Plaster cast of the baby bump
The best memory! This is how it works
© Anneka / Shutterstock
For many mothers, a plaster cast of the baby’s bump is a nice souvenir of their pregnancy. We explain step by step what you need for this and how to proceed.
Pregnancy is a unique experience, many women want a special and individual memory of this time – with a plaster cast of the baby bump they get a very special keepsake. The good thing: every mother-to-be can easily do it herself. We show you how to do it in step-by-step instructions.
The best time to make the plaster cast
When you best make the baby bump impression is entirely up to you. The result is particularly impressive when the baby bump is already nice and round 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 impression
First of all: it gets dusty and smeared – making a plaster cast is quite a mess! If your bathroom is big enough, consider using this for your DIY project.
- Spread out a sheet (e.g. from a hardware store) or a sheet to protect the floor and have a washable chair ready. Alternatively, you can also take the impression in the bathtub.
- Now prepare the plaster bandages. Hold them to your stomach and cut them to fit the circumference of your waist. Go through step by step from top to bottom, because your stomach naturally has more circumference in the middle than z. B. at the bottom. If the breasts are also to be shown, this also applies to the area. Cut as many strips to size that you can add a second – and if you want a third – layer, the more stable the impression will be. It makes sense to lay the strips twice after laying them out so that 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.
- Place a bowl of warm water within easy reach.
Instructions for your plaster cast
If you make the plaster cast while standing, the shape of the baby bump will be more natural. The whole thing can be strenuous with the stomach, however, it also works while sitting. Decide on the option that makes you feel more secure and comfortable.
- Stand up straight or sit on the chair.
- Thoroughly grease the belly (and chest) with petroleum jelly so that the plaster cast can be removed more easily later.
- Your hard-working helper now takes the first strip and dips it into the warm water.
- Now the strip should be quickly placed on the stomach. Smear something out so that it is really smooth.
- So it goes from top to bottom (it goes the other way too, of course): Place strips of plaster in the water and fix strip by strip on the stomach.
- Make sure that the plaster strips overlap and that there is a neat finish on the sides.
- Work quickly and apply a 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 remove the baby bump impression from the stomach, this should normally be easy.
- Place the plaster cast on a towel to dry thoroughly for about 24 hours.
After drying, the plaster cast of the baby bump 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 the plaster cast finished for you – or you can do it yourself. B. already contain colors. How you go about the design, BabyBellyDesign shows in their YouTube video:
Ideas for your memento
Plain-colored, glamorous, decorated with fantasy creatures or flowers – there are countless ways to make your plaster cast of the baby bump:
It is entirely up to you whether you embellish your souvenir in a colorful and lush or rather discreet way. We have collected a few ideas for the decorations:
Do you like DIY projects? Here you will find great ideas for children: make games yourself, make magic sand yourself or make children’s make-up yourself!
The first years of baby are exciting! Many questions also arise – in the BRIGITTE Community you can exchange ideas with others.