for example: 1 hand + 1 foot, or 2 of the same). Each cast uses one alginate pouch (Step 1) and one gypsum pouch (Step 2).

If you would like to cast two hands or two feet at the same time, you may combine both Step 1 alginate pouches into a single batch — simply double the water. 

Follow this guide — shaped by expert material data and real customer experiences — for the best results on your first attempt.

Before You Begin – Please Read This First

⚠️ Timing Is Critical

Once alginate meets water, you have 60–90 seconds before thickening begins.
Set up your space, prepare your baby, and read through every step before starting.

⚠️ Two Casts in Total

Your kit includes 2 alginate pouches + 2 gypsum pouches.
Each pair = one cast.

💡 Helpful Tip

Babies can wriggle unexpectedly. For best results, have two adults — one mixes, one holds the baby. Casting during deep sleep often captures the finest details, and feet are generally easier than hands. Before beginning, ensure your baby’s skin is clean, dry, and free from rashes or irritation. Things can get a bit messy, so make sure you’re in an area that’s easy to clean (just in case!)

Getting Prepared

Setting up properly makes the whole process smoother:

• Cover your workspace with newspaper, towel, or a disposable liner.
  

• Lay out everything within easy reach.
  

• Ensure the room is warm so your baby stays comfortable.
  

• Have wipes and a soft towel ready.
  

• Practise holding your baby’s hand or foot in position before you mix anything.
  

• Choose your containers carefully (see below).
  

• Prepare the water at the correct temperature.
  

What’s Included

• 2 × Step 1 alginate pouches (125 g each)
  

• 2 × Step 2 gypsum pouches (150 g each)
  

• 1 × bamboo detailing stick
  

• 2 × paints (gold + silver)
  

• 1 × paintbrush
  

What You’ll Need (Not Included)

• 2 straight-sided containers — snug, with 2–3 cm space around the hand/foot
  

• Minimum depth: 6 cm for a foot, 10 cm for a hand
  

• Recommended top opening for hand: 9.5 cm diameter
  

• Measuring jug
  

• Mixing bowl (use an old one for gypsum — plaster can cling)
  

• Whisk or spoon
  

• Petroleum jelly or baby lotion
  

• Timer (phone works well)
  

• Towel & wipes
  

Optional:
Scissors · Sieve · Fine sandpaper · Disposable liner · Spare bowl

💡 Pro Tips for Success

Choose the Right Container

Too large and the mixture won’t fully cover; too small and removal is tricky. Aim for a snug fit with minimal extra space.

Prepare Your Baby

Decide on hand or foot before mixing. Casting during deep sleep often gives the clearest details.

Lubricate the Skin

A thin coat of petroleum jelly or baby-safe lotion makes removal gentle and smooth. We also recommend using this to help protect sensitive skin.

Mix Confidently

Once you start, do not pause to read.
Small lumps are normal — the alginate is forgiving.

Use Warm Water

For babies, use 28–30°C water.
This speeds setting so tiny wriggles are less likely to disturb the mould.

Water Temperature = Working Time

If you need longer mixing time, use slightly cooler water (around 25°C).

Rock, Don’t Shake

After pouring plaster, tilt gently side-to-side. Avoid vigorous shaking.

Dry Thoroughly

Let the cast dry for 36–72 hours (3 days recommended) before painting.

Safe Disposal

Let leftover material fully harden before discarding. Never wash alginate or plaster down your sink.

Step 1 – Making the Mould (Alginate)

1. Lubricate your baby’s hand or foot
    Apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly or lotion.
   

2. Measure the water
   Add 500 ml warm water (28–30°C / 82–86°F) to your chosen container.
   (Scientifically exact ratio: 4:1 water-to-alginate.)
   

