Tel: 0800 7555 385 (24h)
Taking care of the details, so you can take care of each other.
Children's Funerals
Compassionate Support for Families Saying Goodbye to a Child or Baby
Compassionate Support for Families Facing the Loss of a Child or Baby
No parent ever imagines having to arrange a funeral for their child.
​
Whether your loss happened during pregnancy, shortly after birth, in childhood or as a young person, the pain can feel overwhelming. There are no words that can truly ease what you're experiencing, and you may feel unsure where to begin.
​
At Complete Funeral Care, we understand that every family's journey through grief is unique. There is no right or wrong way to say goodbye, and there is certainly no expectation for you to make every decision immediately.
​
Our role is simply to walk alongside you—gently, patiently and compassionately—helping you create a farewell that feels right for your child and your family.
We will guide you through every step at your own pace, answering your questions honestly and supporting whatever choices you make.
Jump to​
Understanding Children's Funerals
Every child is unique, and every farewell should reflect the love they brought into the lives of those around them.
​
Some families choose a traditional funeral with family and friends.
​
Others prefer a quiet cremation attended only by those closest to them.
Some hold a private farewell followed by a celebration of life weeks or months later.
There is no right answer.
​
Only the choice that feels right for your family.
A Personal Promise From Complete Funeral Care
There are moments in life when words simply aren't enough.
​
The loss of a baby or child is one of them.
​
While we cannot take away your grief, we can promise to care for your precious child with the utmost gentleness, dignity and respect. We will listen without judgement, answer your questions honestly, and give you the time and space to make the decisions that feel right for your family.
​
There will never be any pressure, only compassion.
​
Whether you contact us today, tomorrow or simply need someone to talk to, we will be here to support you in whatever way we can.
​
Because every child is precious, every family deserves kindness, and every farewell should be treated with the care it truly deserves.
How We Can Help
​​
From the moment you contact us, we will take care of as much or as little as you would like us to.
​
We can help with:
​​
-
Bringing your child into our professional care
-
Liaising with hospitals, hospices and the Coroner where required
-
Guiding you through all necessary paperwork
-
Arranging cremation or burial
-
Helping choose a coffin or casket
-
Planning a personalised ceremony
-
Organising flowers and music
-
Supporting you with keepsakes and personal touches
-
Liaising with celebrants, ministers or faith leaders
-
Explaining any available financial support
You will never be rushed into making decisions.
Funeral Choices
Every family is different.
You may wish to choose:
​
A Traditional Funeral
A service at church, chapel or crematorium followed by burial or cremation.
​
A Small Family Farewell
A quieter ceremony attended only by immediate family.
​
A Celebration of Life
A personal gathering with favourite music, photographs, stories and memories.
​
Burial or Cremation
We will carefully explain each option, allowing you to decide what feels right.
Baby and Infant Funerals
The loss of a baby brings a unique and deeply personal grief.
​
Whether your baby died before birth, shortly after birth or during infancy, we will care for them with the same dignity, gentleness and respect that we would any person entrusted to us.
Many families choose to include:
-
Favourite blankets
-
Soft toys
-
Letters
-
Drawings from brothers and sisters
-
Handprints or footprints
-
Naming ceremonies
-
Special music
There is no expectation to include any of these.
We will support whatever feels right for your family.
Personalising the Farewell
​
Many parents find comfort in creating a farewell that reflects their child's personality.
This might include:
-
Favourite colours
-
Favourite songs
-
Favourite characters
-
Memory tables
-
Balloons (where permitted)
-
Butterfly or seed planting
-
Memory boxes
-
Handwritten messages
-
Personal tributes
-
Family photographs
The smallest details often become the most treasured memories.
Financial Support
In England, the Government's Children's Funeral Fund helps cover certain burial and cremation costs for children under 18 and for babies who are stillborn after 24 completed weeks of pregnancy.
​​
We will explain what is covered and help guide you through the arrangements so that finances are one less thing for you to worry about during such a difficult time.
Frequently Asked Questions​
Will my child be treated differently because they are so young?
​​
Never...
Every child entrusted to our care is looked after with the same dignity, professionalism and compassion we would want for our own loved ones.
​
Can brothers and sisters be involved?
​
Yes...
