Warning issued over breastfeeding technique after infant’s tragic death
Parents urged to avoid feeding babies in slings after 7-week-old dies from accidental suffocation
A heartbreaking story of a newborn’s death has led to a major safety warning for parents who breastfeed while wearing their babies in slings. Health experts now say the practice is unsafe and could lead to tragic consequences.
In October 2023, Ellie Alderman from the UK was doing what many new moms do — breastfeeding her baby while carrying him in a sling. Her 7-week-old son, James “Jimmy” Alderman, had seemed comfortable and content.
Ellie believed she was doing everything right. She had secured the sling properly, made sure Jimmy’s face was visible, and ensured he had room to breathe. But just minutes into feeding, she noticed something was wrong. Jimmy was suddenly unresponsive.
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Despite Ellie’s desperate efforts and hospital care, Jimmy passed away three days later. The cause of death was accidental suffocation. While his face wasn’t covered, the way he was positioned in the sling while feeding didn’t allow enough oxygen to reach his lungs.
“He just stopped breathing,” Ellie said. “It was so fast. I didn’t even know something like this could happen.”
Medical experts call for change
Jimmy’s death shocked not only his family but also the wider parenting and medical communities. It also exposed a serious gap in baby safety advice.
After an inquest into the tragedy, Senior Coroner Lydia Brown criticized the lack of clear guidance on breastfeeding while baby-wearing. “There is insufficient information available from any source to inform parents of safe positioning of young babies within carriers and in particular in relation to breastfeeding,” she said.
In response, major parenting organizations in the UK — including the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) and the Lullaby Trust — have updated their guidelines. They now warn parents never to breastfeed a baby in a sling, calling the hands-free practice dangerous.
New recommendations also stress that babies must be taken out of slings before feeding. Loose fabric can not only cause suffocation but also pose trip hazards.
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A grieving family turns pain into purpose
Jimmy’s parents, Ellie and George Alderman, are now working to make sure other families don’t face the same heartbreak.
“It’s a good first step,” said George. “But it’s mixed with sadness. Why did it have to be Jimmy for something to change?”
The couple has started a campaign called Jimmy’s Cuddle, raising nearly $19,000 to support local hospitals and raise awareness about safer baby-wearing and feeding practices.
Their story has touched thousands, as they continue speaking out about the importance of clear, accessible information for new parents.
NHS promises better guidance
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has pledged to improve its baby safety advice. Currently, there are no official NHS guidelines specifically about breastfeeding in slings. The coroner’s report described the existing information as “unhelpful.”
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In the coming months, the NHS plans to link baby-wearing safety advice with breastfeeding guidelines. This means new parents will receive better education on safe feeding positions and carrier use — especially for newborns under four months, premature babies, and infants with medical conditions.
Baby-wearing and breastfeeding are both encouraged for bonding and baby development. But as Jimmy’s story shows, combining them can carry serious risks if done unsafely.
Jimmy’s death was ruled an accident caused by “hypoxic brain injury, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and accidental suffocation.” His story is now sparking life-saving changes that could protect thousands of babies.
While hands-free feeding may seem practical, especially for busy parents, experts now strongly advise against it. Always remove a baby from a carrier before breastfeeding, and follow safe positioning guidelines.
Thanks to the Aldermans’ courage in sharing their loss, more families can stay informed — and more babies can stay safe.
If you’re a parent or caregiver, check the latest safety advice from your country’s health services and baby-wearing organizations. When in doubt, ask your pediatrician for guidance.
