Baby Feeding Bank
Breast Feeding
We support breastfeeding mums by providing the following essentials to help them with their breastfeeding journey:
- Manual breast pumps
- Sterilisation equipment
- Bottles
- Muslins and bibs
Formula Feeding
We support formula feeding mums by providing the following essentials to help them with their formula feeding journey:
- First Infant Formula
- Sterilisation equipment
- Bottles
- Muslins and bibs
We only provide first infant formula where a baby is already established on formula feeding.
Weaning
We also provide the following essentials to help families with the process for those children aged 6 months and above: weaning
- Weaning packs (including cups, plates, bowls, knives, and forks)
- Highchairs
- Tableware
Baby Feeding Bank Referrals
Referrals to our Baby Feeding Bank can be made using our Professional Referral Form and should be filled and submitted by a midwife, health visitor, social worker, or other front-line professional.
Families can be referred for First Infant Formula when required.
Baby Feeding Bank Donations
We are always incredibly grateful for your donations!
If you are able to make a donation of formula to our Baby Feeding Bank, we are able to accept:
- First Infant Formula only (as this is suitable for babies up to 12 months old)
- Unopened formula that is not damaged or spoiled
- Has a minimum of 3 months before its expiry date.
- Dry-powder (not ready-to-feed formula)
We accept the following first infant formulas as these are most requested by the families we support:
- SMA
- Aptamil
- Cow & Gate
- Mamia
- Kendamil
Baby Feeding Bank FAQs
By supporting mums through their formula feeding or breastfeeding journeys through to weaning
We respect a mum’s right to choose whether to formula feed or breastfeed their babies based on what is right for them and their baby.
At KidsBank we support both formula feeding mums and breastfeeding mums by providing them with the essentials to feed their babies during this time. We also provide weaning packs and other equipment to families to help with weaning.
By supporting the breastfeeding mum.
We understand that breastfeeding is the ideal nutritional start for babies. We respect and support a mums’ right to choose what feeding journey is best for her and her baby.
At KidsBank we support breastfeeding mums by providing the following essentials to help them with their breastfeeding journey:
- Breast pumps
- Breast pump sterilisation equipment
- Bottles
- Bottle sterilisation equipment
By supporting the formula feeding mum.
We understand that for many reasons breastfeeding is not always an option for mums. We respect and support a mums’ right to choose what feeding journey is best for her and her baby.
At KidsBank we support formula feeding mums by providing the following essentials to help them with their formula feeding journey:
- First Infant Formula
- Bottles
- Bottle sterilisation equipment
We only provide first infant formula as it is suitable for babies up to one year of age. We provide first instant formula to those families in need whose baby is established on formula feeding.
Babies up to one year of age
Babies who receive all or part of their nutrition from infant formula must have that need met up until the age of 1, when they can transition to full fat cow’s milk.
First infant milk is suitable for babies up to one year
First infant milk, or stage 1 infant formula, usually has a large number 1 on the box or tin. It is suitable for babies up to one year of age.
At KidsBank we can only accept new, unopened first infant formula that has a minimum of 3 months remaining on the use by date.
All brands meet the same nutritional standards
All infant formula is subject to strict legal guidelines regarding the composition and manufacture. Therefore, all brands must meet the same nutritional guidelines.
At KidsBank, we accept donations of the following first infant formulas as these are most requested by the families we support:
- SMA
- Aptamil
- Cow & Gate
- Mamia
- Kendamil
Where a baby needs a special formula, they must speak with their health care provider
Some specialist formulas are available on prescription while others can be purchased over the counter. If a family feels their baby needs such formula, they may speak with their health care provider, such as their Midwife, Health Visitor or GP.
KidsBank provide first infant formula only. We are unable to provide any other formula milks or specialist formulas.
Yes, food and baby banks can accept and provide formula to families in need
The national and international laws governing infant feeding recognise, and include allowances for, the acceptance and provision of infant formula to formula fed babies.
At KidsBank, we provide first infant formula as it is suitable for babies up to one year of age. We provide first instant formula to those families in need whose baby is established on formula feeding.
We have reviewed guidance from UNICEF and charity Feed in establishing our Baby Feeding Bank
The national and international laws governing infant feeding recognise, and include allowances for, the acceptance and provision of infant formula to formula fed babies.
UNICEF raised concerns that young babies could accidentally be given the wrong kind of formula by volunteers and staff. This is one of the main reasons why many Food and Baby Banks do not provide formula.
When establishing our Baby Feeding Bank, we reviewed UNICEF guidance, along with that of UK charity Feed whose guidelines are endorsed by the British Pregnancy Advisory Service. The guidelines provided by Feed UK are in accordance with the laws governing infant formula, the frameworks described by the Royal College of Midwives and the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health.
Our procedures relating to our Baby Feeding Bank are in accordance with the guidance provided by Feed.
We provide weaning packs and equipment to support weaning for children aged 6 months and above
At KidsBank we want to support families through the early stages of feeding by providing essentials for both formula feeding and breast-feeding mums.
We also provide the following essentials to help families with the process for those children aged 6 months and above: weaning
- Weaning packs (including cups, plates, bowls, knives, and forks)
- Highchairs
We are always incredibly grateful for your donations!
If you are able to make a donation of formula to our Baby Feeding Bank, we are able to accept:
- First Infant Formula only (as this is suitable for babies up to 12 months old)
- Unopened formula that is not damaged or spoiled
- Has a minimum of 3 months before its expiry date.
- Dry-powder (not ready-to-feed formula)
We acept the following first infant formulas as these are most requested by the families we support:
- SMA
- Aptamil
- Cow & Gate
- Mamia
- Kendamil
DISCLAIMER
Supply of First Infant Formula requested as part of a referral
First Infant Formula products will be provided in good condition, and we cannot accept responsibility where they have been inappropriately stored or handled following delivery.
Although we take all reasonable care to ensure that the First Infant Formula supplied is as requested, is supplied within use-by dates and is in good condition, parents are advised to check the product, label, and packaging to ensure prior to use.
Parents are advised to read the product label to ensure they are following the most up-to-date information. This is especially important if a baby has an allergy or intolerance. Allergen information can be found highlighted in the ingredients list on the back of pack.
KidsBank will not be liable, in contract, tort (including, without limitation, negligence), pre-contract or other representations (other than fraudulent on negligent misrepresentations) or otherwise out of or in connection with the supply of Infant Formula.