A guide to making memories last
A new baby brings a rush of precious moments, and most parents want to keep those early days for good. A thoughtfully chosen frame turns an everyday photo into a keepsake and adds warmth to a nursery. It might be engraved with the baby's name, or hold handprints and footprints beside the photo.
Frames also make thoughtful presents for new parents and grandparents. They hold more than photographs. Each one tells part of the story of the baby's first experiences.
Choosing a baby picture frame
Size and material
Frames range from small ones for a shelf to large ones for the wall. Choose a size to suit the photo and the place where it will go. The common photo sizes are:
- 6 x 4 inches
- 7 x 5 inches
- 10 x 8 inches
Wooden frames are classic, warm and at home with almost any decor. Metal frames are sleek, modern and durable.
Design and themes
A simple design suits a minimalist home, and a more ornate one a traditional setting. Popular nursery themes include woodland animals and safari. Whatever the design, it should complement the photo and not overwhelm it.
Quality
A well-made frame protects the photo for years. Sturdy materials do not warp, and good glazing shields the picture from dust and damage. Avoid cheap frames with finishes that tarnish or peel. Acid-free mounts stop the photo yellowing.
Baby photos around the home
Matching the nursery
Choose frames that go with the nursery's colours. In a pastel room, soft pink, blue or mint frames blend in. Natural wood has a gentle, rustic look. A metallic frame adds a touch of glamour. Keep frames in proportion, so that they do not dominate the room, and consider adding the baby's name or date of birth.
Placing frames safely
Never hang a framed picture, or put a shelf of frames, above a cot or a changing table, where it could fall on the baby or be pulled down. Hang nursery pictures out of reach, fix them securely, and choose acrylic glazing, which does not shatter, in place of glass.
- At adult eye level. Hang frames where you will see and enjoy them.
- On shelves and tables. If wall space is short, stand smaller frames on a chest of drawers or a shelf, well out of reach of small hands.
- On picture shelves. Floating shelves make a neat gallery that is easy to change.
- In rotation. Babies change fast. Keep spare frames safely boxed, and swap the photos round as new ones come along.
Special occasions
The first Christmas
Christmas is magical with a baby in the family. A frame with a festive touch, such as snowflakes, reindeer or a Christmas tree, suits the first photo with Father Christmas or the family portrait by the tree. These make good presents for grandparents, and can come out with the decorations each year.
Milestones
Every milestone is worth remembering: the newborn photo, the christening, the first steps, the first birthday. Choose a frame to suit the occasion, perhaps something colourful for a birthday and something classic for a christening. An engraved name and date add meaning.
Baby frames as presents
A personal touch
A frame with the baby's name, date of birth or a short message is special and unique. Soft pastel colours suit a nursery, as do teddy bears and baby animals. A box frame has room for small keepsakes beside the photo, such as the hospital bracelet, a lock of hair or a first pair of shoes.
Ideas for different occasions
- Baby shower. A frame with a wide mount for the guests to sign, ready for a photo of the baby when it arrives.
- Christening. An elegant frame in a classic design.
- First birthday. Something bright and playful, or a multi-photo frame with a picture from each month of the first year.
EasyFrame offers a wide range of made-to-measure frames, and with long experience we can advise on the right frame for your photos. Call us on 01234 856 501 or email sales@easyframe.co.uk. We are always happy to talk, whether or not you want to buy.