Losing a child is an unparalleled pain, a heartache that remains etched in a parent’s soul forever. For mothers and fathers navigating the profound grief of miscarriage, finding ways to memorialize their little one becomes a vital part of the healing journey. Just as some choose ashes jewellery to keep their baby close, miscarriage tattoos offer a permanent and deeply personal tribute. These tattoos, often referred to as baby loss tattoos, are a beautiful testament to a life lived, however brief, and a way to keep the memory of your child eternally near.
Miscarriage tattoos are unique expressions of love and remembrance, customizable to reflect your individual experience and feelings. Whether you envision a bold statement piece or a subtle, discreet symbol, these tattoos serve as a poignant way to celebrate your baby’s short life and keep them forever in your heart. Each design is a personal narrative of parenthood, a tangible representation of an immeasurable bond.
While infant loss and miscarriage remain difficult topics to discuss, open conversation is crucial. These experiences profoundly shape lives, and seeking miscarriage support is essential – remember, you are not alone. Choosing a miscarriage tattoo is a deeply personal decision, and the design can be anything that resonates with you, a unique way to honor your angel baby. Certain symbols have become particularly meaningful within the miscarriage and baby loss community. Here are some popular miscarriage tattoo designs and the heartfelt meanings behind them:
Baby Loss Tattoo Ideas to Cherish Forever
1. The Baby Loss Awareness Ribbon Tattoo
The official infant loss ribbon, featuring delicate pink and blue hues, stands as a powerful symbol of baby loss awareness. It encompasses loss at any stage, including during and after pregnancy, stillbirth, miscarriage, neonatal death, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Originating in the UK on October 15, 2002, the first Baby Loss Awareness Day was born from the initiative of grieving parents, inspired by the Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day in the United States. Through the sale of handcrafted blue and pink ribbon pins, they raised significant funds for UK organizations dedicated to supporting bereaved parents. Today, the pink and blue ribbon, along with enamel pins featuring the logo, are widely available to demonstrate support for Baby Loss Awareness Week and contribute to vital research into baby loss and miscarriage.
Baby Loss Awareness ribbon tattoo with feather and birds, symbolizing remembrance
This moving tattoo image, shared by Beneath The Skin Tattoo (@beneaththeskintattoos) on Instagram, beautifully illustrates the Baby Loss Awareness ribbon integrated with other potent symbols of remembrance: the feather and birds, creating a deeply meaningful tribute to infant loss.
2. Angel Wings Tattoo for Remembrance
Angel wings tattoos are rich in symbolism, representing guidance, protection, hope, and unwavering faith. They also poignantly capture the profound sense of loss experienced with miscarriage. Furthermore, angel wings symbolize rebirth and transformation, making them a particularly fitting and deeply meaningful choice for a miscarriage memorial tattoo.
Beyond loss, angel wings embody innocence, perseverance, resilience, enduring love, and profound personal transformation. Choosing angel wings as a miscarriage tattoo is a powerful way to honor your baby’s memory and your own journey through grief.
Angel wings tattoo, a symbol of hope and remembrance for baby loss
This poignant angel wings tattoo design was shared by Cherry Xzhao (@cherryxzhao) on Instagram, showcasing the delicate artistry and emotional depth possible in miscarriage remembrance tattoos.
3. Feather Tattoo: A Symbol of Angelic Presence
The gentle image of a feather carries a comforting message for many: the belief that a white feather sighting signifies the presence of an angel or a departed loved one nearby. This belief makes feather designs a popular and comforting tattoo choice for those marking the loss of a baby.
Across various cultures and civilizations, feathers are often seen as messengers from the spirit world, delicate reminders of a connection beyond the physical realm. A feather tattoo serves as a subtle yet powerful symbol of your baby’s continued presence in your life.
Feather tattoo symbolizing a message from the spirit world in memory of a lost baby
This delicate feather tattoo, shared by Louise Flynn (@louiseflynnart) on Instagram, showcases the simple elegance and profound meaning that a feather can hold in a miscarriage tattoo.
4. Birds Tattoo: Freedom and Remembrance
A design featuring birds gracefully flying away from a branch has become a deeply meaningful miscarriage tattoo, poignantly depicting the lost infant’s spirit taking flight. This imagery offers a sense of peace and liberation amidst grief.
A flock of birds in flight symbolizes the freedom of the soul and mind, representing life’s constant motion and the enduring spirit. As a miscarriage tattoo, birds in flight serve as a powerful and comforting tribute, celebrating the life and freedom of your baby’s spirit.
