Assessment for Baby Friendly accreditation takes place in several stages. For more information about each stage, click on the listing below.
Click the image above for a PDF diagram of the Staged Approach.
Register of intent It is important that you register your intention of working towards Baby Friendly accreditation with UNICEF as soon as possible.
Implementation Visit The Baby Friendly Initiative provides implementation visits so that a Baby Friendly assessor can work with staff to develop an action plan that is suitable for local needs.
Certificate of Commitment A certificate of commitment is the first award given by UNICEF in recognition that a provider has a breastfeeding policy, an action plan to achieve Baby Friendly accreditation and the commitment to implement the plan.
Stage 1 Stage 1 requires mechanisms to enable the breastfeeding policy to be implemented and maintained. These include a staff education programme (including curricula and attendance records), an antenatal education programme (including parent information and records) and an audit tool for auditing all of the Baby Friendly standards.
Stage 2 Stage 2 involves providing education for all clinical staff, as appropriate to their role.
Stage 3 At Stage 3, the focus is on ensuring that the Baby Friendly standards are implemented for all pregnant women and new mothers.
Re-accreditation How long Baby Friendly accreditation lasts for and how re-assessment works.
