The Lullaby Trust has said there is still little evidence to suggest that the boxes decrease infant mortality rates

A cot death charity has questioned the amount spent on baby boxes.

The packs – which were introduced in Scotland a year ago – could be distributed across the UK after the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) said it believes the boxes could reduce unsafe sleeping practices.

However the Lullaby Trust, which has previously questioned the safety of baby boxes, has said there is no new evidence to suggest the boxes prevent infant mortality.

The charity’s chief executive Francine Bates said it must be examined whether NHS resources could be better used to reduce infant deaths.

She said: “We recognise that for some parents, who do not have a cot or Moses basket for their baby, a box may be a better alternative than co-sleeping in hazardous circumstances, such as on a sofa. We also recognise that the aim of some of the Baby Box schemes is to reduce inequality and give all babies the best start in life.

"However, the concerns we raised last year about baby boxes remain valid. It is still not possible for baby boxes to fully comply with safety standards, as there is currently no specific standard for the use of a cardboard box as a sleeping place for an infant.

"Additionally there is still no evidence directly linking the use of a baby box with a reduction in infant mortality or sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).”

Gill Walton, the RCM's chief executive and general secretary, said giving the boxes to all new mothers in the UK would provide a more equal start to life for the baby, but acknowledged there is still limited evidence on whether the boxes reduce infant mortality rates.

She said: "Most importantly, by enabling parents to give their babies a safe sleeping space, baby boxes may reduce unsafe co-sleeping or babies sleeping in an inappropriate place such as a sofa,"