Set to the be the next must-have item at baby showers, US company 3D Babies is offering impatient parents the chance to order a custom 3D printed figurine of their baby-to-be modelled on their actual 3D or 4D ultrasounds.
This innovative (some might say, creepy) adaptation of 3D print technology is hardly surprising in an age of instant gratification, where the mysteries of childbirth have already been replaced by gender scans and planned caesareans.
A life-size doll (20cm long) will set you back around $700, or those stuck for storage space can opt for a half-size or even a 5cm ‘mini’ version for just under $230.
In addition, expectant couples are asked to choose between light, medium and dark skin tones and indicate their preferred body position – arms and feet waving in the air or curled up in a classic womb-like pose.
The final decision is a big one, whether or not to have the genitals proudly on display or discreetly hidden (for real!). The resulting sculpture is then presented in a satin-lined box that looks disturbingly like a coffin.
Still not sold? The 3D Babies website is filled with marketing spiel to get anxious or uncertain customers over the line.
For the impatient types: “Imagine holding your baby before he or she is born.”
Why not throw a ‘meet the foetus’ party? “This is a great way to share the excitement of your new baby with family and friends.”
Create a keepsake (other than your living baby type keepsake): “Your 3D Baby will be a treasured family remembrance of your pregnancy and new baby.”
If your baby is already born, you can still have a life-like sculpture made by sending in a photo of your bubs and leaving the rest to 3D Babies. You’ll never have to take turns holding the baby again – you can have one each! The only problem will be deciding who gets the one that never cries.
Those without actual babies of their own need not miss out, as they also offer a Celebrity Baby product for around $300. And who else would the world want a 3D printed copy of but baby North West herself?
Now you can play ‘celebrity mum and dad’ in the privacy of your own home!
