Plaster cast of baby bump
The best memory! This is how she succeeds
© Anneka / Shutterstock
A plaster cast of the baby bump is a nice souvenir of pregnancy for many mothers. Here we explain step by step what you need and how to proceed.
Pregnancy is a unique experience, many women want a special and individual reminder of this time – with a plaster cast of the baby bump they receive a very special souvenir. The good thing: Every mother-to-be can easily do it herself. We show you how to do it step-by-step.
The best time for the plaster cast
When is the best time to make the baby bump impression is entirely up to you. The result is particularly impressive when the baby bump is already nicely rounded and visible. About four to six weeks before the birth is a good time so that the project does not become too strenuous for the mother-to-be.
Material for your baby bump plaster cast
Preparations for the print
First of all: It creates dust and smudges – making a plaster cast is a mess! If your bathroom is big enough, you should use that for your DIY project.
- Lay out a film (e.g. from the hardware store) or a sheet to protect the floor and have a washable chair ready. Alternatively, you can also make the impression in the bathtub.
- Now prepare the plaster bandages. Hold it against your stomach and cut it according to the waist circumference. Go through it step by step from top to bottom, because your belly is naturally more girth in the middle than e.g. B. at the bottom. If the breasts are also to be depicted, this also applies to the area. Cut out enough strips that you can lay a second – and if you want a third – layer, the more stable the imprint will be. So it makes sense to lay the strips twice after putting them on, so you have enough for a second layer.
- Protect your clothes, e.g. B. with towels or put on old clothes that you can throw away in the worst case.
- Keep a bowl of warm water handy.
Instructions for your plaster cast
If you make the plaster cast while standing, the shape of the baby bump will be more natural. However, the whole thing can be exhausting with the stomach, it also works while sitting. Choose the option that makes you feel safer and more comfortable.
- Stand up straight or sit in the chair.
- Thoroughly grease the abdomen (and chest) with Vaseline so that the plaster cast can be removed more easily later.
- Your hard-working helper now takes the first strip and dips it in the warm water.
- Now the strip should be quickly placed on the stomach. Smooth out a little so that it lies really flat.
- This is how it goes from top to bottom (it can of course also be done the other way round): Place plaster strips in the water and place them strip by strip on your stomach.
- Make sure that the strips of plaster overlap and also that there is a neat finish on the sides.
- Work quickly and apply the second layer.
- Check the overall result again, if necessary spread everything well with wet hands.
- Let the plaster dry (according to the manufacturer’s instructions).
- Now carefully detach the baby bump impression from the tummy, this should normally be easy.
- Place the plaster cast on a towel to dry thoroughly for about 24 hours.
After drying, the baby bump plaster cast can be painted and decorated as you wish. With or without decoration, you also have the option of hanging your memento with a string or in a frame.
Refine the plaster cast of the baby bump yourself
You can have plaster cast finishes made for you – or you can do it yourself. B. already contain colors. BabyBellyDesign shows how to proceed with the design in her YouTube video:
Ideas for your keepsake
Plain, glamorous, decorated with fantasy creatures or flowers – there are countless ways to design your plaster cast of the baby bump:
It is entirely up to you whether you want your souvenir to be colorful and lavish or to beautify it more discreetly. We’ve collected a few ideas for the embellishments:
Do you like DIY projects? Here you will find great ideas for children: make your own games, make magic sand yourself or make your own face paint!
The first baby years are exciting! Many questions also arise in the process BRIGITTE community you can exchange ideas with others.