My rainbow baby is due in August. While searching for baby items for him, I realized there wasn’t a great one-stop-shop to find all things rainbow-themed for babies. I’ve been searching the internet looking for the best rainbow items for our little guy, so I thought I would take the time to compile them for you too!
What is a Rainbow Baby?
If you haven’t heard the term rainbow baby yet, it’s a symbolic term that refers to a healthy baby born after the loss of a baby or the loss of a child through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, stillbirth, infant loss, or neonatal death.
What Rainbow Baby Means to Me
This will be my second rainbow baby. My first was my son, Aram, who was born after my natural miscarriage in 2017. Aram is my fifth child (sixth when counting our miscarried baby, Quinn (gender unknown). He was followed by my son Killian. Then I had another miscarriage last year in my 12th week of pregnancy with my son, Jack.
My body had a difficult time releasing the placenta after Jack was born at home and so I ended up needing a D&C. That was such a hard time for me and my family!
I was so worried that a D&C might mean I would have trouble conceiving again, but God was gracious and blessed us with another pregnancy and baby boy just a few months later. He’s due August 18th and we can’t wait!
How I’m Handling My Second Rainbow Pregnancy
Even though this is the second time I’ve been pregnant with a rainbow baby, that doesn’t mean it’s been any easier. In fact, I think this time around has been tougher than the first time. Delivering my baby was definitely more traumatic this time around. My second miscarriage was also tougher because I had heard his heartbeat, seen him on ultrasound, and everything seemed to be going so well.
This entire pregnancy has been a much more emotional time for me, just like it was during my successful pregnancy following a loss the last time around. I worried every single day until I was full term and delivered my healthy baby boy.
For example, I have a home doppler so I can check for the baby’s heartbeat. With my pregnancy that resulted in a miscarriage right before this one, I checked for a heartbeat maybe 3 times between weeks 9-16. During my current pregnancy, I have probably checked for a heartbeat over 20 different times during that same time period.
The first trimester was especially stressful as I waited to hear the heartbeat that first time. Thankfully the OBGYN I was seeing scheduled me for an early ultrasound at 8 weeks to put my mind at ease.
Now that I’m nearing the end of my second trimester, I’m starting to feel a little less fearful and more excited. I still pray daily for a healthy pregnancy. Being able to feel my baby move every day is the best thing!
Thanks to modern advancements in blood tests, I was able to find out the gender early on at about 10-11 weeks. (It’s a boy!) Knowing we’re having a boy from early on has helped me to bod with this baby sooner which has been great.
I’ve been drinking my pregnancy tea regularly, and planning for my home birth (this will be my 7th!).
My first rainbow birth (when I had my 5th, Aram) was such a healing experience and I’m hoping for the same. I can’t wait for my due date to arrive!
Advice to Moms Who Are Pregnant With a Rainbow Baby
If you’re struggling emotionally during your rainbow pregnancy, search out one of the many support groups for moms of an angel baby. If you can’t find a local group to join, there are also groups on social media. The pregnancy loss community is very friendly and helpful!
It’s normal to have mixed emotions during a rainbow pregnancy. I remember that one of the things I really stressed about during my first pregnancy was whether I should refer to my next baby as baby number 5 or baby number six. I didn’t want to just act like my miscarried baby wasn’t loved or considered a child of ours, but I also didn’t want to have to explain my midwife to every person who asked how many kids we had.
I also felt so thankful for my new baby boy but also felt a little guilty celebrating him because his life would not have happened if I hadn’t suffered a miscarriage.
There were so many emotional experiences during that pregnancy so I can’t reiterate enough that if you are struggling and need emotional support, it’s totally normal. You will likely have a lot of conflicting emotions throughout your pregnancy. Feelings of grief followed by feelings of hope and excitement – it’s all normal!
Your midwife or OBGYN may have resources for local groups if you’d prefer to meet in person. Just ask them. The extra support may be just what you need during this new pregnancy.
Remember that the excitement of giving birth to a healthy rainbow baby does not mean that postpartum depression is not possible for you. Seek help right away if you feel like you may be dealing with that. There are many resources available to help! Don’t neglect your mental health.
How to Support a Family Member or Friend Who is Pregnant with a Rainbow Baby or Rainbow Babies
Many people want to know, how can I support new parents who are in the midst of a rainbow pregnancy? Every parent is going to be different, but I can tell you from my own personal experience that moms and dads will probably experience strong feelings of anxiety throughout the pregnancy, even more so if it’s a double rainbow baby (a pregnancy after 2 back-to-back losses).
Just be there for them if they want someone to talk to. Let them know you are praying for their baby.
For me, it doesn’t comfort me to hear this time will be different, this baby will be healthy, or everything will be okay this time. There really is just no way to know for sure. I would not recommend saying things like that to parents awaiting their rainbow babies.
One nice thing you can do is get them a gift to celebrate their upcoming rainbow baby. Because rainbow babies are sadly so common (they say 1 in 4 pregnancies results in a miscarriage), there are now a lot of rainbow-themed baby items that make great gifts that parents can use to celebrate this new life.
Rainbow Themed Baby Items
As I’ve searched the internet looking for rainbow-themed baby items for our new baby boy I’ve been compiling them here for you as well. It’s definitely easier to find rainbow items that lean towards the girly side, but I was still able to find a number of gender-neutral and boy-leaning rainbow items too!
