Every parent should know this! RIP Jimmy 💔

A UK parenting charity has issued a warning about the dangers of “hands-free” breastfeeding after the tragic death of seven-week-old James “Jimmy” Alderman. His mother, Ellie, had been breastfeeding him while wearing him in a sling—something many parents see as convenient and bonding. She ensured his face was visible and the sling wasn’t too tight. But just minutes into feeding, Jimmy became unresponsive. Despite efforts to save him, he passed away three days later from suffocation, caused by his positioning in the sling which restricted his oxygen intake.

The October 2023 tragedy prompted an inquest, where Senior Coroner Lydia Brown highlighted the lack of clear guidance on safe positioning of babies during breastfeeding in carriers. Following the case, the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) and the Lullaby Trust swiftly updated their advice, warning that babies should **never** be breastfed in a sling. New guidelines stress removing the baby from the carrier before feeding to reduce suffocation risks, especially for infants under four months or those with health conditions.

Jimmy’s parents, Ellie and George, have turned their grief into advocacy, launching “Jimmy’s Cuddle” fundraising events, raising nearly \$19,000 for local hospitals. While George welcomed the new safety advice, he lamented that it came “too late” for their son.

The NHS has now pledged to make baby-wearing safety guidance more accessible, integrating it with breastfeeding advice. Jimmy’s story stands as a heartbreaking reminder that even natural parenting practices carry hidden risks—and that awareness can save lives.