Urgent warning over ‘unsafe’ breastfeeding technique after tragic death of seven-week-old boy
The NCT previously said that you could breastfeed a baby in a sling but that the baby should be supported at all times.
This advice was blasted as “unhelpful” by the coroner Ms Brown because it’s didn’t stick to all the TICKS requirements – she also noted there was no guidance in NHS literature on the subject.
The charity, which provides classes for expecting parents, now says babies should always be taken out of a carrier to feed and that the practice is also a trip hazard.
Its website reads: “‘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.
“If the baby needs to feed, take them out of the sling. When they have finished feeding, either return them to the sling or put the baby down in a safe space.”