I hope you can find some great rainbow items for your precious rainbow baby!
Must-Have Baby Rainbow Items
Rainbow babies deserve a few special items to celebrate just how extra special they are!
I love this adorable swaddle set from Itzy Ritzy! These rainbows are very gender neutral and would work perfectly for a boy or girl baby. The matching swaddle set and name card are great accessories for picture-perfect newborn photos or celebrating other milestones and special occasions.
Tiny Roots has a number of great rainbow-inspired items in their "Logan" lineup. They have everything from blankets, crib sheets, and changing pad covers to clothes in this pattern. I love that it's perfectly gender neutral too!
Storage totes come in so handy and for so many years! I use them for everything! In the first few weeks, I've been known to collect a day's worth of diapers, clothes, etc. from the top level and bring them down to the main level in a tote like this. It helps keep me from having to make multiple trips up and down the steps frequently while my body is trying to heal from childbirth (it's important for pelvic floor support ladies that you don't overdue it with stairs during those first few weeks).
If your rainbow baby is a little girl, you've gotta check out the Rainbows and Raindrops lineup from Little Unicorn!
I have a few items from Little Unicorn and have been very impressed with the quality and beauty of the items.
The most special things deserve a bit more love. Composed of 100% rayon made from bamboo, this delicate fabric is silky-soft, right out of the box and extra gentle on baby's sensitive skin. No matter if you're wrapping your tiny newborn or snuggling with your big kid - each moment will feel like a little piece of heaven.
If you love this print but don't need a larger-sized quilty for your rainbow baby, you can also find swaddled and a bib in this print.
Rainbow babies need a few great rainbow-themed toys too! This hand-crafted Magica colorful clutching, teething, wooden toy is easy to grasp for the young children's hands and perfect for babies aged 6 months and up.
You'll never be disappointed with the heirloom-quality toys from HABA!
Take the rainbow theme with you wherever you go with this spiral car seat and stroller activity toy! Babies will love this colorful toy. One of the three fun dangling toys features a mirror - babies love those!
Having a baby girl? This adorable 4-piece set is perfect for your rainbow baby's nursery! It comes with a quilt, skirt, crib sheet, and unicorn plush.
Looking for an adorable rainbow-themed sheet set for your rainbow baby girl? Look no further! This 2-pack set of microfiber fitted crib sheets is perfect for your little girl!
The best way to keep track of all of the important milestones in your rainbow baby's life! This adorable memory book is gender neutral too!
This rainbow-themed set is perfect for baby boys or girls! You get a swaddle blanket, hat, and hairbow.
I'm loving this 4 pack of swaddles from aden + anais! They are a great option for any rainbow baby!
This onesie is perfect for your new rainbow baby! You'll definitely want to get some photos in this cute onesie! Your baby was definitely worth the wait!
The perfect milestone blanket backdrop for your rainbow baby! It's perfect for all of the photo shoots you'll want to do!
Thinking about incorporating the rainbow into your baby's nursery? This macrame rainbow wall hanging is adorable!
A great rainbow toy for your rainbow baby!
Disney fans will love this Minnie Mouse and rainbows set from aden + anais!
Check out this cute rainbow bib! You're going to need a lot of bibs and I love that this one is adjustable!
This swaddle sleepsack from HALO is perfect for your rainbow baby girl!
If you're having a little girl, check out this 3-pack of sleepers featuring one with rainbows!
Have you ever seen a more fitting swaddle blanket for a rainbow baby? I love this one!
It's a floor mat with rainbows! Isn't it so cute too?!
A rainbow baby teether for your rainbow baby!
Rainbow-themed muslin burp cloths that are perfectly gender-neutral.
Another great gender-neutral rainbow swaddle set for baby. I love this sage green color!
The perfect mobile for above your rainbow baby's crib!
There aren't many rainbow-themed items that are boy-themed, so I was extra excited to find these!
Another great rainbow-themed activity mat and play gym. I love these colors!
Related Posts
- If you’re pregnant and working on your baby shower registry OR attending the baby shower of a friend or family member, make sure you check out this list of the best baby shower gifts.
- You may also find this list of the best baby shower gifts for the mom helpful. These items are special just for the mom-to-be.
- Having set up a few baby registries myself, I’ve got tips for the Target Baby Registry for you, if you decide to make your registry there.
Mia Rose
Friday 27th of May 2022
Iam so glad to know that there is support out there for those who have gone through such a loss. I did not know the term rainbow baby,but I think it is a lovely way to talk about this special pregnancy.
Marilyn
Wednesday 25th of May 2022
Hi Janessa, Thank you for the information. Prayers and thoughts for a healthy baby and a safe pregnancy and delivery. God Bless.
Marion
Wednesday 25th of May 2022
What great news about your Rainbow baby.Will keep you in my prayers. God Bless. Marion
Lydia S
Tuesday 24th of May 2022
What a beautiful gift guide. You are helping so many people.
Lauryn R
Tuesday 24th of May 2022
Your story is truly inspiring, thank you so much for sharing with everyone and I am sure making a lot of women out there feel better. Rainbow babies are so special, and although I have never miscarried, I have known others who have and want to be there in any way that I can. This is such an impressive list of rainbow baby items! I see so many that I would definitely give for gifts.