Re: Newborn footprints

[Tara Devine]

Dear Alesa,   I work in a hospital that has a neonatal intensive care unit that provides care for in excess of 300 babies a year.  I worked in the unit for 18 months.  Each baby is footprinted in the first few days of life, and then on special occasions during their stay in the unit (like mothers day, fathers day or christmas) to provide momentos for their parents.    We initially used a water based black ink pad, but now use the coloured stamp inks.  All are water based and wipe off with a wet cloth.  I checked with the unit and they use a variety of brands. The most important factor is that they are waterbased and nontoxic.    They don't have a set protocol, guidelines or evidence.   I have not noticed a reaction in 18months, and the senior midwife from the unit, that I spoke with to check my details, has not noticed a reaction either during her years of practice.  An aside comment is that, from their reaction, I don't think the babies enjoy the process a great deal but the parents do respond very positively.   Hope this is helpful.   Tara ----- Original Message ----- From: P & A Koziol To: ozmidwifery Sent: Sunday, October 28, 2001 7:16 PM Subject: Newborn footprints Dear List I am curious if anyone has experience with newborn footprinting. I understand that those who practise this use a standard inkpad. Is this a common practise or a have I just stumbled across a lone practise? Does anyone see any potential allergens created through use of the ink?? Alesa   Alesa Koziol Clinical Midwifery Educator Melbourne