3. Break up clumps (optional)
    Give the alginate pouch a quick shake & stir before opening.
   

4. Mix the alginate
   

• Start a 1-minute timer
  

• Pour one 125 g alginate pouch into the water while whisking
  

• Mix vigorously for 60–90 seconds
  

• Mixture should turn bright pink, smooth, and slightly fluffy
  

5. Tap to release bubbles
    Tap the sides to help air escape for sharper detail.
   

6. Insert your baby’s hand/foot
   

• Gently lower straight in
  

• Let it just touch the bottom, then lift 1 cm so it “floats”
  

• Keep centred and still
  

7. Allow to set
    Hold steady for 4–8 minutes, until the mixture turns from pink → pale → white and rubbery, do your best to avoid any movement, as this may damage the casting. If your baby shows any signs of discomfort during this period, immediately remove their hand/foot from the mixture and rinse with lukewarm water.
   

8. Remove gently
   Wiggle slowly to loosen, then ease the hand or foot out. Do not pull directly upward, as this can damage the mould.

Step 2 – Casting (Gypsum Plaster)

1. Measure the water
   Add 75 ml room-temperature water (20–24°C) to an old mixing bowl.
   (Exact ratio: 1:2 water-to-gypsum.)
   

2. Set aside powder for touch-ups
   Keep 1 tablespoon of the powder dry for later.
   

3. Mix immediately
   

• Start a 1-minute timer
  

• Add the remaining gypsum (approx. 145 g)
  

• Mix for 1 minute until smooth and creamy. Aim for a pancake mix consistency.
  

• Avoid using a whisk — gypsum clings and is hard to clean
  

4. Important:
   Gypsum begins setting as soon as it’s mixed.
   

5. Pour slowly
    Tilt the alginate mould slightly and pour down one side so the mixture flows into all fine details.
   

6. Rock the container
    Gently tilt side-to-side to help plaster reach every part of the mould.
   

7. Tap to remove bubbles
    Light tapping brings bubbles to the surface for a smoother cast.
   

8. Let it set
   Leave the mould undisturbed for 3 hours.
   

Do not leave the cast inside the mould for more than 4–5 hours, or removal becomes more difficult.

Step 3 – Demoulding & Drying

1. Gently peel the alginate away in pieces.
    (It will not remove in one piece — this is expected.)
   

2. Use the bamboo detailing stick to clear small crevices and loosen leftover alginate.
   

3. Patch any tiny holes using the gypsum you saved earlier.
    Mix with a little water to create a thick paste.
   

4. Allow the cast to dry for 36–72 hours in a well-ventilated space.
   

Finishing Touches

• Smooth any rough areas with fine sandpaper (optional).
  

• Paint using the gold or silver paints provided.
  

• For a natural look, apply a clear varnish instead.

⚠️Safety Information (Read Before Use)

• • Suitable for use on healthy, intact skin only.
    Do not use on broken, irritated, or inflamed skin, or on babies with eczema or known skin sensitivities.

  • Perform a patch test before full use.
    Prepare a small amount of the Step 1 mixture and briefly touch it to your baby’s forearm.
    If any redness or irritation develops within 24 hours, do not proceed.

  • Always test the mixture temperature with your own hand first.
    The mixture should feel room temperature — never warm or hot.
    If the bowl feels warm or the mixture heats up during mixing, discard and start again.

  • Do not keep your baby’s hand or foot in the mixture if they show any sign of discomfort.
    Although the product has been safety tested to EN71 and ASTM standards, individual reactions may occur.
    If your baby appears uncomfortable, remove immediately and rinse with lukewarm water.

  • After removing your baby’s hand/foot, rinse their skin gently with lukewarm water to ensure no residue remains.

  • If redness or irritation occurs, wash with water and discontinue use.
    Seek medical advice if symptoms do not resolve.

  • In case of eye contact: wash out the eye with plenty of water, holding the eye open. Seek immediate medical advice.

  • Do not ingest. If swallowed: wash out mouth with water, drink some fresh water. Do not induce vomiting. Seek immediate medical advice.

  • In case of doubt, seek medical advice without delay. Take the product with you.

  • • Adult use only: Keep powders away from children

    • Avoid inhaling dust or powder

    • Let leftover material harden fully before disposal: never pour uncured alginate or plaster down sinks - rather dispose of it in the appropriate bin.

    • Wash hands and all equipment thoroughly after use

Your Baby’s Precious Moment, Captured Forever

With a little preparation, warm water, and gentle handling, you’ll create a perfectly detailed keepsake of your baby’s tiny features - a beautiful memory preserved for years to come.