Should the Price of Baby Formula be Slashed?
Kiera Milne
27/03/24
(Baby Formula. Image Credit: Kiera Milne)
Earlier this month, activists from This is Rigged handed out stolen baby formula on Glasgow’s Buchanan Street.
The price of supermarket baby formula has risen by 25% over the last two years. Since 2022, the prices have risen from an average of £6.95 to £11-12 per can, leaving many unable to afford this essential.
In February, the Scottish Government backed a “cash first” strategy to help families struggling with the high costs of baby formula. This came after calls for support from parents so that “no baby in Scotland is left without the food they need to grow and thrive”.
New guidance from the Scottish government, states it is “taking a cash first approach through providing cash payments or cash equivalents (such as shopping cards)”.
“This should be provided alongside advice and support to maximise income and, if immediate support is required, access to infant formula milk (powdered or ready-to-drink) or breastfeeding support, for as long as it is needed”.
Research conducted by the Scottish Government, found that 53% of babies across Scotland are fully formula fed by 6-8 weeks, with 74% of babies in deprived areas being formula fed.
(Image Credit: Kiera Milne)
In a survey conducted by Blether Magazine, we asked parents/guardians if the price of baby formula should be slashed.
Talking to Blether, one participant stated “I think baby formula should be cheaper. Due to a variety of reasons, some babies are unable to breastfeed therefore, formula is their only source of food and nutrients”.
“When I gave birth at the start of 2022, the price of the Mania formula was £6.95 now it costs £11/£12. Formula is essential for so many and should be affordable as in the first 12 months of a baby’s life they require the essential nutrients they get from formula. Not all mothers are able to breastfeed. Also, there is many single fathers who have no choice but to rely on formula”, another participant stated.
“Absolutely if baby has no access to breast milk, families need to be able to provide formula for the baby. Those in less fortunate positions may have to choose formula for their baby or meals themselves”, a participant told Blether.
To read more about the Scottish Governments’ guidance, click the link here.