At Parent Sanctuary, we were deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Baby Jimmy while being breastfed in a sling. Our thoughts are with his family, and we recognise the urgent need for clear, evidence-based guidance to ensure the safety of all babies carried in slings. We debated among ourselves whether or not to highlight this case through our blog, but decided that improved safety for parents and babies was what Parent Sanctuary is all about.
Understanding the Coroner’s Findings
A recent inquest into Baby Jimmy’s death concluded that he suffered accidental suffocation while being breastfed hands-free in a sling. The Prevention of Future Deaths Report issued by Senior Coroner Lydia Brown highlighted serious concerns about the lack of safety information available for parents regarding babywearing and breastfeeding. Key issues included:
- No national guidance on breastfeeding in slings.
- A lack of clear visual resources showing safe versus unsafe positions.
- No industry-wide standards for manufacturers regarding sling safety when feeding.
- No NHS guidance on the risks of hands-free breastfeeding in a carrier.
- A significant increase in sling use without sufficient safety education.
These concerns have been raised with NHS England, the Department of Health and Social Care, and other key organisations to push for national guidance and improved safety information. We have spoken to some of the Infant Feeding Teams across Calderdale, Kirklees and Barnsley, who have all highlighted similar concerns.
Sling Safety is Our Priority
At Parent Sanctuary, we take sling safety extremely seriously. Our babywearing sessions, sling hires, and guided walks always emphasise correct positioning to ensure that a baby’s airway remains clear and supported at all times. We teach parents to follow the T.I.C.K.S. guidelines, which remain the gold standard for safe babywearing:
- Tight – The sling should be snug to support the baby’s spine and prevent slumping.
- In view at all times – You should always be able to see your baby’s face without adjusting fabric or straining to look.
- Close enough to kiss – Your baby’s head should be within easy reach for you to kiss.
- Keep chin off the chest – A baby’s airway should always remain open, with space for at least one adult finger under their chin.
- Supported back – A well-fitted sling should keep the baby’s back supported and their natural position maintained.
Breastfeeding in a Sling: The Reality
While many parents find that a sling can help support breastfeeding, breastfeeding a tiny baby in a sling is never truly hands-free. A caregiver must always:
- Support the baby’s head and body with a hand or arm to maintain a safe latch and position.
- Continuously monitor the baby’s airway and reposition them as needed.
- Return the baby to an upright, T.I.C.K.S.-safe position immediately after feeding.
The inquest confirmed that feeding hands-free in a sling is unsafe, as it increases the risk of a baby slumping into a position that can compromise their airway. At Parent Sanctuary, we do not promote hands-free breastfeeding in a sling and actively educate parents on how to feed safely while using a carrier.
The Need for Clearer Guidance
The coroner’s report highlights a lack of accessible, consistent safety information for parents, particularly regarding breastfeeding in slings. At Parent Sanctuary, we believe that more visual guides and official safety recommendations are urgently needed to ensure parents have the knowledge to carry and feed their babies safely.
We support the call for:
- National guidance on babywearing and breastfeeding safety.
- Clear manufacturer instructions on feeding risks in slings.
- Easily accessible public information to help parents make informed choices.
Our Commitment to Babywearing Safety
At Parent Sanctuary, our trained team ensures that every sling hire and walk session prioritises baby safety. Rachel, our babywearing consultant is trained with Carrying Matters and is in regular contact with industry peers at the Babywearing Educators Network (BEN). As an organisation we are all promoting babywearing education that prioritises safety and comfort—making sure your parenting journey is full of fun and adventures together.
We are committed to:
✅ Educating parents on safe babywearing and feeding techniques
✅ Providing expert sling fitting support
✅ Promoting awareness of airway safety risks
✅ Advocating for clearer public guidance
If you have any questions about using a sling safely or would like support with babywearing and feeding, please reach out to us. Safety is at the heart of everything we do, and we will continue working to ensure all parents have the best information available.
For further information, you can find expert resources on babywearing safety at:
- The UK Sling Consortium
- The Lullaby Trust
- Carrying Matters
- The Sling Pages – find a local babywearing consultant
You can also call in to our sling library sessions, we offer advice on how to correctly fit your own carrier, as well as options to hire from our extensive collection of slings. Thank you for being part of a community that prioritises safe and supported parenting.