A heartbreaking case in the UK has underscored risks associated with breastfeeding while babywearing. Seven-week-old James Alderman stopped breathing during “hands-free” breastfeeding while in a sling, despite his mother’s careful positioning.
The coroner investigating the case noted a lack of clear NHS guidance on this practice and declared the death an accidental suffocation due to hypoxic brain injury. Parents are now strongly advised to remove infants from carriers while feeding to ensure open airways and safe positioning.
Ellie Alderman and her family have since become advocates for awareness around babywearing safety, raising funds and urging the NHS to improve parent education and guidelines.
