Organising a funeral for a child or baby
Losing a child or baby often brings the deepest grief. We understand the overwhelming grief, confusion, and heartache that follows. Our priority is to support you - softly, respectfully, and with unwavering compassion.
We conduct baby funerals for two local hospitals, which are arranged and paid for by the Hospital Trust. These funerals (which can be cremations and burials) involve a simple white coffin and a religious or non-religious service, which the family and friends can attend. For burials, the family can choose to use the cemetery chapel, or the entire ceremony can take place at the graveside.
When a baby dies before full gestation, the parents may feel unable to attend the funeral. In these circumstances we ensure that the funeral is carried out with dignity and respect.
Your ceremony - your way
If you choose to arrange the service yourself, we're here to guide you and help you with the details:
- We'll create a bespoke plan that honours your child - whether you choose cremation, burial or a unique celebration.
- Coffins and urns for babies and children are carefully selected to suit your wishes. We'll show you options, listen to your ideas and keep the costs as low as possible.
For babies from 24 weeks of gestation to the age of 18, the Children's Funeral Fund for England can help to pay for the cost of the burial and cremation fees and up to £300 of the cost of the coffin. Don't worry, we'll make the claim for you.
Baby loss certificate
You can get a certificate in memory of your baby if your pregnancy ends before 24 weeks (or 28 weeks if your pregnancy ended before 1 October 1992). There's no charge.
Request the certificate here.
Support is always available
You don't have to walk this path alone. Here are some organisations that provide specialised comfort and community.
Child Death Helpline
A helpline for anyone affected by the death of a child of any age, from pre-birth to adult, under any circumstances, however recently or long ago.
Tel: 0800 282 986
Web: www.childdeathhelpline.org.uk
Child Bereavement
Supports families and educate professionals both when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement.
Tel: 01494 568 900
Web: www.childbereavementuk.org
For additional information and resources during this difficult time, please see our Helpful Links & Documents
How Levertons will support you
- We'll listen- carefully and with compassion.
- Every decision that you make will be carried out with the utmost care - helping you choose the right service, coffin and location, plus any personal touches that feel right to you.
- Compassionate transparency about costs, with no hidden extras.
- Respecting your pace - whether you want everything planned quickly or prefer to take your time.
- We're here - around the clock - if you need to call, ask questions, or simply talk to somone.
