Newborn Keepsake Framing
Newborn Baby Keepsake Shadow Box & Baby Memory Frames
A newborn baby keepsake shadow box holds the small things from a baby's first days, a hospital bracelet, a hand or footprint card, the first pair of shoes, a birth announcement, a lock of hair, behind glazing in a custom-cut frame. We build baby keepsake boxes to your exact size, with interior backing in soft neutrals or your choice of color, and clear framer's grade acrylic. Standard orders ship in 3-5 business days.
Design Your Baby Keepsake Shadow Box
Design Your Baby Keepsake Shadow Box
Enter your width, height, and depth. Most newborn keepsake boxes need 1.5 to 2 inches of depth for shoes or a small toy. Add a mat with photo and birth-card openings.
Built to your size
Room for bracelet, shoes, prints, announcement
Framer's grade acrylic
Clear glazing, lighter than glass
Multi-opening mat
Photo and birth-card windows
Engraved nameplate
Name, date, weight, length
What to Include in a Newborn Shadow Box
The shadow box is built to your size, so you choose what goes inside. The most common items:
- Hospital ID bracelet
- Hand or footprint card
- First pair of shoes or socks
- Birth announcement
- Ultrasound photo
- Lock of hair
- First outfit or hat
- A favorite small stuffed toy
Plan the Layout Before You Order
Sketch what you want included before you set the dimensions. Decide what to mat (the photo, the birth card, the announcement) and what to mount in the open shadow box area (the bracelet, the shoes, the toy). Leave room for the nameplate at the bottom. A typical 11 by 14 keepsake box has a photo and birth card matted in the top half and the bracelet, shoes, and nameplate in the bottom half.
Backing Colors for Nursery and Long-Term Display
Soft neutrals are the most common choice because they suit both the nursery now and the family room later. Soft white, ivory, pale blue, pale pink, sage green, and navy all work well. Think about where the piece will hang in a few years, not just where it goes today. Neutral backings age into any room.
Add an Engraved Nameplate
A brushed brass nameplate mounts inside the case below the keepsakes. Standard text is the baby's name on the first line and the birth details (date, time, weight, length) on the second and third lines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I put in a newborn keepsake shadow box?
The most common items are the hospital ID bracelet, a hand or footprint card, the first pair of shoes, a birth announcement, and an ultrasound photo. Optional additions include a lock of hair, a first outfit or hat, and a favorite small toy.
How big does the shadow box need to be?
Most newborn keepsake shadow boxes are between 11 by 14 and 16 by 20, depending on how many items you want to include. The designer lets you set the exact dimensions. Depth of 1.5 to 2 inches suits shoes and a small toy.
Can I include first shoes or a small toy?
Yes. Set the depth to 1.5 to 2 inches and the shoes mount comfortably on the backing. A small toy fits in the same depth range if it is not too tall.
Should I order before or after the baby arrives?
Most customers order after, once they know the birth details and have the items in hand. The shadow box ships in 3-5 business days, so there is no need to rush the order in advance.
Can I add a nameplate with the birth details?
Yes. The brass nameplate add-on engraves up to three lines: the baby's name, the birth date and time, and the weight and length.
How long does the framing take?
Standard orders ship in 3-5 business days from when we receive your items.
Open the shadow box designer to enter your dimensions and set up your baby keepsake.
Design Your Baby Keepsake Shadow Box