NBCP Scotland Staff Resource: Funeral, Burial and Cremation Resource Hub by

Discussion Prompts

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The Memorial Book

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There are special areas for baby burials in:

Largs Brisbane Glen
Ardrossan
Kilbirnie
Knadgerhill

There is no fee for the interment of a baby or their cremated remains.

Scottish Government Glossary

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Miscarriage and TOPFA

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All memory making

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Arranged by the family and buried directly in the Earth either at home or in a natural burial ground.

There are no legal restrictions for families wanting to bury their baby at home. The following guidance give practical considerations for this choice.

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Arranged by the family with a private funeral director.

Individual Cremation

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Cremated alone, or only with another sibling (such as in the case of twins).

Individual Burial

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Buried in their own, private, dedicated lair.

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Arranged by the hospital, they are buried together in the same lair.

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Arranged by the hospital, they are cremated together in a single, respectful service.

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There are no council crematoria or cemetery fees for babies born after 24 weeks and children under 18.
Many private crematoria and cemeteries waive their fees.
For babies or pregnancy losses before 24 weeks gestation, families may incur costs and they should be made aware of this.
Families should also be made aware that they may be billed for extra details and/or services that are not included.

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Planning a funeral, cremation or burial is part of memory making and some families may want more information about opportunities to make continuing memories or to understand a little more about the options for remembrance both nationally and locally.

Certification of pregnancy and baby loss

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When loss happens outside the clinical setting

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Information about funeral arrangements and commemorative options must still be offered
This includes when a miscarriage occurs at home.

When a decision is not made:

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Offer a discussion about their choices with a member of the care team after they have returned home.
Give a contact number at discharge so they can let the hospital know or change their wishes.

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Guidance for any baby death or pregnancy loss before 24 weeks gestation

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Guidance for any baby death or pregnancy loss after 24 weeks gestation

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Decisions around burials, funerals and cremations can be very difficult and time and space must be given to allow families informed choice. All families should be supported to understand how they can communicate any decisions, including not making one, and are given given time to digest the information.

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There are no specific legal requirements for babies or pregnancy loss before 24 weeks gestation. Families experiencing this type of loss may have to pay for arrangements outside of the hospital.

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This padlet supports the option of taking a baby home after death prior to any funeral, burial or cremation arrangements.

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This padlet supports families experience the Sudden Unexpected Death of an Infant.

Shroud Burial

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Some Green Burials may include a burial shroud which is carefully made from organic cotton, linen, or other natural fibres, providing a breathable and gentle wrap for burial or cremation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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General Glossary

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Glossary of Terminology for Options

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Glossary for Post Mortem Examination Discussions

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Funeral Support Payment

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For families, these decisions are made during an emotionally significant time and may feel difficult to approach.

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Staff should guide families through available options and timeframes, providing clear information and allowing time for reflection.
Families experience care that supports informed choice and respects how and when decisions are made.

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Bereavementcare@sands.org.uk

The NBCP team continues to develop resources to support implementation, assurance and improvement across England.