We are so sorry for your loss. We appreciate that there is a lot to think about at this difficult time. We hope the information below will help in your decision to take your baby home or make other arrangements.   

Private burial

If you wish, you can take your baby home for burial.  If you choose to arrange a private burial there is some important information for you to consider.

There is no legal requirement to involve a registrar or coroner with a home burial, but there are some other legal requirements with which you must comply.

Legal considerations

Burial in a garden or other private land is not unlawful if the person carrying out the burial owns the freehold or has obtained consent from the freehold owner.

It is important that you are aware of the following.

  • You must obtain permission from the landowner if you do not own the land.
  • The burial must not interfere with any rights other people have on the land (for example, in the case of rented property).
  • If the land is in a conservation area you will need to consult the appropriate authority.
  • Notification of the burial must be kept with the property deeds.
  • If the property is mortgaged, you must inform the mortgage company before the burial. The burial may affect the resale of the property.

Burial requirements

The specific burial requirements are described below.

  • Your baby must be in a sealed container.  There must be no risk of bodily fluid leaking into groundwater, surface water, water courses or adjoining land.
  • You must bury your baby’s container to a depth of at least 18 inches (45cm).
  • The burial must not cause danger to others.

Looking ahead

It is also a good idea to do the following.

  • Think carefully about how you will feel if you choose to move house.
  • Think carefully about how you will feel if you move house and the land is used for alternative purposes, such as building.

Some people find that the best option, in these difficult circumstances, is to choose a burial beneath a small tree or large plant, inside a sizeable plant pot that lives outside.  If you do move house, you can take this with you.

As a guide, most caskets will be approx L31cm x W16cm x H14cm.  If you experienced an early loss, the casket may be approx L19cm x W11cm x H7cm.  Talk to your nurses and they will offer advice.

More information

Sands offers support to bereaved parents and families

The Miscarriage Association

Cruse bereavement support

Contact information

Jasmine Unit

Telephone:

020 8934 6224
(Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm)

Isabella Ward
020 8934 2303
(out of hours - when Jasmine Unit is closed)