Many parents value small keepsakes of their baby. The time with their cherished baby is so short that these keepsakes become important parts of the memories they will hold and reflect upon for the rest of their lives. They can also help remind them that they are parents and that they did have a baby, and to reinforce this reality for friends and relatives who may not have had a chance to see the baby.
It may not be easy to think of keepsakes if you are experiencing shock and pain in the first 24 to 72 hours (sometimes longer if a post mortem is performed). But keepsakes will need to be obtained in this time because they will not be available once the baby is cremated or buried. If you decide not to take them, most caregivers will do and keep some just in case, leaving them in your file in the event that you may change your mind later on. It is not uncommon for parents to return in the weeks or months following and ask if any photos were kept of their baby.
You may wish to consider:
Photos
A lock of hair
Foot and hand prints
Identification bracelet
Bunny rug
Records
Medical records
Birth and death certificate
Photos. You can take these at any time. Up to the baby's burial or cremation. If you don't own a camera or have one with you, you can ask a friend or relative bring one in. If you don't feel up to doing this yourself ask a family member or one of the staff to take them.
Photos taken routinely by staff are often done on Polaroid type cameras owned by the hospital. While this gives you an instant image, they often fade over time so consider using normal film or digital camera and have copies made or backed up. Many countries have professional photographers who provide a free photography service to bereaved families. The organisation is called Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep and their website has lists of local contacts in each country, which can be found here:
http://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org
A lock of hair, if possible.