Baby Hand and Foot Casting in London: Prices, Home Visits and What to Expect
If you are thinking about having your baby’s hands or feet cast, you may have quite a few questions before booking.
When is the best age to do it? Does your baby need to be asleep? Is the casting material safe? How much does it cost? And, perhaps most importantly when you have a newborn, do you need to travel anywhere?
I offer baby hand and foot casting appointments in families’ homes across London and the South, so the whole experience is relaxed and fitted around your baby.
Here is what you can expect.
What happens at a baby casting appointment?
The actual casting is surprisingly quick.
Your baby’s hand or foot is gently placed into a soft, non toxic casting material which captures all the tiny lines, creases and details of their skin.
Their hand or foot is only in the material for around two minutes.
The whole appointment usually takes around 40 to 60 minutes, which allows plenty of time to settle, feed or change your baby if needed.
There is absolutely no need for your baby to behave perfectly. Babies wriggle, cry, sleep, feed and change their minds constantly. We simply work around them.
Can you come to our home?
Yes. Most of my London appointments take place in the family home.
For parents of a newborn especially, this can make the whole experience much easier. There is no need to pack everything up, travel across London or worry about feeds and naps.
I regularly travel throughout London, including Chelsea, Kensington, Fulham, Notting Hill, Clapham, Wimbledon, Richmond, Dulwich and surrounding areas.
If you live further away, home casting kits are also available throughout the UK and worldwide, with support by phone or video if needed.
What is the best age for baby hand and foot casting?
There really is no single right age.
Some families choose to have their baby cast within the first few days or weeks, while others prefer to wait until three, six or twelve months.
A newborn casting captures those incredibly tiny feet, curled toes and delicate little fingers.
A few months later, hands and feet are larger and more defined, but still unmistakably baby.
Both are beautiful for different reasons.
And if your baby is already older than you had intended, you have not missed the opportunity. I regularly cast toddlers, older children and siblings too.
How much does baby casting cost?
Prices depend on the material, number of casts and how you would like them presented.
Current options include:
Framed stone plaster castings from £425 for a pair.
Solid bronze baby hands or feet from £990 for a pair.
A single bronze baby hand or foot from £675.
Free standing glass baby castings from around £875.
Silver plated, nickel plated and solid sterling silver castings are also available.
You do not need to decide before your appointment. I bring samples of the different materials and finishes with me so you can see and feel them properly before choosing.
You can also view current baby casting prices here.
Bronze, silver, glass or framed stone?
One of the loveliest parts of creating a casting is choosing how it will ultimately look in your home.
Solid bronze is one of the most popular choices. It has a wonderful weight and permanence and can be polished or given a softer patinated finish.
Framed stone plaster gives a very different look and is a beautiful option if you prefer something lighter and more contemporary.
Glass captures the form of a baby’s hand or foot in a completely different way and can be particularly striking when displayed in natural light.
For something exceptional, baby hands and feet can also be created in solid sterling silver.
There is no “best” finish. It really comes down to your personal taste, your home and how you would like the piece to be displayed.
Can the finished casting be personalised?
Yes.
Names, dates of birth and other details can be engraved onto many of the finished pieces.
Depending on the design, engraving can be placed discreetly on an ankle or wrist, on the slate base, or on a plaque within a framed piece.
Some families choose just a name and date, while others add birth weight or a short personal inscription.
Can siblings or parents be included?
Absolutely.
As well as individual baby hands and feet, I create sibling pieces, parent and baby holding hands, and larger family hand sculptures.
Family sculptures can be arranged in different ways, including circles, flowing wave designs and bowl shaped compositions where the parents’ hands hold and support the children’s hands.
They are a lovely way of capturing not simply how small your baby was, but your family together at a particular moment in time.
How long does the finished casting take?
Each piece is individually made, so lead times vary depending on the material.
Framed stone plaster castings usually take approximately 8 to 12 weeks.
Solid bronze pieces currently take around 25 to 30 weeks because they pass through several specialist stages at the foundry before being finished and engraved.
Glass pieces usually take around 25 weeks.
If you are ordering for a christening, birthday or other special occasion, it is always worth allowing as much time as possible.
What should I do before the appointment?
Very little.
If your baby has been wearing tight or ribbed socks, it is helpful to remove them around 15 minutes beforehand so they do not leave temporary marks around the ankles.
If your baby settles well while feeding or with a dummy, have those nearby.
Other than that, there is no special preparation required.
Ready to arrange your baby casting?
If you would like to arrange a baby hand and foot casting appointment in London, simply get in touch with your postcode, your baby’s age and whether you are thinking about hands, feet or both.
You do not need to have decided on a finish or design before booking.
I am always happy to talk through the different possibilities and help you choose something that feels right for your family.
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