NICU Milestone Beads
Celebrating Every Step of the NICU Journey
NICU Milestone Beads
Celebrating Every Step of the NICU Journey
Hand to Hold’s NICU Milestone beads provide families with a meaningful way to honor progress and build connection with their NICU baby – one bead at a time.
The Meaning Behind the Beads
Every baby’s NICU journey is filled with milestones — some small, some extraordinary, all worth celebrating. Hand to Hold’s NICU Milestone Bead Program helps families recognize each moment of courage and hope, from the first feeding to going home.
Each bead represents a special achievement or event, allowing parents to build a special keepsake that tells their baby’s unique story.
For Hospitals and NICU Teams
How the Program Works
The NICU Milestone Bead Program is an easy, low-cost way to enhance family engagement and improve parent satisfaction scores. Hospitals and NICU teams can easily implement the program to create positive touchpoints with families throughout their stay.
Meaningful Milestones
Each bead corresponds to a key NICU moment: first bath, first kangaroo care, coming off oxygen, and more.
Easy to Integrate
Staff distribute beads as milestones are reached, helping spark conversation and emotional support.
A Keepsake for Life
The NICU Milestone Bead necklace is a tangible reminder of their child’s strength and progress.
Our program includes practical features to make implementation simple:
- Available in bulk packages for hospitals
- Options range from starter kits to expanded, customizable packages, accompanied by our NICU Milestone Bead Chart
- Special offering for bereaved parents
- Supports your hospital’s ongoing commitment to family-centered, developmental, and trauma-informed care
How to Order NICIU Milestone Beads for Your Hospital
Ordering is easy! Visit the NICU Milestone Bead Program for Hospitals in our store, make your selection, and complete the checkout process.
Need help? Contact us and we’ll give you guidance on the products that are right for you.
Shop the Store
Visit handtohold.org/store to view the NICU Milestone Bead offerings for hospitals.
Choose Your Products
Make your selection based on the needs of your hospital and the families in your care.
Need Help?
Contact us and we can walk you through choosing the right bead combinations.
For NICU Parents
If your hospital doesn’t yet offer the NICU Milestone Bead Program, you can still begin your own keepsake! Individual bead kits are available in our Parent Store for personal use or as a thoughtful gift for another NICU family.
Bereaved families may also find comfort in our Love & Loss Necklace, created to honor a baby’s memory with compassion and care.
For Bereaved Families
Bereaved families may also find comfort in our Love & Loss Necklace, created to honor a baby’s memory with compassion and care.
Why It Matters
Recognizing milestones provides more than joy—it offers hope, resilience, and connection during one of life’s most difficult journeys. Families who use the NICU Milestone Bead Program often share how each bead became a symbol of courage and a meaningful reminder of their journey.
“The milestone beads are a great keepsake to remind us how far we have come, and to tell our daughter about this experience.”
-Ashley, NICU mom
