Statement on the Infant Feeding Survey (IFS) 2024

The results from the 2024 national survey on how mothers in England feed their babies, including breastfeeding rates and use of commercial milk formulas and solid foods, was published on 4 June 2026. The Baby Feeding Law Group UK has published a brief statement in response to this, especially highlighting that the scope of the IFS is such that it did not consider or collect data on the many underlying determinants of infant feeding, including the marketing of commercial milk formulas, bottles and teats.

It is important that adequate consideration is given to the structural determinants of infant feeding.

We will continue to advocate for UK legislation to be strengthened to align with the Code, to allow parents and carers to make informed decisions about what and how they feed their babies and young children, free from commercial influence.

The statement, including links to reflections shared by BFLG-UK members is available on the Consultation Responses section here.