Spending time with your child after they have died will become a treasured memory.
This may occur in a hospital or palliative care environment, or at home.
If you choose to have your child at home with you for a period of time, it is advisable to talk to a funeral director about changes that will occur to your child’s body sometime after death – such as stiffening and discoloration.
The time-frame for these changes varies according to when and why your child died, whether an autopsy has been performed and the environmental conditions. These changes can be distressing and a funeral director may suggest that your child be embalmed. The embalming process allows your child to be home for a longer period of time with minimal changes to their body.
Another option would be to spend time with your child some days before the actual funeral service. Usually that would be at the funeral home, where a booking for a specified time-frame will be made. Some funeral directors will ask if you prefer for your baby to be in a bassinet for the viewing.
Alternatively, time can be organised directly before the funeral service at the venue, either in a private room or at the front of the church or chapel. This is usually for a shorter period of time.
If you wish, you will be able to dress your child yourself, and the funeral director will be able to arrange a suitable time for this to take place.
See the sections ‘Arranging a Funeral – Viewing the Deceased’ and ‘Preparation of the Deceased-Embalming’ on our website for more information.
If you require the services of a Funeral Director, please use our Business Search facility.