Birds flying away tattoo, representing the freedom of the soul in a miscarriage memorial
Emma Davies (@emmaparis) shared this deeply personal bird tattoo on Instagram, captioning it with heartfelt meaning: “I have always loved flying birds. When I lost 3 babies to miscarriage it took a toll on me. When we suffer miscarriage we leave the hospital with nothing to remember them. Thanks to @feelinktattoo I have my three babies with me forever. As my family looks on from the branch my babies fly higher then we can imagine. Until we meet again in heaven.” This caption perfectly encapsulates the emotional weight and commemorative power of miscarriage tattoos.
5. Infinity Symbol Tattoo: Endless Love
The infinity symbol, depicted as a figure eight on its side, universally represents the concept of never-ending love and eternity. This timeless symbol carries deep spiritual and emotional significance, embodying love, beauty, and enduring strength. In a world often filled with distractions and complexities, the infinity symbol offers a sense of comforting simplicity and balance.
For a miscarriage tattoo, the infinity symbol powerfully represents the eternal bond with your baby, a love that transcends physical presence and time. It serves as a constant reminder of the limitless possibilities of love and the enduring connection you share.
Infinity symbol tattoo, signifying neverending love and remembrance for a lost child
Amy Chapman (@amylou751) shared her infinity symbol tattoo on Instagram, poignantly reflecting on her experience: “On this day last year I was in the car on the way to my first pregnancy scan after having barely slept due to being so excited. Nothing on this planet could have prepared me for the look on the ladies face as she scanned me silently and then turned to me and said ‘I’m so sorry Amy there’s no heartbeat’. In that moment my entire world fell apart… To any woman who has experienced this loss who is reading this, it’s ok to not be ok. Today I carry the tattoo on my arm that lays next to my heart, to remind me of the 2 babies I lost last year. While they give me some small comfort neither of these things will ever replace the yearning I had and still have to hold my baby in my arms – I hold them in my heart instead of my arms.” Amy’s words beautifully articulate the solace and enduring remembrance that a miscarriage tattoo can provide.
6. Mother and Child Silhouette Tattoo
A beautifully simple silhouette of a pregnant mother holding a baby represents the profound and enduring bond between mother and child. This tender imagery captures the universal love and connection felt in motherhood, even in loss.
For a miscarriage tattoo, this design poignantly honors the maternal bond and the dreams associated with pregnancy and motherhood. It serves as a lasting tribute to the hopes and love held for the baby.
Mother and child silhouette tattoo, a simple yet powerful representation of maternal love in baby loss
Sammy Patnett (@sammy_patnett) shared this meaningful tattoo on Instagram, along with her heartfelt story: “It’s 2 years this month since we last had a miscarriage. 2 years of secondary infertility. 2 years of waiting for a rainbow while being stuck in the rain. Sometimes I think I would go back to a time where we never got pregnant, never lost babies, never felt the heartbreak that we have. But it’s not true, I would do it all again just to feel the love for bump and Chris that I felt, even just for a short time. You’ll always be my greatest ‘what if’.” Sammy’s reflection speaks to the enduring love and ‘what ifs’ that miscarriage tattoos can represent.
7. Rose Tattoo: A Classic Symbol of Love
Flowers, each carrying unique symbolism, offer a beautiful and poignant way to commemorate a lost baby. Floral designs are a popular choice for miscarriage tattoos, with roses and forget-me-nots holding special significance. Roses, a timeless symbol of love, represent enduring affection and remembrance. Forget-me-nots, delicate and meaningful, symbolize true love and the promise of never forgetting.
Choosing a rose tattoo for miscarriage remembrance is a classic and elegant way to express love and honor your baby. The enduring beauty of the rose mirrors the lasting impact of your child’s life.
Rose tattoo, a traditional symbol of love and remembrance for baby loss
Liz Alvarez (@lizalvarezart) recently created this stunning peony tattoo – a flower symbolizing love – as a miscarriage memorial, incorporating a meaningful quote along the stem. This highlights the personal and artistic possibilities within floral miscarriage tattoos.
8. Poppy Tattoo: Peace and Remembrance
The poppy flower holds deep symbolic meaning, particularly as “a symbol of rest-fullness and peace in death.” For those who have experienced miscarriage, a poppy tattoo can offer comfort and solace. Furthermore, the poppy as the flower for August can hold extra significance for babies due or lost in that month.
A poppy tattoo serves as a gentle and beautiful reminder of peace, remembrance, and the delicate beauty of life, even in loss. It is a poignant tribute to a baby gone too soon.
Poppy tattoo, symbolizing peace and remembrance for a baby lost in August
This poignant poppy tattoo was shared by @Beautifulblestmess on Instagram, who explained its deeply personal meaning: “A symbol of rest-fullness and peace in death. The flower for August. August: the month in which we was supposed to meet our little one. This tattoo is much more than just ink. It’s a lovely reminder that you are just as beautiful as these simple flowers. Just as precious as the delicate petals. You are and always will be my baby. My world. I can’t wait to meet you. Until then, you’ll be with me forever. Mommy loves you.” This personal narrative underscores the emotional depth and individual meaning behind miscarriage tattoos.
