Struggling through the hardships of miscarriage and stillbirth can feel like a never-ending hurricane of emotions. But when you finally overcome these battles, delivering a child can be the ray of colorful light you’ve dreamt about.
The joy of experiencing parenthood can leave new parents searching for ways to celebrate their miracle babies and the sweet angels who came before. That’s why so many parents start the search for rainbow baby tattoos.
Whether you’re looking for colorful designs or want to include your child’s name, getting a tattoo for your rainbow baby can be an ideal way to honor their lives.
If this idea appeals to you, the next step is deciding which type of ink you’re looking for.
Luckily for you, we’ve gathered some of our favorite tattoo ideas for rainbow babies to help you out!
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What is a Rainbow Baby?
Before you dive into a search for heartfelt quotes and simple designs to use in your tattoo, it’s essential to answer the question, “what is a rainbow baby?“
Simply put, a rainbow baby is any child born after parents have gone through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. A rainbow baby, also called a sunshine baby, is the child who joins your family after these losses.
For loss parents who choose to use this term, rainbow babies are the rainbow after the storm.
Is Getting a Tattoo to Honor Your Rainbow Baby a Good Idea?
You can’t ignore the fact that tattoos aren’t for everybody. In fact, only 13 – 15% of people in the United States have one at all.
If you’re looking for a lasting way to celebrate your big life change and honor the memory of the child or children who’ve come before, a rainbow baby tattoo can be a lovely tribute.
Just remember that there’s no pressure. Some people might think getting a tattoo in honor of their children is a great idea, but that doesn’t mean it’s the right option for everyone. There’s no rule that says you have to get a tattoo. You do you!
Where Should You Get a Tattoo for Your Rainbow Baby?
So, you’ve chosen to get a tattoo for your rainbow baby. Now you’re probably trying to figure out a good location to put it on your body.
While there are no rules about where you need to put your new ink, a few locations tend to be more popular than others. These include:
- Forearm
- Wrist
- Ankle
- Rib Cage
- Back or Shoulders
Tips for Choosing a Tattoo Parlor and Artist
Now, before you take the plunge and schedule an appointment for your new tattoo, there’s something else you should keep in mind.
Not all tattoo parlors are equal.
Don’t just look at some ads and hop in the inbox of the first shop you see. Keep these suggestions in mind to help you choose a tattoo parlor you can trust for your new ink.
- Ensure your tattoo artist has all certifications and that the parlor is fully licensed.
- Confirm your artist uses single-use tattoo kits.
- Check and see if they use sterile gloves during each session.
- Look at reviews online and ask for recommendations from people you trust.
- Find your specific personal style. Many artists specialize in different styles. For example, if you want a watercolor tattoo, you wouldn’t go to an artist who specializes in something entirely different.
- Once you’ve found an artist you like, check out their Instagram page! Many artists use Instagram as a way to showcase their work and book appointments.
- Some artists are starting out as apprentices and often offer cheaper prices. If you’re uncomfortable with this, then do your homework. Ask how long they have been tattooing and where you can see their portfolio (likely, it’s on Instagram).
It’s also a good idea to go in and check out the shop and talk to the manager about their specific safety practices and artists before getting started.
Picking Tattoos for Rainbow Babies: Symbolic Ideas for Any Parent
If you’re ready to welcome the new member of the family with a beautiful tattoo that features a little extra significance, our team has you covered.
We’ve researched and polled our community to find out what parents are looking for in rainbow baby tattoos. Here are some of our favorite suggestions.
Tattoos with Rainbow Baby Quotes
I can’t deny that I’m a sucker for words. With that in mind, it shouldn’t surprise you that any tattoo design for rainbow babies that includes quotes will instantly be one of my favorites.
Whether you surround a quote with floral designs or include your child’s name, the following are some of my top picks when you’re looking to add a rainbow baby quote to your new tattoo design:
- “Rainbows remind us that even after the darkest clouds, and the fiercest winds, there is still beauty.” – Katrina Mayer
- “The greater your storm, the brighter your rainbow.”
- “You can’t have a rainbow without a little rain.”
- “You are the rainbow that adds colors to my gray skies.” – Avijeet Das
Tattoos After Miscarriage or Stillbirth
Many new parents like to include symbols for miscarriage and stillbirth in their rainbow baby tattoos to memorialize previous losses and celebrate the bond you still cherish with your angel babies.
Whether you choose the blue and pink miscarriage awareness ribbon, angel wings, or feathers, any of these will serve as a beautiful tribute to little ones you’ve lost on your path to motherhood.
Combining these elements with rainbow tattoo designs or a rainbow watercolor pallet would be a lovely choice.
Double Rainbow Baby Tattoos
For parents who’ve endured pregnancy or infant loss more than once, their miracle babies are sometimes called double rainbow babies. If this term speaks to your pathway to parenthood, you could always choose a rainbow baby tattoo with two rainbows.
Personalized Tattoos to Represent Your Rainbow Baby
Whether you want elaborate or minimal tattoo designs, one of our favorite styles is personalized tattoos for rainbow babies.
Whether you add your child’s name, birth flower, or birthdate, there are many ways to customize your new tattoo for your baby. Personalized ink is also ideal for memorializing any previous losses.
FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Tattoos for Rainbow Babies
Still on the fence about whether you want to celebrate your children with a rainbow baby tattoo? Here’s a quick breakdown of everything you need to know.
Rainbow baby tattoos celebrate the birth of a child following miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss. These tattoos often memorialize previous losses, too.
The world is your oyster when picking a magic spot for your rainbow baby tattoos. From your forearm to your ankle, whichever area you’re most comfortable with will work. Just be sure to speak with your artist about which location will be best for the design you’ve chosen.
Look at reviews and ask friends for recommendations before picking a tattoo artist. Instagram is a great way to find styles and artists you like. Make sure to pick a licensed facility that utilizes safe practices (don’t be afraid to stop by and watch before choosing!)
Anybody can get a tattoo to represent a rainbow or sunshine baby! There’s no rule saying you can’t or that you have to.
Finding the Perfect Rainbow Baby Tattoo Design After a Stormy Period of Loss
Gut-wrenching, debilitating, heartbreaking–these are just a few ways to describe the experience and aftermath of pregnancy and infant loss. When you long to have a child, and that opportunity is ripped away, it can seem like the world’s end.
When a baby finally arrives and is safely in your arms, however, it might feel like the clouds are finally opening up and the storm has settled.
This is the essence of a rainbow baby.
While tattoos might not be for everyone, if you’re looking for a memorable and unique way to celebrate the new member of the family, tattoos for rainbow babies might be the best place to start.
Would you ever get a rainbow baby tattoo? Which style do you like best?
