Most families end up with a box of meaningful things and no plan for them. A little structure early on means those items get seen rather than stored.
What is worth keeping
Be selective. A small, well-chosen collection is more meaningful than a full box.
- Hospital identification tags
- The first photograph
- Hand and foot prints
- A lock of hair from the first haircut
- Birth certificate copy or naming certificate
- A first outfit, or the wrap they came home in
- Cards and notes from the first weeks
- A measurement record of length and weight at birth
Getting a hand print that actually works
Newborns clench their fists, which is why most attempts fail. Two things help.
Timing. Try when the baby is asleep or drowsy after a feed, when the hand naturally opens.
Method. Ink pads made for babies, non-toxic paint, or clay impression kits all work. With clay, press firmly and evenly and follow the drying instructions exactly. With ink or paint, have a damp cloth ready before you start and do a practice press on scrap paper.
Take several attempts and choose the best. Nobody frames the failures.
Displaying rather than storing
A box frame with depth is the standard solution, because it holds a photograph alongside three-dimensional items such as a hospital tag, a print or a small piece of clothing.
Arrange the contents before fixing anything. Group items with space between them rather than filling the frame, and keep to two or three elements plus the photograph. A crowded box frame reads as clutter.
A certificate frame suits naming certificates and birth records, and looks best in a simple finish that does not compete with the document.
Storing what is not displayed
- Use acid-free materials. Ordinary cardboard and plastic sleeves yellow paper and photographs over time.
- Keep it cool, dark and dry. Not the garage, not the roof space. Australian temperature swings destroy paper and fabric.
- Wash fabric before storing, because invisible milk and food residue attracts insects and stains as it ages.
- Label everything with dates. You will not remember which month a particular outfit belongs to.
Digital keepsakes need care too
Photographs on one phone are not preserved. Back them up in two places, at least one of them off-site or in the cloud. Once a year, choose the best images and have them printed. A printed photograph survives phone upgrades, lost accounts and forgotten passwords.
Safety when displaying in a child's room
Never hang a frame above a cot or a change table. Use fixings rated well above the frame's weight, choose acrylic glazing rather than glass, and check the fixings occasionally as the child becomes mobile.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to take prints?
Many families do the first set within the first few weeks, then repeat at one year for comparison. The pair displayed together is more striking than either alone.
Can old prints be reframed?
Yes, and it is often worth doing. Older frames may lack UV protection or acid-free backing.
What if I have kept far too much?
Photograph the items you are not keeping, then let them go. The photograph preserves the memory without the storage.
Keepsake framing
We offer custom and box framing alongside our baby range, including certificate frames. Bring your items to our Peakhurst showroom and we can work out the best arrangement.