Taking your baby home

Some parents decide to take their baby out of the hospital for a short while. They may take their baby home or to a place that has special meaning to them. There is no legal reason why you should not do this (except in rare cases when a coroner has ordered a post mortem).

Many hospitals give parents a form to take with them to confirm their right to take their baby’s body out of the hospital. Sands provides a form which can be accessed via this link form for parents who take their baby home (click on Form no 1).

If you would like to take your baby out of the hospital, tell the midwife or nurse. They shouldgive you information about keeping your baby as cool as possible. They should also advise you when you need to bring your baby back or take him or her to the funeral director. 

If you have decided to have a post mortem, you will need to bring your baby back to the hospital fairly quickly. A post mortem is likely to provide more information if it is done as soon after death as possible.

If you are arranging the funeral yourself, you can keep your baby at home until this takes place. However, we suggest that you ask the hospital staff or the funeral director for advice about how, and for how long, to keep your baby at home.