Baby milk 'crisis' amid surge in families struggling to feed infants

05 October 2023 , 09:11

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One mum warned of a 'milk crisis' (stock image) (Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Baby banks and parents have warned that there is a “crisis” unfolding as countless families struggle to afford the basics needed to feed and care for their infant children.

Some baby banks have reportedly been forced to ration their stocks of formula milk in an effort to cope with surging demand as families struggle to feed their babies and turn to charities for help. In some desperate circumstances, some parents are even trawling through Facebook marketplace for it, stealing it, watering it down or using substitutes.

It has been reported that baby banks are warning of already “unsustainable” and growing levels of demand for essentials for baby care. Alongside this, they have voiced their frustration at the lack of government intervention.

Sky News reported that High Peak Baby Bank, in Derbyshire, has had to introduce a strict rationing to families, to three tubs of formula milk a month. Similarly, Hartlepool Baby Bank also had to implement restrictions for the first time in their history, just to make sure everyone in need got some formula milk.

Alongside them, the outlet reported that Growbaby in Swindon, also introduced rationing Meanwhile, in north London, Sebby’s Corner, another charity that supports families in poverty, said they were forced to have “heartbreaking” conversations with families they weren’t able to help, it was said.

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Kayla, 23, has a four-month-old daughter, Ivy, who she struggles to support despite having maternity pay from her job, combined with her partner’s own wages. She said: "It is literally a milk crisis. It makes me feel so angry and irritated that parents are forced to feel ashamed that they can't afford milk for their babies. The government are not listening."

Her sister Jade pleaded with the government to step in: "Please help, help those mums, help those dads. Don't ask questions, just do." Now, in light of the “crisis”, Hannah Pentith has organised the Baby Bank Alliance - a movement of 300 baby banks that want to push for change for families in need.

She said, despite huge demand, the issue flew “under the radar”. One baby bank chief executive said they were even seeing regular social workers, health workers and midwives visiting them in need of help.

Love, Amelia chief Steph Capewell told Sky: "It wasn't long ago we were all clapping for them on the doorstep and then they are coming to a food bank and a baby bank for their own families. This shouldn't be happening."

Kieren Williams