Tattooed mamas are sure of one thing: Getting more is always the best option. But deciding on the perfect tattoo design can get pretty tricky. It's going to be there forever (wherever "there" is going to be), so it needs to be perfect. It should be a total expression of the inked person, and what is more personal than honoring a tattooed mama's children?
So, of course, before anything gets inked onto the skin, be sure to pick a tattoo artist with some experience and talent. Don't be afraid to ask to see the artist's portfolio and shop around. Because, um, FOREVER is a very real thing.
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There are lots of cool ways to personalize a tattoo and make it meaningful for life. Names, symbols, and inside jokes all make for amazing ink.
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And the quality and color of ink today is out of this world, if a great artist is the one who does the work. This big list of 30 tattoo ideas is sure to spark some inspiration!
And let us know: What are some other inspiring tattoo ideas out there?
Kids' names.
This mom's wrist tattoo incorporates her kids' names into a pretty infinity symbol. Delicate, meaningful, beautiful!
Kids' initials.
You can also celebrate your kids or family with their initials. This tattoo has four initials around a lovely rose.
Kids' footprints.
Put those hospital footprints to good use! This mom has footprint images for both her kids and their names and birthdates. So sweet.
Someone loved.
What better way to express love and admiration for a favorite person than with a tattoo of said person's name? It'll bring a smile every day.
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Something subtle.
This butterfly tattoo is so small but absolutely gorgeous!
Something bold.
Sleeve tattoos or a back tattoo this lovely and detailed take some time and planning, but the outcome can be a jaw-dropping piece of body art.
Something secret.
Go ahead. Get a secret tattoo that shows off the wild side. Only that someone special needs to know.
Something nostalgic.
All of us have memories we hold dear and they can inspire lots of different tattoo ideas. Here we have a simple "Home." Awww.
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Something symbolic.
Perhaps a mama has made it over a huge hurdle in life, made an important change, or is simply proud of the "free bird" that she has always been.
Something sacred.
Spiritual women can find great comfort in a tattoo that celebrates their faith. This cross is simple and in a perfect place to provide a daily reminder of a spiritual presence.
Something totally badass.
Let's be honest: Tattoos have always been for the bold. This mom's tattoo description says it all: "Baby Jude breastfeeding and Wonder Woman me. My favorite ink yet. Means so much to me that I've breast fed 2 kids and EBF my youngest while battling breast cancer." Love!
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An achievement.
Let a tattoo be a mark of pride. This runner boasts her marathon success — and she should!
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An inspiring word.
Sometimes a word is all we need. This "Possibility" tattoo was done in her mom and dad's handwriting. She says, "to remind me there are never any closed doors. love this every single day that i get to see it." Can't think of anything better to say about a tattoo.
A good cause.
Whether one is a survivor or a huge advocate for a major cause, go ahead and flaunt it. Love this pretty little pink bow for breast cancer.
A tribute.
Remembrance or memorial tattoos can feel just right for those who have lost someone they love. Love this sweet daily reminder.
A mantra.
Maybe one has a mantra or a theme song that represents who she is. This wrist tattoo says "Know thyself" in Latin.
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A home state.
Got serious home state pride? Well, why not share it? Most states would make a very nice tattoo, but this Great Lakes tattoo is pretty exceptional.
One's heritage.
Feeling patriotic all the time? That's fine. Celebrate pride in a country or heritage with a tattoo.
A hobby.
I've seen camera tattoos on photographers, owls on birdwatchers, and a whisk on a chef, but this cross stitch tattoo is pretty darn cute.
Plain & simple beauty.
Sure, it's great to have a wonderfully personalized tattoo, but sometimes all we want and need is more color, more art, and more beauty, right? Go for it!
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Intricate & lovely.
This is a beautiful mother-and-child silhouette surrounded by a lovely dotwork lotus/mandala with children's names created by tattoo artist Gritty Lyons. Stunning.
One that brings a smile.
I love the feeling of this tattoo — pure happiness. Created by artist Michael Schlueter, it's a beautiful tribute to motherhood and the day this mom's daughter was born.
Two that are delightful.
The incredible Brie Felts, a tattoo artist and mom, created these tattoos for another mom who has these tattoos for her kids. What's also fun about the owl tattoo is that the flowers are traced from the child's bedsheets. So sweet.
A reflection of a memory.
This tattoo is pure joy and will always remind anyone who sees it of the time when Ruby and Rhett were young. I love how a tattoo can take us back to a sweet time in our lives and also be the ultimate tribute.
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Sweet sentiment.
This lovely sentiment is true of a mother-and-daughter bond; it's in our heart and soul. And this tattoo is a beautiful reminder.
Something unique.
This mom's tattoo is her daughter's name and fingerprints shaped into a heart. So unique and lovely.
Something with humor.
How cool is this mom with these tattoos for her son and daughter? Artist David Palacios of Tattoo Alchemy created these brilliant designs for a mom getting tattoos in honor of her kids. Love!
Capturing that mom moment.
Just look at the sweet faces on this mother-and-child tattoo — it really captures those moments we have when our child is in our arms. Created by Mark Metz of Artrageous Ink, it's truly a tattoo with a lot of heart.
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Girly and fun.
I think we can all agree that Kacey and Skyla have a really cool mom. Created by tattoo artist David Miller, these girly skulls certainly have a lot of personality just like the kids they represent.
Pure love.
It's like the mother and child bond nestled in the beauty of nature — of flowers. Very beautiful work created by Imani Ailese shown on two clients — the mother and the daughter.
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A special bond.
The bond between a mother and child is unlike any other. This gorgeous silhouette doesn't show any sign of favoritism with the two colors blending perfectly.
Family garden.
A rose by any other name may smell just as sweet, but this meaningful Alice in Wonderland–inspired tattoo couldn't possibly get any more adorable. This is perfect for mamas who want to give elegant and fun nods to their little seeds.
Normalize breastfeeding.
Getting to breastfeed a child creates some of the most intimate and loving moments one gets as a parent. Why not immortalize it with a gorgeous tattoo?
Mom power.
Mothers are a forced to be reckoned with. Consider this a level up from girl power.
Kids at play.
There a few sights a mom loves seeing more than her little ones at play.
Sweet snuggles.
Moms treasure the time they get to snuggle their little ones close. This gorgeous tattoo pays perfect homage to that.
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Precious artwork.
If little ones love to draw, getting them to design a forever tattoo is a sweet way to remember their youth.
Keep them close.
Some moms wear the love they have for their kids on their sleeves — literally.
Cuddly cubs.
What is fiercer than a mama bear snuggling her cub?
Sweet reminders.
Looking at this watercolor elephant, it is easy to see that this mama wants to remember the days of her little one in the nursery forever.
Sweet baby girl.
Daughters are made of sugar, spice, and everything nice, after all.
Subtle sweetness.
These nesting elephants are a sweet and subtle nod to a parental bond.
Making an imprint.
Do a double take on this one — the "flowers" are hand prints of their kiddos. What a creative idea!
Heartfelt.
Keeping a kid close to the heart with a simple cursive tattoo is elegant and sweet.
Sweet note.
We're dying over this adorable drawing and message this little girl sketched up for her mommy.
High-five.
How perfect are newborns' little hands and feet? Remember them forever with a simple tattoo.
Heartbeat.
When a parent's heart beats for her little bear, it's a beautiful thing.
Signed, sealed, inked.
Preserve children's handwriting forever with a sweet tattoo they personally signed.
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Cold feet.
The pitter-patter of a child's feet may fade, but this tattoo won't.
Lovely lines.
This little tattoo outline perfectly captures the love between a mother and child.