Following the tragic death of a seven-week-old baby, an urgent warning has been issued on breastfeeding techniques that ultimately led to his death.
James “Jimmy” Alderman's mom, Ellie Alderman, believed she was following safe babywearing practices when feeding her baby using a sling, per the Daily Mail.
The sling was worn snugly - not tightly - and she ensured she could see her baby’s face.
But just five minutes into feeding her son hands-free while moving around her home, Jimmy collapsed. Despite immediate resuscitation efforts, he died in hospital three days later on October 11, 2023.
Now, the parenting world is taking a hard look at a widely practiced method - hands-free breastfeeding in slings - and issuing a firm new warning: don't do it.
The National Childbirth Trust (NCT) and The Lullaby Trust have issued a joint statement pledging a “rapid change” to their safety guidance.
The new advice is clear and non-negotiable: “Hands-free breastfeeding or bottle feeding, where the wearer moves around and does other jobs while the baby is feeding, is unsafe.”
This update came after an inquest into Jimmy’s death concluded that his airway had become blocked due to unsafe positioning in the sling.
Senior Coroner Lydia Brown noted: “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 confirmed that Jimmy had suffered a hypoxic brain injury, an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and ultimately, accidental suffocation. The verdict was accidental death.
Before this tragedy, previous advice from the NCT had suggested that breastfeeding in a sling was possible if the baby was properly supported.
But the coroner labeled that guidance “unhelpful” and pointed out the total absence of any related warnings in NHS materials.
In response, NHS England and the Department of Health and Social Care have promised to make babywearing safety advice more accessible and to include links to guidelines on breastfeeding.
For Jimmy’s parents, George and Ellie Alderman, the changes bring a mix of relief and sorrow. “We are really pleased that the Lullaby Trust and the NCT have updated their guidance,” said George, 38.
“It was definitely something that through the inquest process we felt strongly about. It is a good reaction to what the coroner said, it is a good first step but we still feel there are other things that need to change that will take a bit longer.”
He continued: “We are really happy that positive changes are starting to happen but obviously it is mixed with sadness. Why did it have to be us, why did it have to be Jimmy for something to change? We are grateful things are happening but it is just a shame these things weren't being done before it, maybe we would have been more aware.”
The Aldermans are now calling for baby sling labels to carry warnings about breastfeeding risks, hoping to prevent further tragedies.
The dangers of babywearing come from a very real risk: newborns can’t lift their heads or reposition themselves if something blocks their airway.
This makes it crucial that babies are always placed in a position where their face is visible, their chin is off their chest, and their nose and mouth are unobstructed.
Experts also warn that these risks are even greater for premature babies or those with low birth weights.
While babywearing can promote bonding and facilitate breastfeeding, the NCT now emphasizes that slings should never be used while feeding.
Their updated guidance reads: “Using a sling for at least an hour a day is linked to more frequent breastfeeding (the baby should always be taken out of the carrier to feed).”
Their website now warns: “'Hands-free' breastfeeding or bottle feeding, where the wearer moves around and does other jobs while the baby is feeding, is unsafe. This is especially true for babies under four months old. It also applies to babies born prematurely or those with a health condition. Moving around with loose sling fabric could also be a trip hazard.”
Following the tragedy, the Aldermans raised nearly £19,000 through events under the name “Jimmy’s Cuddle” to support St George’s Hospital, Momentum Children’s Charity, and Kingston Hospital Charity.
Though their son’s death was a devastating loss, their efforts have already started making a difference.
“We are grateful,” George said, “but we will always wish it hadn’t taken our son’s life to get here.”