Forced Feeding an Infant Is a Child Protection Emergency
A video was sent to our association that appears to show an infant being force-fed. We find that deeply disturbing. Babies depend on adults for safety, and feeding should never become a moment of fear or physical pressure.
Safe feeding is based on trust, patience, and close observation. When a baby resists, coughs, turns away, or becomes distressed, the adult should pause and respond carefully. Force can increase the risk of choking, aspiration, and emotional distress, especially when the child is too young to explain what is happening.
For us, this is not only a question of parenting style. It is a child protection issue. Feeding is part of the earliest relationship a baby forms with a caregiver, and that relationship should be built on care, attention, and respect for the child’s signals. Practices that override those signals deserve urgent scrutiny.
We invite readers to share what they think. We also welcome the views of parents, health professionals, child-rights advocates, and other stakeholders so we can confront harmful practices, gather evidence, and prepare reports that support better safeguarding standards.
We are calling for immediate international attention and cooperation to help stop any feeding practice that puts babies at risk. If you have expertise, concerns, or experience related to this issue, please share your perspective with us and help push for safer, more accountable care.