The loss of a baby, whether through stillbirth or shortly after birth, is one of the most profound heartbreaks a family can face. In moments of such overwhelming grief, finding the right words can feel impossible. Yet many families find comfort in carefully chosen poems, quotes and readings that express the love they feel, the sorrow they carry, and the enduring bond they’ll always share with their child.
At Haven Memorials, we understand how important it is to create a lasting tribute, even when a life was heartbreakingly short. This collection of infant loss and stillbirth poems and quotes has been gathered to offer comfort, guidance, and a voice when your own may feel too broken to speak.
Gentle Poems for Infant Loss and Stillbirth
Poetry has the unique ability to capture deep emotion in just a few lines. When facing the unimaginable loss of a baby, these verses can become part of your personal grieving process or be included in a memorial or funeral service to honour your little one’s memory.
Here are some of the most touching and heartfelt poems for baby loss:
Little Footprints By Dorothy Ferguson
“Little footprints, how softly you tiptoed into my world.
Almost silently, only a moment you stayed, but what an
imprint your footsteps have left upon my heart.”
An Angel Never Dies – Author Unknown
Don't let them say I wasn't born, that something stopped my heart, I felt each tender squeeze you gave, I loved you from the start.
Although my body you can't hold, it doesn't mean I'm gone, this world was worthy not of me, God chose that I move on.
I know the pain that drowns your soul, what you are forced to face, you have my word, I'll fill your arms, someday we will embrace.
You'll hear that it was "meant to be, God doesn't make mistakes" but that won't soften your worst blow or make your heart not ache.
I'm watching over all you do, another child you'll bear, believe me when I say to you, that I am always there.
There will come a time, I promise you, when you will hold my hand, stroke my face and kiss my lips and then you'll understand.
Although I never breathed your air, or gazed into your eyes, that doesn't mean I never was, An angel never dies.
Little Hands by Lyndsey
Your little hands so soft and still, I held them in my own,
Whilst wishing we had more than just a handprint coming home.
I studied every nail and line and every inch of you,
And cried for all the things your little hands would never do.
I’d never get to clean your hands, there’d be no messy play,
l’d never see your fingers point to things you’d try to say.
I’d never hear the sound they’d make whilst splashing in the bath,
Or how they’d cover up your lips whilst trying not to laugh.
I wish so much I could have taught you how to write your name,
Or watched your little hands outstretched to play a catching game.
Your little hands would never feel a scrape or gain a scar,
Nor would they play an instrument or learn to drive a car.
Your little hands, my little hands, forever left unchanging,
No exploring, falling, climbing, drawing and no ageing,
My only wish for you and I is that we had more time,
’Cause I could have spent forever with your little hands in mine.
Too Soon Poem – Mary Yarnall
This was a life that had hardly begun
No time to find your place in the Sun
No time to do all you could have done
But we loved you enough for a lifetime
No time to enjoy the world and it’s wealth
No time to take life down off the shelf
No time to sing the songs of yourself
Though you had enough love for a lifetime
Those who live long endure sadness and tears
But you’ll never suffer the sorrowing years
No betrayal, no anger, no hatred, no fears
Just love – Only love – In your lifetime
Little Snowdrop – Unknown
The world may never notice If a Snowdrop doesn't bloom, Or even pause to wonder If the petals fall too soon.
But every life that ever forms, Or ever comes to be, Touches the world in some small way For all eternity.
The little one we longed for Was swiftly here and gone. But the love that was then planted Is a light that still shines on.
And though our arms are empty, Our hearts know what to do. For every beating of our hearts Says that we love you.
Meaningful Quotes for Infant Loss
In times of loss, a simple quote can offer a sense of peace, hope or remembrance. These quotes have been chosen for their tenderness and their ability to express love that endures even when a child is no longer physically with us.
- “A life need not be long-lived for it to have been meaningful” – Unknown
- “Those we have held in our arms for a little while, we hold in our hearts forever” – Khalil Gibran
- “The smallest feet make the biggest footprints in our hearts”
- “Gone yet not forgotten, although we are apart, your spirit lives within me, forever in my heart”
- “Your fingerprints still linger on my heart”
Choosing the Right Reading for an Infant Loss Service
Selecting funeral readings for an infant or stillborn child requires compassion and reflection. You may wish to choose:
- A poem that reflects your personal journey of love and grief
- A religious or spiritual reading that brings comfort
- A quote or short verse that honours your baby’s life
Shorter, heartfelt passages often resonate most deeply with mourners, particularly when read by a close family member or friend. For additional guidance, see our article on how to write a heartfelt funeral tribute.
Incorporating Readings into the Service
Ways to Include Poems and Quotes in a Memorial
The way you incorporate poems and quotes into your child’s service can help make the day even more personal. Consider:
- Including poems in the order of service
- Printing quotes on remembrance cards or bookmarks
- Having readings during key parts of the ceremony
- Adding a favourite line to a children’s memorial headstone
Creating a memorial that includes personal words and symbols can help you and your loved ones honour your child’s legacy in a way that feels meaningful.
You’re Not Alone
Grief following infant loss or stillbirth is unique, and finding ways to honour your child can be a vital part of healing. Whether you’re selecting poems, writing an inscription, or choosing a headstone, know that you don’t have to do it alone.
At Haven Memorials, our compassionate team is here to help you craft a lasting tribute. For further guidance, you may wish to explore:
Final Thoughts
Finding the words after infant loss can feel impossible, but through poetry and quotes, many families find a small measure of peace. Let these selections be part of your journey, whether you’re reading them quietly, sharing them at a service, or including them in a memorial.
When you’re ready, we’re here to help you find a headstone, inscription or memorial that reflects the love you’ll always carry.