Following recent media reports regarding Gill Rapley?s work on baby-led weaning, UNICEF would like to confirm the following:
Gill Rapley is the Deputy Director of the UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative, which works with the health service to implement best practice around breastfeeding. UNICEF, the World Health Organisation, and the UK Government, recommend that babies should be fed on breastmilk alone for the first six months of life.
Gill?s work on baby-led weaning is carried out independently of and separately from her work with UNICEF, on the basis of having been a health visitor for more than 25 years and having carried out her own research. Her views on baby-led weaning are her own views, and not necessarily the views of UNICEF UK or the Baby Friendly Initiative.
It is not in the remit of UNICEF UK or the Baby Friendly Initiative to advise on the introduction of solid foods for babies, other than to recommend six months exclusive breastfeeding.