Baby Loss Awareness Week 2026
October 9 - October 15
About Baby Loss Awareness Week 2026
Baby Loss Awareness Week 2026 runs from Friday 9 October to Thursday 15 October 2026. The week always runs from 9 to 15 October, ending on International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Day.
| Year | Dates |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 9-15 October 2026 |
| 2027 | 9-15 October 2027 |
| 2028 | 9-15 October 2028 |
Wave of Light – 15 October 2026
The week concludes with the Wave of Light on Thursday 15 October 2026 at 7pm local time. People around the world light a candle in memory of every baby who has died – creating a rolling wave of light across time zones as the evening progresses. The Wave of Light is one of the most visible acts of remembrance for pregnancy and infant loss.
In 2026, local Wave of Light events are being held across the UK, including at hospitals, hospices, and community venues. To find or register an event near you, visit babyloss-awareness.org.
What is Baby Loss Awareness Week?
Baby Loss Awareness Week is an annual campaign dedicated to breaking the silence surrounding pregnancy and infant loss – including miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy, molar pregnancy, and neonatal death. It gives bereaved families a space to be heard and seen, and encourages wider society to offer compassionate support.
The week was established in the United Kingdom in 2002 by a group of charities including Sands (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity), Bliss, Tommy’s, and The Lullaby Trust. It has since grown into an international observance.
How to get involved with Baby Loss Awareness Week 2026
- Wear a pink and blue ribbon – the symbol of Baby Loss Awareness Week, representing babies lost before, during, and after birth.
- Attend a Wave of Light event on 15 October at 7pm, or light a candle at home.
- Share your story – if you have experienced baby loss and feel able to, sharing can raise awareness and offer hope to others.
- Donate to or volunteer with Sands, Tommy’s, The Lullaby Trust, or a local baby loss charity.
- Check in with bereaved parents – a card, a message, or simply saying the baby’s name can mean more than words can describe.
- Use #BabyLossAwarenessWeek and #WaveOfLight on social media to raise awareness and connect with the community.
Support for families in the UK
- Sands: sands.org.uk – 24/7 helpline: 0808 164 3332
- Tommy’s: tommys.org – midwife helpline and online community
- The Lullaby Trust: lullabytrust.org.uk – SIDS support and bereavement care
- Bliss: bliss.org.uk – premature and sick baby support
- Miscarriage Association: miscarriageassociation.org.uk
Related dates
- SIDS Awareness Month – October
- Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month – October (USA)
- World Mental Health Day – 10 October
Last reviewed: 2026-09-08. Added date table, Wave of Light section with UK event details and 2026 date/time, UK helplines for bereaved families. Restructured to lead with dates. Removed generic hashtag list.
2026 Awareness Days Wall Planner
Every key awareness day at a glance. Perfect for offices, staff rooms, and team planning.
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