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Sun, 16 Aug 2026

Sun, 16 Aug 2026 Parents 'watering down baby milk' over high costs

Moorside Baby Bank say parents are turning to unsafe practices over the rising cost of essentials.

* A recent study by the National Childbirth Trust found that nearly half (48%) of parents struggle financially after having a child.
* Infant formula should always be prepared according to manufacturer's instructions, and adding extra water can cause nutrient deficiency and developmental delays.
* The average retail price of some infant formula has increased by over 25% in recent years.
* A baby bank in Consett is struggling to get donations of baby milk due to its high cost, and relies on grants to buy the formula.
* Some parents are making their own baby wipes with kitchen towels or considering breastfeeding as a cheaper option, despite having latching problems.
* The charity is calling for a cap on rising costs of formula, saying it's a basic need for babies.
* A 21-year-old mother-of-one who used the baby bank said she was glad to have received help and encouraged others to seek support before reaching "crisis point".