‘We make a mistake with shoes [that's no problem] but… not with baby milk’: Facilitators of good and poor practice in distribution of infant formula in the 2014–2016 refugee crisis in Europe

The Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies Operational Guidance (OG‐IFE) gives direction on providing aid to meet infants' and young children's feeding needs in emergencies. Because of the risks associated with formula feeding, the OG‐IFE provides limited circumstances when infant formula should be provided in aid. However, distributions against this guidance are common, reducing breastfeeding so risking increased infant morbidity and mortality. This study sought to identify factors that contributed to following (‘good practice’) or not following (‘poor practice’) the OG‐IFE regarding infant formula distribution in the 2014–16 refugee crisis in Europe. Thirty‐three individuals who supported, coordinated, or implemented infant feeding support in the Crisis were interviewed regarding their experiences and views. Reflexive thematic analysis of transcribed interviews was undertaken. It was identified that presence of breastfeeding support, presence of properly implemented formula feeding programmes, understanding that maternal choice to formula feed should be considered within the risk context of the emergency, and positive personal experiences of breastfeeding contributed to good practice. Presence of infant formula donations, absence of properly managed formula feeding programmes, belief that maternal choice to formula feed is paramount and should be facilitated, and personal experience of insurmountable breastfeeding challenges and/or formula feeding contributed to poor practice. Governments, humanitarian organisations, and donors should ensure that infant and young child feeding in emergencies preparedness and programmes are adequately resourced. Emergency responders should be appropriately trained with training including infant feeding experience debriefing. Health and emergency organisations should provide maternity protections enabling employees to breastfeed as recommended.