9. Baby Loss Awareness Floral Ribbon Tattoo
Combining delicate flower stems to create the iconic Baby Loss Awareness ribbon offers a unique and deeply meaningful tattoo design. This creative approach blends two powerful symbols of remembrance and awareness.
This design delicately intertwines the visual representation of baby loss awareness with the gentle beauty of floral imagery, creating a particularly poignant and artistic miscarriage tattoo.
Baby Loss Awareness ribbon tattoo created with delicate flower stems, a unique memorial design
Shannae Mansfield (@shannaechlo) shared this floral ribbon tattoo on Instagram, expressing her heartfelt emotions: “My heart aches as I no longer get to carry you and watch you grow. I carry so much guilt but I know you had a reason to go to heaven. I will always love you. I wanted you to be with me forever and wasnt sure how to do it. So I got a tattoo my way of coping and moving forward. Huge thanks to @threeeyedwolf for doing this for me, it means a lot.” Shannae’s words illustrate the tattoo as a personal coping mechanism and a lasting symbol of love.
10. Meaningful Quote Tattoo for Remembrance
Sometimes, words can capture emotions and experiences more profoundly than symbols alone. A meaningful quote tattoo can be a deeply personal and direct way to express grief, love, and remembrance after miscarriage.
Choosing a quote that resonates with your heart allows you to articulate your feelings and honor your baby with the power of language. These tattoos can be incredibly personal and impactful.
Meaningful quote tattoo for miscarriage remembrance, expressing deep personal feelings
@lizaplantygram shared her quote tattoo on Instagram, reflecting on Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month: “This October has been very hard. This month is also Pregnancy & Infant loss awareness month. This is also the month we would’ve been bringing home our baby. October 13th was my due date. I keep thinking back to my miscarriage. It doesn’t feel like it’s been months since it happened. I still remember that pain. We think about our baby all the time. I carried you every second of your life and I will love you every second of mine.” Liza’s words demonstrate the enduring impact of miscarriage and the comfort found in verbalizing grief through tattoos.
11. Footprint Tattoo: A Mark of a Life
Footprints symbolize legacy, the marks we leave behind. They represent presence, a sign that someone “has been here before, walking beside you – but they are no longer there.” Footprints evoke memories of the past and a spiritual presence that transcends the physical.
A footprint tattoo serves as a tangible reminder of your baby’s brief but impactful existence, a mark of a life lived and loved. It is a poignant symbol of remembrance and connection.
Footprint tattoo with miscarriage ribbon, a mark of remembrance for a baby's life
NolieA (@nolie1990) shared her footprint and ribbon tattoo, saying: “This year, my little one would be turning 4 in October but instead I will light a candle by myself. There is a silent grief that I carry every single day. My miscarriage is a part of me but it does not define me. I have it tattooed on my wrist as a daily reminder of the strength I have in myself to keep myself above water.” Nolie’s words highlight the tattoo as a source of strength and a constant reminder of her baby’s presence in her life.
12. Rainbow Tattoo: Hope After the Storm
A “rainbow baby” is a term of hope, referring to a healthy baby born after a previous loss due to miscarriage, infant loss, stillbirth, or neonatal death. The rainbow symbolizes hope and beauty emerging after a dark and turbulent time, much like a rainbow appears after a storm.
For a miscarriage tattoo, a rainbow can represent hope, healing, and the promise of brighter days after the storm of grief. It serves as a beautiful memorial and a symbol of resilience.
Rainbow tattoo, a symbol of hope and healing after baby loss
@faithjohnsentattoo shared this rainbow tattoo, created as a memorial for twins: “A memorial tattoo for her twins. From one mother to another, these are some of the most meaningful tattoos I get to do.” This showcases the deeply personal and meaningful nature of rainbow baby memorial tattoos.
13. ‘&’ (Ampersand) Sign Tattoo: Eternal Union
The ampersand ‘&’ symbol represents union, togetherness, marriage, friendship, and a lasting attachment. It signifies a bond, making it a perfect symbol to represent the eternal connection with your baby. The ampersand symbolizes that you and your baby will always be linked, forever together.
An ampersand tattoo can be discreet and delicate, placed anywhere on the body as a subtle yet profound reminder of your unbreakable bond with your child.
Ampersand tattoo, symbolizing eternal union and togetherness with a lost baby
This ampersand tattoo, showcased by @the.etched.arch, exemplifies the understated elegance and deep symbolism possible in miscarriage remembrance tattoos.
