It was only in the mid-1980s that parents of stillborn babies and babies who died shortly after birth began to be consulted about funeral arrangements for their baby. Before then, parents were not usually involved and many were not told what happened to their baby’s body. Some parents who have tried to trace the grave or cremation record of a baby who died some time ago have been successful. However it is not always easy:
- Hospitals do not keep records indefinitely and some records may not contain enough detail to be helpful.
- The hospital where the baby was stillborn or died may have closed, or the funeral director who was involved may no longer be in business. However, cemeteries and crematoria are legally obliged to keep permanent records.