The heartbreaking loss of seven-week-old James “Jimmy” Alderman has sparked urgent calls for greater awareness and clearer safety guidelines around hands-free breastfeeding using baby slings.
In October 2023, UK mother Ellie Alderman was breastfeeding her newborn son, Jimmy, while carrying him in a sling – a method she believed was safe and allowed her to stay mobile.
She ensured the sling was snug and that she could see his face, but just minutes later, Jimmy became unresponsive. Despite rapid medical intervention, he tragically passed away three days later from accidental suffocation.
An inquest into Jimmy’s death found that his position in the sling had obstructed his airway. Senior Coroner Lydia Brown noted the lack of clear, accessible guidance for parents on how to position babies in slings – especially during breastfeeding safely. She called for immediate action to prevent similar tragedies.
In response, parenting organizations including the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) and The Lullaby Trust have revised their safety advice. They now strongly advise against hands-free breastfeeding while using slings or carriers, calling the practice inherently unsafe. Both charities are working to update their guidance and spread consistent messages to parents and caregivers.
Jimmy’s parents, Ellie and George Alderman, have expressed bittersweet feelings about the change. While they are relieved that clearer safety measures are now being shared, they are heartbroken that it took their son’s death to bring about this shift. They are also campaigning for warning labels to be placed directly on baby slings to raise awareness of the risks.
Although babywearing remains a popular choice for its convenience and ability to promote bonding, experts caution that it must be done with extreme care. Newborns – particularly premature or low birth weight babies – lack the strength to reposition themselves if their airway becomes blocked.
The most important safety tips are to ensure that a baby’s face is always visible, their chin is off their chest, and their airways remain clear at all times.
Jimmy’s story is a sobering reminder of the need for better education and heightened awareness around babywearing and breastfeeding. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to seek out up-to-date guidance and remain vigilant when using carriers or slings, especially in the earliest weeks of life.