14. Simple “Baby” Tattoo: Forever Your Baby
No matter how much time passes, the bond between a parent and child remains eternal; they will always be your baby. A simple “Baby” tattoo poignantly captures this enduring truth. The simplicity of the word itself speaks volumes about the depth of the relationship.
This design offers a direct and heartfelt expression of love and remembrance. It is a testament to the everlasting bond of parenthood.
Simple "Baby" tattoo, a direct and heartfelt expression of eternal love for a lost child
This particular “Baby” tattoo, from @faithjohnsentattoo, holds added meaning as the heart was drawn by the client’s partner, symbolizing their shared love and remembrance for their baby. This personal touch enhances the tattoo’s emotional resonance.
15. “In Our Hearts” Quote Tattoo
The phrase “In Our Hearts” paired with a tender character or symbol creates a touching and personal miscarriage tattoo. This design can be customized with names, dates, or other meaningful elements to make it uniquely yours.
This quote serves as a comforting reminder that your baby will forever hold a cherished place in your heart and family. It is a beautiful expression of enduring love and remembrance.
"In Our Hearts" quote tattoo with a character, a personal and touching memorial for baby loss
This “In Our Hearts” tattoo, from @shadijtattoos, demonstrates the personalizable nature of quote tattoos and their ability to convey deep emotional sentiments in miscarriage remembrance.
16. “Too Beautiful For Earth” Quote Tattoo
The quote “Too Beautiful For Earth” poignantly expresses the belief that your baby was destined for a more heavenly realm. This sentiment can bring comfort and solace in the face of loss.
This quote tattoo offers a simple yet profound way to express the preciousness and ethereal nature of your baby’s life. It is a beautiful tribute to a life considered too perfect for this world.
"Too Beautiful For Earth" quote tattoo, expressing the preciousness of a baby's life
This “Too Beautiful For Earth” quote tattoo, shared by @valleyink_penticton, exemplifies the power of concise and meaningful quotes in miscarriage tattoos, adaptable to various sizes and placements.
17. “Carry You” Quote Tattoo
The phrase “Carry You” serves as a tender reminder that you will always carry your baby with you throughout life’s journey. This sentiment offers comfort and acknowledges the enduring presence of your child in your heart.
Paired with a delicate drawing, this tattoo becomes a subtle yet powerful affirmation of your eternal bond and the ongoing presence of your baby in your life’s journey.
"Carry You" quote tattoo with a drawing, a subtle reminder of a baby's enduring presence
This “Carry You” tattoo, from @tracymarietattoo, showcases how a simple quote, combined with a delicate illustration, can create a deeply meaningful and personal miscarriage tattoo.
18. “Holding Your Angel Baby” Tattoo
For a larger, more visually impactful miscarriage tattoo, an image depicting a mother tenderly holding her angel baby can be a profoundly touching tribute. This design directly and emotionally represents the maternal bond and the enduring love for the lost child.
This type of tattoo offers a powerful and emotive way to visualize and remember your baby, capturing the longing to hold and nurture your child.
"Holding Your Angel Baby" tattoo, a touching and visual tribute to maternal love and loss
This beautiful “Holding Your Angel Baby” image, shared by @racheljfriel, exemplifies the artistic and emotional depth achievable in larger, more illustrative miscarriage memorial tattoos.
19. Little Hearts Tattoo: Representing Each Loss
For parents who have experienced multiple miscarriages, little hearts can represent each precious life lost in a small but deeply sentimental way. This design is particularly meaningful for acknowledging and honoring multiple losses.
Each heart becomes a symbol of an individual baby, collectively representing the profound grief and enduring love for each child.
Little hearts tattoo, representing multiple miscarriages with small, sentimental symbols
These little hearts tattoo, from @kacierainey, demonstrate how simple symbols can be multiplied to represent complex experiences of loss, offering a poignant and personalized way to remember each baby.
20. “Holding Hands” Tattoo: Eternal Bond
An adorable tattoo of a baby’s hand gently holding their mother’s finger is incredibly beautiful and touching. This intimate gesture captures the profound connection and bond between mother and child.
This “Holding Hands” tattoo serves as a deeply moving tribute to your baby and the eternal bond that will last forever, even in absence.
"Holding Hands" tattoo, symbolizing a lasting and intimate bond between mother and baby
This touching “Holding Hands” tattoo, created by @tattoosbybecca, is a perfect example of how a simple yet evocative image can express profound love and connection in a miscarriage memorial tattoo.
Choosing a miscarriage tattoo is a deeply personal journey. These designs offer a starting point, inspiring you to create a unique and meaningful tribute to your angel baby. Consult with a tattoo artist who specializes in memorial tattoos to bring your vision to life and create a lasting piece of art that honors your child’s memory.
