Parents 'watering down baby milk' over high costs

A baby bank says parents are turning to "unsafe" practices such as watering down baby formula milk to save money.

Megan Sinden, founder of Moorside Baby Bank in Consett, County Durham, said a couple of families spoke of putting less powder in to get another week's worth out of it, "which to me is quite dangerous".

She called for a cap on rising costs of formula, saying: "It's not a luxury item, it's a basic need for a baby."

Charity National Childbirth Trust (NCT) said its recent study found nearly half of parents (48%) were struggling more financially after having a baby, and added infant formula should always be prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Infant formula is designed to provide the correct balance of nutrients for babies when mothers cannot or choose not to breastfeed, and adding extra water alters that balance.

The lower concentration can cause nutrient deficiency, coupled with the reduced ability of the baby's body to absorb the nutrients, NCT said.

"In turn, this can lead to poor weight gain, growth problems, and developmental delays," the spokesperson said.

"In serious cases, too much water in the formula may lead to more immediate health problems because a baby's body is not able to safely process the excess water."

The latest report, external by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found the average retail price of some infant formula had increased by more than 25% in recent years.

Moorside Baby Bank opened in February 2025 and has so far helped 226 families with goods like clothes, nappies and baby wipes, which were mainly donated by the community.

Sinden, who is a community worker from nearby Stanley, said the bank struggled to get donations of baby milk "because it is so expensive" and instead relied on grants to buy the formula in.

Sinden said some parents had told her they were making their own baby wipes with kitchen towels.

She also said she had spoken to a mother who felt breastfeeding was her only option due to costs, despite having latching problems.

"I've heard of people feeling the need to steal baby milk," she said.

"Obviously I don't condone stealing, but I really sympathise with any parent that finds themselves in a situation like that."

A 21-year-old mother-of-one, who has another baby on the way and did not want to be named, said the baby bank "really came in clutch".

"It's a struggle affording everything for baby and me, sometimes we have to ask for help even when we don't want to, but we will when it comes to our babies," she said.

She said she was glad of the friendly environment at the baby bank.

"We don't feel lost and helpless and like we're failing when really we're just trying our best."

Sinden encouraged people to seek support.

"I really want parents to know that they can come to us before they reach crisis point and to not feel embarrassed or ashamed to have a little helping hand," she said.

NCT added: "For parents who are struggling with the cost of feeding their baby, support is available through their midwife, health visitor, GP, infant feeding team, local family hub or trusted organisations such as NCT.

"We would also reassure parents that they will still meet all their baby's nutritional needs by buying the lowest price formula."

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