Chapter 4: Remembering and honouring your baby
Ideas for memorializing your baby
We also have a shelf in the living room with his picture and mementos from his room, along with decorations and ornaments. We also keep the baby blanket with his name on it around.
Even if your loss was some time ago, you may find it helpful to find ways to honour your baby’s memory.
You may have items that you had set aside for your baby, or you may have received “legacy items” from healthcare providers*. Click the arrows to see examples.
Ultrasound pictures, appointment cards, hospital bands.
Lab results confirming your pregnancy.
Home pregnancy tests.
*If you do not already have these, you can request some of them from your doctor.
You can also create activities or items especially for your baby. Click the arrows to see examples.
Creating a special blessing or prayer.
Creating a memory box, keeping it in a special place, and revisiting it every year.
Creating a journal of writings to or about your baby.
Creating a scrapbook of memories from the pregnancy or birth.
Having a piece of jewellery made with your infant’s ashes sealed inside.
You can also help to honour your baby by initiating or participating in different activities. Click the arrows to view several examples.
Lighting a candle on important dates.
Getting a tattoo of your baby’s name and birthdate; hand or footprint; or ultrasound strip from when your baby was alive.
Asking friends and relatives to donate to a favourite charity in your baby’s name.
Participating in community events or activities that support early pregnancy or perinatal loss, such as community gardens, fun runs, etc.
Giving your baby a name and making a beaded bracelet, hanging a special ornament, painting rocks, or creating a memory garden.
