How to Plan an Infant’s Funeral
Nobody ever wants to ask about how to plan an infant’s funeral. Planning their baby’s memorial service is one way for parents to take a step back and remember their baby, perhaps with the help of friends and family. Consider looking into funeral homes in Mount Summit, IN to assist you in your time of need.
Understandably, most people have no idea where to begin when planning a funeral for an infant. There is no specific organization that must be met for a service; the only thing that matters is that it honors your baby in whatever way best suits your and your partner’s needs.
Choosing the Type of Service
You must first decide whether you want a funeral or a memorial service for your baby. Some people prefer a small, private memorial, while others appreciate the support of a larger group of friends and family. Your service can be similar to a traditional adult service or as simple as a few minutes of quiet prayer at the graveside.
Planning a Memorial Service
Your first step should be to decide whether you want a funeral or memorial service for your baby and then to decide whether you want a traditional funeral or just a small gathering of a few people. A church service, a gathering at the graveside, or a few moments in a garden can all be part of the service.
If you prefer burial to cremation, your funeral home will walk you through all of the options. Some parents prefer to wait a while after cremation before holding a memorial service to decide what to do with the ashes. Some people prefer to keep the baby’s ashes in a special jar, while others prefer to scatter them in a special location that honors the baby.
Selecting Music
Music is often a very comforting part of a funeral or memorial service because it allows you to express feelings that words alone cannot express.
Selecting Readings
There are a variety of selections available, ranging from inspirational readings to poetry, that may help express emotions for which there are few words.
Coping With a Baby’s Death
A baby’s death is always tragic, and you may feel a variety of emotions. These can range from a sense of powerlessness to a sense that life has lost its special meaning, to relief for some parents as their babies’ battle for survival is finally over. Coping with the death of a baby, whether sudden or after a long battle, is never easy.
Tips for Assisting Parents Who Have Lost a Child
You may not know what to say or not say to the parents. If you’ve ever experienced loss or grief, you’re probably aware of how painful platitudes can be. Your best course of action is to listen to your loved ones and validate their feelings, whatever they may be.
A baby’s funeral or memorial service can range from as simple as a small gathering at the graveside to as formal as a traditional funeral, and everything in between. Many people find music or readings to help convey what words alone cannot, but there are no rules about what should be included in a service. As previously stated, the purpose of your funeral is to honor your baby and gather loved ones to support you as you grieve. For more information about our services or if you need help, you can contact us today at funeral homes in Mount Summit, IN. You are also welcome to come and see us.