Many families find comfort in allowing siblings to write letters, draw pictures, place small gifts or take part in the ceremony in whatever way feels appropriate.
Can we spend time with our child?
Absolutely....
Where circumstances allow, we will do everything we can to help you spend meaningful time together before the funeral.
Can we personalise the coffin?
Yes...
Many coffins can be decorated with drawings, handprints, messages, photographs or bespoke designs if you wish.
Do we have to decide everything straight away?
No...
We'll explain each step and give you time wherever possible.
Trusted Bereavement Support
Grief following the death of a child can feel isolating.
​
You do not have to go through this alone.
Many families find comfort in speaking with organisations that specialise in supporting bereaved parents, siblings and wider family members. If you feel additional support would help, we are always happy to guide you towards trusted services.
Some organisations you may find helpful include:
​
-
Child Bereavement UK – Providing specialist support, information and training for families experiencing the death of a baby or child.
-
The Compassionate Friends – A charity run by bereaved parents, offering understanding and support to families after the death of a child of any age.
-
Sands – Supporting anyone affected by the death of a baby before, during or shortly after birth.
-
Winston's Wish – Helping bereaved children and young people understand and cope with their grief.
-
A Child of Mine – Providing practical information and emotional support following the loss of a baby or child.
If you're unsure where to turn, please ask us. Even if we don't have all the answers
We're Here Whenever You're Ready
Whether you need immediate assistance, practical advice or simply someone to answer your questions, our experienced team is here to support you.
Please contact us at any time.
​
A gentle conversation can often be the first step towards finding a little reassurance during an unimaginably difficult time.
Understanding Baby Loss Terminology
When someone experiences the loss of a baby, they may hear medical terms that feel unfamiliar or overwhelming. Understanding these terms can sometimes make conversations with healthcare professionals a little easier.
Miscarriage
A miscarriage is the loss of a pregnancy before 24 completed weeks. Every loss is significant, and every family's experience is unique. Some parents may choose to arrange a private farewell or memorial, while others may simply wish to remember their baby in their own personal way.
Stillbirth
A stillbirth is when a baby dies after 24 completed weeks of pregnancy but before or during birth. Parents have the same legal rights to register their baby's birth and death, and many choose to arrange a funeral or ceremony to honour their baby's life.
Neonatal Death
A neonatal death is when a baby dies within the first 28 days after birth. Families are supported through the registration process, and funeral arrangements can be made with sensitivity and care.
Infant Death
An infant death refers to the loss of a baby before their first birthday. Every family experiences this loss differently, and there is no right or wrong way to say goodbye.
We will support you in creating a farewell that reflects your wishes and your baby's memory.
​
Whatever your circumstances, please know that your grief is valid, your baby matters, and you do not have to face this journey alone.
Creating Lasting Memories
For many families, creating precious memories can provide comfort in the weeks, months and years that follow.
​
There is never any expectation to do any of these things, and some families simply prefer quiet time together. We will always support whatever feels right for you.
Some families choose to create memories by:
-
Spending private time together.
-
Holding, cuddling or bathing their baby where appropriate.
-
Taking photographs, either themselves or with the support of a professional charity photographer.
-
Creating handprints or footprints.
-
Taking a small lock of hair, where possible.
-
Choosing a special blanket or outfit.
-
Writing letters or placing drawings in the coffin.
-
Including favourite toys, comforters or meaningful keepsakes.
-
Creating a memory box to treasure in the years ahead.
Often, it is these deeply personal moments that become cherished memories for families.
Supporting Brothers and Sisters​
The death of a baby or child affects the whole family, including brothers and sisters.
Children often grieve differently from adults. Some may ask lots of questions, while others may become quiet, confused or unsure how to express their feelings.
Many families find comfort in involving siblings in age-appropriate ways, such as:
-
Drawing pictures or writing messages.
-
Choosing flowers.
-
Selecting music.
-
Decorating the coffin where appropriate.
-
Reading a poem or letter during the service.
-
Placing a favourite toy or keepsake with their brother or sister.
​
There is no right or wrong approach. Every child is different, and it's important that they feel included only in ways that feel comfortable for them.
​
If you are unsure how best to support a bereaved child, we can help signpost you to organisations with specialist experience in supporting grieving children and families.