Very few parents expect to be planning a funeral for their child. Although arranging a funeral can be painful and distressing, it is an important step in saying goodbye. It can be helpful to take a few days to decide what is right for you as a family as your first reaction may not be your final choice. You can choose to have a burial or cremation, a religious or non-religious service, in a church, at the graveside, in your home or anywhere else appropriate. There is no requirement for a religious minister to be involved and indeed no obligation to have a funeral service at all. You can create something that is meaningful to you and that expresses your hopes and dreams for your baby or captures the essence of your child who has died.
When a baby dies in hospital, the hospital can make the arrangements for you if you feel unable to do this yourself. It is helpful to find out what sort of funeral the hospital would provide.