01 / The setting
Where the funeral happens
A crematorium, burial ground, place of worship or another suitable venue. The funeral might include a ceremony, or it might be a quieter occasion with just a few people.
Poetic Endings · Specialist funeral care
Funerals for babies & children
After pregnancy loss, stillbirth or the death of a baby or child, you may be unsure what you want to happen next. We can explain the possibilities and help you arrange a funeral that feels right for you.
You can be involved in as much or as little as you wish. There is no particular kind of funeral you have to choose, and you do not need to arrive with a plan.
How we approach this work
Room to make your own decisions
Some people want a ceremony with music, readings and other people present. Others would prefer a very small gathering, a simple burial or cremation, or time together without a formal service. We will talk through what is possible and help you make arrangements that reflect your wishes.
Our work includes funerals after miscarriage and other pregnancy loss, after stillbirth or neonatal death, and following the death of a child or young person. If a pregnancy has ended, including after a termination, you are welcome to ask us about funeral and remembrance options without judgement or assumptions.
We know that there may be medical or legal arrangements to work through first. We can explain the next steps, liaise with hospitals or other professionals where appropriate, and put together a clear estimate before you commit.
Your choices
What might be possible
There are many ways to say goodbye. These are possibilities to consider, not a list of things you are expected to do.
02 / Taking part
Who you want to involve
You may wish to invite relatives, friends or siblings, say some words, choose music or take part in carrying the coffin. You may prefer not to do any of those things.
03 / Personal details
What matters to you
Clothes, a blanket, flowers, a photograph, a reading or a particular piece of music. Some people want a few personal details; others prefer to keep everything very simple.
Looking after your child
Care and practical arrangements
We have our own mortuary facilities and chapel of rest at our funeral home in Forest Hill. We can explain the care we provide and the opportunities for spending private time with your baby or child, where circumstances allow.
We can also talk about whether it may be possible for your baby or child to come home before the funeral, and what would need to be arranged with the hospital or other professionals.
Our funeral home in Forest HillTime together
If you would like to visit, we can talk about using our chapel of rest and what to expect. You can ask us questions before deciding whether a visit is right for you.
Clothing, blankets and keepsakes
You can tell us what you would like your baby or child to wear, or what you would like to have with them. We will explain what can be accommodated.
Choosing a coffin
We can explain the different sizes, materials and designs available, including simple, natural and more individual options.
Explore coffins for babies & childrenAn example of a funeral
A funeral in photographs
These photographs show some of the details and moments from a funeral for a baby: a small woven coffin, flowers, a teddy bear and people supporting one another. They offer one example, not a suggestion of how any funeral should be.
The photographs include a baby's coffin and people grieving, which some visitors may prefer not to view.
Photographs: The Good Funeral Guide.
Clear costs
Our fees and financial support
We provide a specialist, individually planned funeral service. We will explain our fees clearly, as well as the other arrangements and support that may be available.
Pregnancy loss, babies and children under two
£700Our published funeral-directing fee for arranging the funeral, collection, care, guidance and our presence on the day.
Children aged two to 17
£1,500Our published funeral-directing fee for arranging the funeral, collection, care, guidance and our presence on the day.
Coffins, burial or cremation charges, venues and other choices may involve separate costs, depending on the arrangements. Some of these may be covered by the Children's Funeral Fund. We will give you an itemised estimate and explain your options. These are our published fees as at October 2026; please confirm the current costs with us.
Help with funeral costs
The Children's Funeral Fund for England
The fund helps pay for eligible burial or cremation costs for children under 18, and for babies stillborn from 24 completed weeks of pregnancy, when the funeral takes place in England. It is not means-tested.
It can cover eligible burial or cremation fees and up to £300 towards a coffin, shroud or casket. It does not automatically cover our funeral-directing fees or every optional expense. We can explain how the fund applies to your arrangements.
Read the government guidanceUseful to know
Questions you might have
These are starting points. We can explain what applies to your particular circumstances when we speak.
Do we have to arrange a funeral after a miscarriage?
There is no legal requirement to arrange a funeral following a pregnancy loss before 24 completed weeks where the baby was not born alive. You can still choose to arrange a burial, cremation or remembrance. Your hospital or healthcare team can explain what is possible, and we can help you explore arrangements if you wish.
Can the hospital arrange a funeral?
Some hospitals arrange funerals or cremations following pregnancy loss, stillbirth or the death of a baby, and some of these arrangements are provided free of charge. The options depend on the hospital and what has happened. Your bereavement midwife or hospital bereavement team can explain what is available. You are also free to ask other funeral directors about services they provide without a professional fee.
What paperwork is needed after a stillbirth?
In England and Wales, a stillbirth from 24 completed weeks of pregnancy must be registered, normally within 42 days. If a baby was born alive and then died, the registration process is different. We can help you understand which practical steps relate to the funeral; your hospital or register office can advise on certification and registration. Read the government guidance on stillbirth registration.
Can we spend time with our baby or child before the funeral?
We can discuss private visits at our chapel of rest, and help you understand what may be possible at the hospital or elsewhere. Any medical examination or other necessary arrangements can affect the timing, so we will explain what applies in your circumstances.
Could we bring our baby or child home?
Sometimes this is possible. It depends on the circumstances, including the hospital's processes and any coroner involvement. Please ask us. We can talk through what you have in mind and liaise with the relevant professionals.
Can brothers and sisters take part in the funeral?
Yes, if you would like them to. There are different ways for siblings to be involved, depending on their age, wishes and understanding. They could choose music, a drawing or another contribution, or simply attend. We can help you think through what might work.
Can the funeral be religious or non-religious?
Yes. We arrange religious, non-religious and other ceremonies, as well as simple burials and cremations without a formal service. You can discuss the possibilities with us before choosing a venue or format.
Beyond the funeral
Finding support afterwards
Different experiences call for different kinds of support. These organisations offer information, specialist bereavement services and opportunities to speak with others. You can use them whether or not Poetic Endings arranges the funeral.
Sands
Information and bereavement support following pregnancy and baby loss, including support groups and a national helpline.
Visit SandsChild Bereavement UK
Support and practical guidance when a baby or child dies, including resources for parents, carers, siblings and other people close to them.
Visit Child Bereavement UKTommy's
Information and support following miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death and termination for medical reasons.
Visit Tommy'sAntenatal Results and Choices (ARC)
Specialist support when a pregnancy has been affected by a prenatal diagnosis, including after a decision to end a pregnancy for medical reasons.
Visit ARCOur Grief Support Directory includes further organisations for bereaved parents, grandparents, siblings and friends, including peer-led and local services.
Explore Grief SupportIf you would like to talk about a funeral after pregnancy loss or the death of a baby or child, you're welcome to contact us. We can start with your questions.
Talk to Poetic Endings