Chamber
Meeting of the Parliament 24 March 2026 [Draft]
24 Mar 2026 · S6 · Meeting of the Parliament
Item of business
Topical Question Time
Deaths of Babies (Co-sleeping)
Recommended guidance is that the safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own separate cot. However, it is important that women are supported to make informed decisions about co-sleeping, particularly in the early stages of a newborn’s life, when parents and carers may be tired and lack sleep and rest. Does the Government believe that current advice and support are sufficiently publicised in a way that is helping women to make informed choices about that?
In the same item of business
1. Carol Mochan (South Scotland) (Lab)
Lab
To ask the Scottish Government what its response is to recent findings by the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service that 29 babies have died as a result...
The Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health (Jenni Minto)
SNP
The loss of a baby is a tragic and traumatic event that has a profound impact and is something that no family should have to endure. I extend my condolences ...
Carol Mochan
Lab
Recommended guidance is that the safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own separate cot. However, it is important that women are supported to make inf...
Jenni Minto
SNP
Carol Mochan is right to point out the advice that is available. As a result of the correspondence that I have had with Ruth Charteris, I have asked my offic...
Carol Mochan
Lab
I thank the minister for that helpful answer. I understand that advice and guidance are regularly updated. Does the Scottish Government know of any further r...
Jenni Minto
SNP
As I indicated, I have received correspondence from Ruth Charteris. Her letter specifically highlighted the importance of having a compassionate and caring c...