Achieving Baby-Friendly Initiative (BFI) designation demonstrates a facility’s commitment to providing evidence-based, equitable, and high-quality care for families during pregnancy, birth, and the early parenting period. Recognized globally, BFI supports improved maternal and infant health outcomes by embedding best practices into routine maternity and newborn care.
The designation process verifies that a facility has successfully implemented the BFI Standards and is meeting established benchmarks for quality care. Through an External Assessment, facilities demonstrate their commitment to continuous quality improvement and ongoing support for families.
Explore the pathway below for an overview of the designation process or refer to the full Baby-Friendly Initiative Process & Costs for Canadian Hospitals, Birthing Centres, and Community Health Services document for detailed requirements, timelines, and fees (prices effective January 2027).
Questions? Contact the BFI Assessment Committee.
Initiation & Preparation
- Sign MOU with BCC
- Assigned independent BCC BFI Mentor
- Participate in orientation session
- Access interview guides via BFI Platform
Data Collection & Evaluation (6 Weeks)
- Complete interviews using BFI interview guides (staff & patients/clients)
- Submit required data:
- Infant feeding statistics
- Infant feeding policy
- Family resources
- Facility demographics
- Mentor reviews submitted data and interview results
Site Visit & External Assessment Outcome
- Second Mentor conducts site visit (in-person or virtual)
- Findings reviewed with facility and BFI Assessment Committee
- External Assessment Report completed
- Outcome: Baby-Friendly Designation (valid for 5 years) or Conditional Designation (action plan required)
Years 1-4 Post-Designation
- Submit BFI Annual Report
5-yrs Post-Designation: Decision Point
- Proceed with Re- Designation
- Re-Enter Recognition Program
- Pause or discontinue BFI Implementation
Post-Designation Supports
- Dedicated BCC BFI Mentor
- BFI Platform, tools & eLearning
- National collaboration