Co-sleeping was a factor in quarter of Scotland’s infant deaths in 2023

A warning has been issued to adults about the dangers of sleeping alongside newborn babies, after a quarter of deaths in Scotland last year were linked to “co-sleeping.”The Crown Office, which investigates unexpected deaths in Scotland, found that of a total of 74 deaths of infants in 2023 19 babies died while co-sleeping. In 12 of these cases the parents or carers had consumed alcohol or drugs before sleeping with the child.Scotland’s solicitor general, Ruth Charteris, issued the warning to alert adults to the dangers, in the hope of preventing further deaths. Parents are advised that the safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own separate space such as a cot. They are also told they should never fall asleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair.Charteris said, “I can understand the challenges of getting enough sleep as a family, but expert advice should be followed….
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