In 2024, the Crown Office received reports of 65 deaths of babies. Of those, it has been identified that 15 babies died while co-sleeping. In 2025, 57 reports of baby deaths were received with 14 babies identified as having died while co-sleeping.

Analysis by the Crown Office has shown that of those 29 deaths, 11 involved alcohol and/or drugs consumed by parents and carers before co-sleeping.

Ms Charteris said: “Every child is precious, and the death of a child is an unimaginable pain that no family should have to endure.

“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, 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 said: “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
• The baby was born prematurely (before 37 weeks of pregnancy)or weighed under 5.5 pounds when they were born.

Ms Ward added: “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.”