Deaths of 29 babies in Scotland in last two years caused by co-sleeping

Nearly 30 babies have died in Scotland as a result of co-sleeping in the last two years, figures have shown.

Between 2024 and 2025, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) found that 29 baby deaths could be attributed to co-sleeping.

Of this figure, 11 involved alcohol and drugs consumed by parents and carers before co-sleeping.

An investigation into the deaths by COPFS involved statements from witnesses, including parents and carers, expert reviews, and discussions with professional services.

The findings have prompted the solicitor general to issue a statement on safer sleeping.

“Every child is precious, and the death of a child is an unimaginable pain that no family should have to endure”, the solicitor general Ruth Charteris KC said.

“I hope that by sharing the findings of our investigations and by signposting to the expert guidance available, we can help prevent more deaths linked to unsafe co-sleeping and encourage open conversations about safer sleeping practices.”

Laura Buchan, legal director for Deaths Investigations, COPFS, said:  “As a mum, I remember how tired I was in those early stages and how hard it can be for the whole family to get enough rest.

“It is vital that families are supported to make informed decisions. Tragically, our investigations show that babies have died in co-sleeping situations when the environment has not been safe.

“The findings of COPFS’s investigations underline the importance of continuing to promote safer sleep practices with parents and carers.”

Jenny Ward, chief executive at The Lullaby Trust added: ” “No family should have to experience such heartbreak. Our thoughts are with the families affected, and we hope they all receive the support they need.

“The safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own clear, separate sleep space, such as a cot, but we know that many families share a bed with their baby.

“Whether families intend to co-sleep with their baby, or fall asleep together without having planned to, it’s important that families know when co-sleeping with a baby carries a much higher risk:

“Lullaby Trust advice to families is not to co-sleep with their baby if anyone in the bed has recently drunk any alcohol, anyone in the bed smokes or the baby was exposed to smoking in pregnancy; anyone in the bed has taken any drugs or medication that make them feel sleepy or if baby was born prematurely (before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or weighed under 5.5 pounds when they were born.

“We encourage all professionals working with families to ensure all families have a separate, safer sleep space available for their baby and discuss families planning ahead to avoid unplanned, high-risk situations.”