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Parents are increasingly resorting to risky methods like diluting baby formula with additional water in an attempt to stretch their supplies and reduce costs, according to Megan Sinden, the founder of Moorside Baby Bank based in Consett, County Durham. Sinden revealed that some families admitted to putting less formula powder in each feed to make it last longer, a practice she described as “quite dangerous.” She emphasized the importance of regulating formula prices, stating, “It’s not a luxury item, it’s a basic need for a baby.”
A recent study by the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) highlights that almost half of new parents (48%) face greater financial pressures after having a baby. The charity warned that infant formula must always be prepared following the manufacturer’s guidelines, as it is specifically formulated to provide the appropriate nutrient balance for babies who cannot, or choose not to, breastfeed. Adding extra water disrupts this balance, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies because the baby’s body may have a reduced ability to absorb the diluted nutrients. The NCT spokesperson explained that such practices may result in poor weight gain, developmental delays, and growth issues. In severe cases, feeding overly diluted formula could cause immediate health complications, as the infant’s body cannot safely handle the excess water.
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) reported that prices for some types of infant formula have risen by more than 25% over recent years, further exacerbating the financial strain on families. Since its opening in February 2025, Moorside Baby Bank has assisted 226 families by providing essentials such as clothes, nappies, and baby wipes, primarily sourced from community donations. However, the baby bank finds it difficult to obtain donations of baby formula due to its high cost and depends heavily on grants to purchase it.
Sinden shared further insights into the pressures families face, mentioning that some parents have resorted to creating homemade baby wipes from kitchen towels and that one mother felt compelled to breastfeed despite challenges with latching, simply because formula was unaffordable. She also disclosed hearing reports of parents resorting to stealing baby milk, adding, “Obviously I don’t condone stealing, but I really sympathise with any parent that finds themselves in a situation like that.” A young mother who has benefited from the baby bank expressed relief at the support received, describing it as a “struggle affording everything for baby and me.” She praised the welcoming atmosphere which helped her feel less isolated and more capable in her parenting efforts. Both Sinden and the NCT encourage families to seek assistance early and reassure parents that affordable formulas will still meet their babies’ nutritional needs
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