A Swansea University study reveals soaring infant formula costs are causing financial strain and dangerous feeding choices among UK families, raising concerns over child welfare and maternal mental health.
Rising infant formula prices are leaving some parents in debt, worsening anxiety and, in some cases, driving them towards feeding choices that researchers say could put babies at risk. A Swansea University study of 281 parents across the UK found that the cost of formula was affecting almost every family surveyed, with some respondents describing guilt, isolation and even regret at having a child.
The findings, funded by the Medical Research Council, suggest the strain is not limited to household budgets. Researchers said parents often spoke of the emotional toll of trying to keep up with formula costs, especially when breastfeeding had not been possible or support had fallen short. One parent told the researchers: “Sometimes I regret having this baby and I feel awful about having those thoughts because I love her so much but I’m not a good mum to her.”
The study also found signs of financial pressure becoming dangerous. Nearly 40% of parents reported unsafe practices such as reusing leftover formula, adding extra water or cutting back on sterilisation. About 43% said they had fallen behind on bills and 47% had taken on debts they struggled to repay. Others said they introduced solid food too early or moved to formula designed for older infants in search of cheaper options, while around 1 in 10 admitted taking formula from a shop without paying.
Amy Brown, the Swansea professor who led the research, said formula prices had already been high before the cost-of-living crisis and rose by as much as 45% between 2021 and 2023. Her comments echo concerns raised by the Competition and Markets Authority, which has said infant formula prices increased faster than costs in a concentrated market dominated by a small number of suppliers. The watchdog has also scrutinised supermarket loyalty schemes as part of a wider look at grocery pricing and competition.
Brown said the issue could not be treated as a discretionary spending choice because formula is essential when a baby is not breastfed or is only partially breastfed. The researchers argued that families need better feeding support as well as reliable access to affordable products, warning that the current situation is leaving some mothers feeling as if they have failed twice: first when breastfeeding did not work out, and again when formula itself became unaffordable.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
