The death of a child rocks an entire family. It’s difficult to take the pain away when parents experience a heartbreak like this. It takes some time to grieve and accept and can include ways to memorialize the loved one.
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One option for memorializing a child is to get a tattoo. There are tons of options for memorial tattoos. Did you know you can incorporate ashes into the tattoo itself? If you’re looking into getting a tattoo for a deceased child, consider these options.
If you're interested in other unique ways to honor a lost child, you can consider a custom urn from a store like Foreverence or even have a memorial diamond made from ashes with a company like Eterneva.
Small ‘RIP, Baby’ Tattoo Ideas
How you remember and honor a lost child is a personal decision. It will look different for everyone. One way to do this is to tattoo something on yourself as a reminder that your baby is always with you. Small tattoos can be easily hidden for someone who doesn’t have any tattoos or isn’t comfortable with a large one.
1. Child’s name
Incorporate the baby’s name into a small, simple tattoo. Get the child’s first, last, or nickname tattooed for a straightforward memorial to the baby.
Tip: Use initials instead of a full name to make an even smaller tattoo.
2. Birthdate
Use the baby’s birthdate is a small but very significant tribute.
Instead of the birthdate, you could also get the zodiac sign. For example, you can use a constellation, animal, or the zodiac symbol.
3. An angel
Your baby is now your personal angel. An angel tattoo is a beautiful way to remember anyone who dies.
4. A bird
A bird tattoo can also be small but purposeful. Birds are symbols of many things, including freedom. A bird tattoo can remind you that your child is now free of pain and suffering.
Consider what various types of birds symbolize. Cranes symbolize peace and blessings; swans symbolize light and purity.
5. Circle of life
The circle of life is a comfort during times of loss. A circle tattoo can be a minimalist circle or a circle made from flowers or text. This tattoo is a reminder that the deceased lives on and can have various interpretations across religion and spirituality as well.
Tip: Merge two tattoo ideas together with a circle of birds, flowers, or the name of the child tattooed in a circle.
6. Figure outline
An outline of a baby’s face or a swaddled baby is a literal representation of your deceased child. An outline instead of an intricate portrait is unique and elegant.
Larger ‘RIP, Baby’ Tattoo Ideas
You might be interested in a large tattoo to memorialize the lost child. Anything you would like as a tattoo can be sized up, but certain tattoos look especially beautiful on a larger scale.
1. Portrait
You’ve probably seen incredible tattooed portraits before, and this tattoo idea is perfect to memorialize your baby. A tattooed photo where the baby is smiling and happy is a great way to remember that child forever.
Tip: Add small tattoo ideas, such as the baby’s name or birthdate, beneath the portrait.
2. Flowers
Flowers can send messages. At the end of life, flowers are used as a symbol of remembrance, beauty, and life. You could get a collection of flowers that symbolize the words you want to associate with your child:
- Pink carnations stand for remembrance of the deceased.
- Roses symbolize love.
- Daisies symbolize innocence.
- Lilies symbolize renewed innocence after death.
3. Phrase
Text tattoos look beautiful and can say anything you feel most drawn to. A phrase is a popular option, personalized with font, size, and color.
A few ideas for phrases include:
- “RIP Baby”
- “RIP Baby Angel”
- “Forever in our hearts”
- “Love you forever and always”
4. Quote
You can use a quote if you’re experiencing grief to feel less alone, find words for the pain, and memorialize your baby. Choose your desired size and font for something you can take comfort from on tough days.
Quote tattoo ideas:
- “With brave wings, s/he flies.”
- “Remembering you is easy, we do it every day. Missing you is a heartache that never goes away.”
- “All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.”
5. Lyrics
Similar to a comforting phrase or quote, lyrics are commonly tattooed as a memorial. Choose song lyrics that resonate with your grief and loss of a child. Some ideas include:
- “'Cause I know I'll never be lonely, for you are the stars to me. You are the light I follow.” — Carrie Underwood
- “It ain't fair; you died too young, Like the story that had just begun, But death tore the pages all away, God knows how I miss you.” — Kenny Chesney
- “Say goodbye, let 'em fly, my angel, my best friend.” — Beverley Mitchell
6. Animal
Animals are a favorite among tattoo lovers and many tattoo artists can do very realistic looking depictions. Another option for your large tattoo is an animal that symbolizes love, loss, family, or something else you associated with your baby:
- Elephants symbolize family and peace.
- Rabbits symbolize life.
- Deer symbolize spirituality.
- Hummingbirds symbolize love, innocence, and beauty.
7. Tree
Trees are a perfect option for a large tattoo since it can be made as large and full as you desire. Trees symbolize nourishment, transformation, liberation, growth, and resurrection.
Minimalist ‘RIP, Baby’ Tattoo Ideas
Tattoos are permanent decisions. You may not be into the idea of a large, noticeable tattoo but you do want to have a memorial tattoo for your baby. A minimalist tattoo is a straightforward, “hideable” option while still making for a beautiful memorial.
1. Cross
A cross is two lines and can be small but still have meaning behind it.
Tip: Add a little extra to your cross tattoo with your baby’s initials, flowers, or hearts.
2. Halo
You can use the full angel, angel wings, or a halo to depict the meaning behind it. A halo is simple, small but lovely.
3. Heart
A simple heart is another minimalist option that represents your love for the deceased but is not too extravagant.
4. Symbol for cause of death
Did your baby die of a specific illness? If so, you might be interested in commemorating your child with the ribbon for that illness or another symbol.
- Childhood cancer: Yellow ribbon
- Premature: Butterfly
5. Bible verse
Many find comfort in religion and specific scripture. Does a specific Bible verse resonate with you? Use the number of the verse as the tattoo.
Examples of verses related to death and grief include:
- Psalm 34:18: The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
- Psalm 147:3: He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
6. Feather
Feathers can symbolize a lot of different things across different belief systems. They symbolize spirituality, freedom, and bravery, to name a few. You may also opt for a feather tattoo instead of a bird, which can symbolize the same thing that a bird does.
7. Baby foot
A baby foot tattoo is small, or you can minimize a print of the baby’s foot, taken before his death.
Remembering Your Baby Forever
The way you remember your baby after death is a personal decision. You can find many options for baby memorials, but a tattoo is a memorial idea you can have with you at all times and can be personalized as much as you want.