This is a free buyer’s guide from Ethical Consumer, the UK’s leading alternative consumer organisation. They research the social and environmental records of companies.

Milk and money

Bryony Moore takes a close look at the companies trusted to provide nourishment for babies and toddlers, while Yasmin Hosny uncovers the truth about baby milk marketing in the UK.

The breastfeeding versus bottlefeeding debate is not one which Ethical Consumer would like to pass judgement on, depending as it does on parents’ differing lifestyles and situations. On the other hand, we’re more than happy to delve into the dark story of the commodification of baby nutrition.

Baby Milk

Baby milk, or formula, is a complicated business. Infant nutrition is such an important thing and babies require a complex blend of nutrients. Which is probably why there are relatively few manufacturers out there. It’s also a very sensitive issue. Mothers often feel guilty when they are unable to breastfeed, feeling pressure from friends, family or health professionals. At the same time, through the use of heavy marketing, big baby milk companies coerce mothers into believing that formula is better for their baby than breastmilk, causing problems both in the global South and here in the UK, as Yasmin Hosny discusses later.

Please visit http://www.ethicalconsumer.org/FreeBuyersGuides/babychild/babymilkandformula.aspx for the rest of the information and links to research.