Baby Milk

Breast milk remains the best source of nutrition to aid a baby's development and there is lots of support available to mums who choose to breast feed their babies.

However, for those who choose to bottle feed, there is a wide range of milk formulas available in shops, supermarkets and chemists across Barnsley, including Cow and Gate Plus and Premium, SMA Gold and White, Farley's 1st and 2nd milk and Milumil. Soya milk formulas are also available on prescription for milk intolerant babies.  In addition, parents can buy milk formulas at 'baby clinic' sessions held in local health centres/clinics, usually between 9 and 5 from Monday to Friday. 

The cost of milk formula varies between shops and supermarkets. With proof of Working Families Tax Credit, the cost for any tin in a Primary Care Centre (clinic) will be less than that on the high street, but you can only buy one tin per week at this reduced rate. If you are receiving benefits, such as Income Support or Child Tax Credit, and have a child under one year old, then you will be entitled to free baby milk, which you can obtain from clinics using baby milk tokens. You must make sure that you take proof of ID with you and that the milk tokens are correctly dated.

Helplines

• Breast Feeding Co-ordinator (Angie Sherridan) on 01226-777022
• The telephone numbers of local clinics are listed in the phone book - contact them directly for 'baby clinic' sessions.
• Information for parents about milk formulas is available from health visitors, clinic notice boards, parenting publications, and in the parent held child record (red book).
• Children's Services Manager on 01226 775811.

Legislation

A local public health initiative resulted in the withdrawal of cash sales of artificial baby milk through 'baby clinics' in 2005. It is still possible for parents in receipt of benefits to purchase milk at clinics using milk tokens. Baby milk formulas remain available through all other sources on the high street.

Websites

Barnsley NHS