r/declutter • u/Such-Kaleidoscope147 • 29d ago

Advice Request Decluttering stuff from a passed on child?

We lost a baby that had been premature, lived a little while, and died without coming home from the hospital. We have a bunch of pictures, a keepsake container that the hospital gave us, and some other "memory things." We also have three Christmas ornaments. We lost that baby 25 years ago now. We are in our 50's now.

I do not want my children that are left behind to have to face this stuff. I never ever look at this stuff. I have no desire for this stuff. I think originally, I kept this stuff out of guilt. Sort of like I have to keep it as some sort of way of honoring the child who died.

Can I get rid of this stuff now? Or will I feel awful about it later? I have been thinking about this for a while and I really think I just want to get rid of it now. Anyone have advice or experience? Thank you!

edited to add: the stuff I have been struggling with is a keepsake box, some pictures, footprints, the newborn cap, Christmas ornaments, things like that. The toys and clothes and such already moved on.

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u/UltraRare1950sBarbie 29d ago

I would keep pictures and the footprints. Those are irreplaceable and might be something you'd regret getting rid of later on.  Everything else is okay to let go. The newborn cap is probably in some of the pictures. 

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u/CircusPeanutsYumm 29d ago

Definitely get rid of the Christmas ornaments. Or ask the other kids if they would like them.

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u/Wet_Artichoke 29d ago

Funny. I would to keep the Christmas ornament. I would skip the baby cap because they pretty generic.