18 Jun The Importance of Cool Rooms and Cuddle Cots
For families facing the unimaginable loss of their baby or child, Cool Rooms and Cuddle Cots can be absolutley vital in their grieving journey.
The primary role of these facilities is to provide precious, extended time with a baby or child who has died, giving parents the opportunity to bond, hold, and interact with their child.
This “gift of time” is crucial for parents to begin the process of saying hello and to integrate their child into their family by creating everlasting memories – before having to say their final goodbyes.
Providing cooling facilities is a recognised bereavement support intervention that acknowledges the importance of the continuing bond with the deceased child.
What is a Cool Room and Cuddle Cot?
A Cool Room is a designated, air-conditioned room specifically designed for families to spend time with their child. These special, temperature-controlled rooms, often found in hospitals or hospices, provide a comforting environment during a heart-breaking time.
A Cuddle Cot (or Cool Cot) is a portable device – a cooling pad or blanket – that fits into a moses basket or crib. The device gently circulates a cooling fluid to keep the baby’s body cool, without harming them, to slow down any natural changes to preserve the baby’s appearance. Unlike refrigerated units, a Cuddle Cot is portable, making it suitable for use hospital settings, hospices, and it even enables parents to take their baby home. It allows parents to hold and interact with their baby.
These cooling facilities are a vital part of modern bereavement care, supporting parents through the most difficult process of saying goodbye and accepting their loss of their baby or child.
Francis House Childrens Hospice
We are fortunate to have Francis House Children’s Hospice in our locality. Located in Didsbury, Francis House features three ‘Rainbow Rooms.’ These specially cooled rooms allow a young person to remain at the hospice after death and until the funeral, in accordance with the families wishes.
These special rooms can be personalised with favourite toys and bedding and can display family photos and drawings.
Adjoining the Rainbow Rooms are comfortable and homely lounges, giving families the space and privacy to say their final goodbyes.
Abigails Footsteps
Abigails Footsteps is a baby loss charity that helps parents and families following the death of a much-loved baby by providing bereavement care and support.
They also provide the Abi Cooling Cot for use in hospitals, children’s hospices and funeral directors.
