There are urgent requests for increased awareness and more precise safety requirements regarding hands-free breastfeeding with baby slings in light of the tragic death of seven-week-old James “Jimmy” Alderman.
Ellie Alderman, a mother from the UK, was nursing her newborn son, Jimmy, while holding him in a sling in October 2023. She felt that this was a safe way to keep her mobility.
After making sure the sling was tight and she could see his face, Jimmy stopped responding a few minutes later. Tragically, he died three days later from unintentional suffocation despite prompt medical attention.
Jimmy’s position in the sling had blocked his airway, according to the results of an inquest into his death. Senior Coroner Lydia Brown pointed out that parents do not have easy-to-follow instructions on how to correctly position infants in slings, particularly when breastfeeding. In order to avoid such tragedies, she demanded that urgent action be taken.
Parenting groups like the Lullaby Trust and the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) have updated their safety guidelines in response. They now highly discourage breastfeeding hands-free when wearing slings or carriers, citing the practice’s inherent risks. Both organizations are trying to provide parents and caregivers with consistent messaging and update their guidelines.
Ellie and George Alderman, Jimmy’s parents, have expressed mixed emotions on the shift. Although they are glad that more precise safety precautions are now being communicated, they are devastated that their son’s passing was necessary to trigger this change. To increase awareness of the dangers, they are also advocating for warning labels to be affixed directly on infant slings.
Because it’s convenient and helps foster connection, babywearing is still a popular choice, but experts warn that it needs to be done with utmost caution. Newborns, especially those who are premature or underweight, are not strong enough to move themselves if their airway gets clogged.
Making ensuring a baby’s face is constantly exposed, their chin is off their chest, and their airways are always clear are the most crucial safety precautions.
Jimmy’s tale serves as a grim reminder of the need for increased awareness and improved education around breastfeeding and babywearing. It is advised that parents and other caregivers look for the most recent instructions and exercise caution when using slings or carriers, particularly during the first few weeks of life.
