These statements and infosheets highlight the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative’s view on key issues related to infant feeding, parent-infant relationships and implementing the Baby Friendly Standards.
Statements and infosheets
April 2025
Emerging evidence around thrush has caused previous guidance to come under question. This infosheet aims to provide information and further resources around the recently updated guidance.
April 2025
The infosheet provides information for health professionals who may be providing educational videos or online materials for parents/primary caregivers on bottle / formula feeding.
February 2025
The revised Community Standards, launched for assessment purposes in January 2025, have introduced several changes to the Baby Friendly standards for all services. This factsheet provides important information around how these changes impact your journey.
October 2022
This infosheet shares information on the provision of infant formula for families experiencing food insecurity (pdf)
March 2022
This statement provides an update on previously communicated information related to the carrying out of Baby Friendly assessments during the Covid-19 pandemic
February 2022
This statement provides information on the recent recall of two specialised infant formula: Elecare Similac and Alimentum Similac.
Statement on recall of two specialised infant formula: Elecare Similac and Alimentum Similac (pdf)
December 2021
The statement provides information on commercial companies marketing and selling human milk and human milk fortifier to Baby Friendly accredited maternity and neonatal services. These services have enquired as to how this affects Baby Friendly accreditation.
Statement on the use of commercially available human milk and human milk products (pdf)
August 2021
The infosheet below provides information on planned changes to Baby Friendly neonatal assessments with regards to the Designation Committee’s decision to increase the standard required for parents’ positive experiences of care in neonatal units from 70% to 80%.
Infosheet on planned changes to Neonatal assessments (pdf)
21 October 2020
The statement below responds to new research on the release of microplastics during infant formula preparation.
Response to new research on the release of microplastics during infant formula preparation (pdf)
28 January 2019
Determining what constitutes a conflict of interest in large and complex public service institutions can cause confusion and stress for those leading on the implementation of the Baby Friendly Initiative standards. This statement is intended to clarify what is required and what will and will not affect Baby Friendly accreditation. It should be read in conjunction with our guide for health workers: Working within the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes.
Managing potential conflicts of interest in a Baby Friendly accredited service (pdf)