New parents are being warned to ‘stay sober’ and put babies to sleep in separate space in fresh guidance on reducing infant deaths.
The advice comes after an investigation found co-sleeping was responsible for one in four baby deaths in Scotland.
Current safe sleeping counsel is that babies should be put to sleep on their backs, in their own cot or Moses basket, to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), also known as cot death.
But that has now been stepped up in new NHS Scotland leaflets that tell parents to stay sober, avoid leaving their sleeping babies alone and put them to bed in a clear, flat separate space.
The safest place for a baby to sleep is their own space, like a Moses basket
It also says its fine to go and make a cup of tea, but for most of the time’ when the newborns are sleeping, ‘they are safest if you are close by.
The guidance has been published by the Scottish Government with advice from baby sleep experts including the SIDS charity the Lullaby Trust.
It states: Put them on their back for every sleep.
Give your baby a clear, flat, separate sleep space in the same room as you. The safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own clear, flat, separate sleep space such as a cot or Moses basket.
Babies should always be in the same room as you for the first six months for sleep, day and night. This doesnt mean you cant leave the room to make a cup of tea or go to the toilet if your baby is in their cot or Moses basket, but for most of the time when they are sleeping, they are safest if you are close by.
Babies need a sober carer to be able to respond to their needs. Sometimes alcohol and drugs like cannabis and even some medicines make this harder for carers to do.
‘Planning ahead to have another adult like a close family member or a partner around to take care of the baby can be a good idea for those times.
In 2023 the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service probed 74 baby deaths in Scotland. Of those, 19 had died while co-sleeping while in 12 cases the adult had been drinking or taking drugs. All of the babies were under 18 months old.
Those who do bedshare are warned in the guidance to avoid risks like drinking alcohol or bringing other children or pets into the bed.
Parents are also advised to ensure there are no pillows, quilts or duvets in a babys cot and to never sleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair as there is a risk they can become trapped and suffocate.
Jenny Ward, Chief Executive of the Lullaby Trust said: We are pleased to see the updated resources available for families and professionals in Scotland, highlighting the safer sleep advice.
Following the advice has led to a significant reduction in the number of babies dying suddenly and unexpectedly without a cause.
Whilst we know that many families co-sleep with their babies at some point, in some circumstances this can be dangerous and is not advised. The resources support families to make the safest sleep choice for their babies.