Statements
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.
Please note: the terms ‘woman’ and ‘mother’ are used throughout our statements and resources. These terms should be taken to include people who do not identify as women, but who are pregnant or have given birth. Similarly, where the term ‘parent’ is used, this should be taken to include anyone who has main responsibility for caring for a baby.
Statements
Infosheet on the provision of infant formula for families experiencing food insecurity
October 2022
This infosheet shares information on the provision of infant formula for families experiencing food insecurity (pdf)
Statement on supporting Baby Friendly assessments in the recovery period of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic
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
Statement on recall of two specialised infant formula: Elecare Similac and Alimentum Similac
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)
Statement on the use of commercially available human milk and human milk products
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)
Infosheet on planned changes to neonatal assessments
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)
Guidance on producing educational videos and online materials for parents on bottle / formula feeding
December 2020
The infosheet below provides information for health professionals who may be providing educational videos or online materials for parents on bottle / formula feeding.
Response to new research on the release of microplastics during infant formula preparation
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)
Stage 3 and re-assessments in neonatal units during the Covid-19 outbreak
7 October 2020
The statement below responds to recent queries regarding Stage 3 and re-assessments in neonatal units during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Stage 3 and re-assessments in neonatal units during the Covid-19 outbreak (pdf)
Infant feeding on neonatal units during the Covid-19 outbreak
Updated 20 April 2021
The statement below responds to recent queries regarding best practice for infant feeding on neonatal units during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Statement on infant feeding on neonatal units during the Covid-19 outbreak (pdf)
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Infant feeding during the Covid-19 outbreak
Updated 20 April 2021
The statement below responds to recent queries regarding best practice for infant feeding during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Statement on infant feeding during the Covid-19 outbreak (pdf)
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Baby Friendly assessments during the Covid-19 outbreak
Updated 28 April 2021
The statement below is intended to support Infant Feeding Leads/teams and senior staff to plan work related to Baby Friendly accreditation during the Covid-19 outbreak.
Statement on Baby Friendly assessments during the Covid-19 outbreak (pdf)
Managing potential conflicts of interest in a Baby Friendly accredited service
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)
The Infant Nutrition Industry (INI) Code of Practice
9 November 2018
The statement below responds to the queries Unicef UK has received about the recently launched Infant Nutrition Industry Code of Practice (INI code), published by the British Specialist Nutrition Association (BSNA).
Statement on the Infant Nutrition Industry (INI) Code of Practice (pdf)