The death of a baby at any time can be a major bereavement for the whole family. It will have an impact on children who were expecting to have a new brother, sister, niece, nephew, or cousin, or a surviving child of a multiple birth, and also on brothers and sisters born after a baby has died. Children in the wider family, children of close friends, and friends at school may also be affected.

This section considers ways in which to share the news of the baby’s death with their siblings and other children who may have known or known about your baby. This section is written for parents but could also be useful for relatives, friends and other people, including nursery and school teachers who are able to provide support. This chapter includes the following sections: 

• Breaking sad news
• Being open and honest with children
• 2-5 Years
• 5-8 Years
• 8-12 Years
• Teenagers
• Telling the parents of other children
• Ways to involve children
• Anniversaries, memorial services and family celebrations