Expecting moms often have ultrasound images and videos of their unborn child to keep as fond memory but thanks to 3D printing, parents-to-be now have another pregnancy memorabilia they could spend their money on.
A California-based company called 3D Babies uses 3D printing technology to create a figurine that resembles an unborn baby with all the correct facial features, skin tone and body position- even before he is born. If you're expecting, you can order one keep for yourself or give to your grown-up kid someday so she'll get an idea how tiny and cute she was in your womb.
"At 3D Babies, we create an adorable baby figurine resembling your baby's facial features and body position. We use your 3D/4D ultrasound or newborn baby pictures to create a unique artistic representation of your baby using the latest computer graphics and 3D printing technology," the company said on its Indiegogo page. "This is a great way to share the excitement of your new baby with family and friends. Your 3D Baby will be a treasured family remembrance of your pregnancy and new baby."
The figurines are available in three sizes: life-size, which is about 8 inches from crown to rump, half-size (4 inches), and mini (2 inches). "The Lifesize 3D Baby is so called, because a 23-24 week old fetus is about 8 inches from crown to rump," the company explained.
You also get to select the body position of the figurine depending on whether you want your child's gender to be visible or not. You choose the figurine's skin tone as well. "We reproduce the face as shown in your images and select the body position according to your request (gender visible or not). Finally, we use the color you select (light, medium, or dark) to put the finishing touches on your 3D Baby," the company said.
Ordering a customized figurine of your unborn child doesn't come cheap though. The life-size figurine costs $600, the half size, $400 and the mini, $200. 3D Babies tried to raise $15,000 on Indiegogo to purchase a 3D printer that it says would allow it to reduce the price of the services but the company was able to raise only $1,225.
