Sling safety and breast / chest feeding

UNICEF Baby Friendly (BFI) discussed sling safety with UK Infant Feeding Leads in February 2025.

This was prompted after a 6-week-old baby died whilst being breastfed “hands-free” in a baby carrier, worn whilst his parent moved around their home.

There is currently a lack of specific safety advice online around feeding in slings / wraps / carriers.

There is no new evidence base suggesting that breastfeeding in a sling is inherently unsafe. Evidence is being reviewed by Helen Ball at Durham Infancy and Sleep Centre – Helen suggests she agrees with a cautionary approach until the evidence base can be updated – a report is due in Autumn 2025.

Information for parents

General sling / wrap / carrier use:

• Slings can be used to keep baby close, as part of responsive care.
• Parents should only use slings / wraps / carriers appropriate for baby’s size, age, weight and follow manufacturer’s instructions.
• TICKS advice – which ensures baby’s airway is open – should be always used, for babies of ALL ages.
• Ensure parents understand that TICKS cannot be fulfilled when breast/chest feeding in a sling – discuss safety considerations when using a sling and breast / chestfeeding.

Updated advice from Baby Friendly (to replace info sent 13/02/25)

T.I.C.K.S. guidelines cannot be fully met during breast / chestfeeding – therefore, additional safeguarding measures are needed if breast / chestfeeding including:

• when in the sling it is crucial that the baby’s chin is not tucked into their chest in order that the airways are kept clear at all times
• the parent needs to be fully engaged in the process (‘hands free, brain free’ breast / chestfeeding is not achievable in a sling)
• the baby would need to be observed closely during the feed.
• the potential difference when a baby is older and has developed head control should be discussed.

Links to additional information

• Video – Safety and feeding in slings BASIS – Daytime sleep
• TICKS
• Lullaby Trust – keeping baby’s airway open

Date issued: 05/03/25

Produced by Natalie Boxall, Specialist Midwife, Infant Feeding

Download an accessible Sling-safety-and-breast-chest-feeding leaflet here