10 Small Motherhood Tattoos That Are Sweet and Meaningful

Updated on 9/15/2023 at 5:05 PM

Tattoos are a unique and creative way to mark major milestones — and having a baby is definitely an occasion worth celebrating. If you're thinking of getting some ink to signify just how much your little one means to you, you're not alone. There are plenty of motherhood tattoo ideas on the internet, from sweet mom-and-child silhouettes to simple birthdates.

While some tattooed parents might want big, beautiful pieces of ink, others might be more comfortable with something smaller and more subtle. If that sounds like you, we've rounded up small tattoo ideas to inspire you. Just consider getting the tattoo after the baby is born, as "little information is available about the safety of skin dyes used for tattooing during pregnancy," according to the American Pregnancy Association (APA). "It is possible that the chemicals in the dye may affect the development of the baby during the first 12 weeks."

So while you may be itching for some commemorative ink, experts suggest waiting up to a year postpartum to get a tattoo, "especially if you are exclusively breastfeeding," Natasha Spencer, MD, an ob-gyn for Orlando Health Physician Associates, previously told POPSUGAR. Still, it's never too soon to start brainstorming what parent tattoo you want. Ahead, we've rounded up the best mom tattoo ideas that are both sweet and meaningful.

— Additional reporting by Alexis Jones

Best Floral Motherhood Tattoo

A red flower at the top with the scripted phrase "mother" as a stem make for a beautiful and whimsical motherhood tattoo.

Best Motherhood Tattoo With a Single Initial

This heartbeat-initial combo is a sweet and creative way to show your love for your little one.

Best Motherhood Tattoo With a Simple Outline

This simple tattoo looks great on the inner arm (shown here), and it's perfect for a mother-daughter duo. That being said, your tattoo artist should be able to adapt the silhouette to reflect any gender.

Best Motherhood Tattoo to Incorporate Your Kid's Art

What could be a greater sign of love than wearing your kid's artwork? This tattoo is guaranteed to put a smile on your face each time you see it.

Best Tiny Script Motherhood Tattoo

If you're super minimalistic, this tiny script of their name is the perfect way to show off your love.

Best Motherhood Tattoo That Paints a Picture

This adorable motherhood tattoo is like a snapshot right out of a movie. You'll think of your little girl and the memories you've created each time you look down.

Best Handprint Motherhood Tattoo

Time flies with kids, and while you can't stop the clock, this handprint will serve as a reminder of just how much they've grown.

Best Motherhood Tattoo With Their Full Initials

If you don't want to write out their whole name, opt for their initials somewhere that's visible so you can look down and think of them even when you're apart.

Best Birthdate Motherhood Tattoo

Roman numerals are such a classic way to commemorate your kid's birthdate. This tattoo will never go out of style.

Best Handwriting Motherhood Tattoo

Recreating their handwriting as a tattoo is the easiest way to make your heart melt. And years later, when they're all grown up, it will be a tattoo you both can look at with fondness.