Abstract Background There is growing evidence that the ‘corporate political activity' (CPA) of the food industry is a major barrier to the development and implementation of public health policies to promote healthy food environments. The CPA, by targeting the public and health professionals, amongst others, could also promote the consumption of industrial foods, including ultra-processed ones, which is known to lead to ill-health. The purpose of the present study was to map the actors, history and the CPA of the baby food industry in France. Methods The study consisted of an analysis of publicly available information for data published between May 2019 and April 2021. Interviews with key informants from academia, civil society and the government served to triangulate that information. For both parts of the study, a qualitative thematic analysis was conducted, using an existing classification of the CPA. Results During the study period, Danone and Nestlé used action-based ‘instrumental strategies'. The most prominent strategy was ‘information strategy', used to fund, produce, and disseminate industry-preferred information. Danone and Nestlé were further found to ‘establish relationships with key opinion leaders and health organisations', such as pediatric societies, ‘seek involvement in community', especially during the Covid-19 crisis and used voluntary commitments, a practice that may help avoid the mandatory regulation of their harmful products and practices. The companies also employed argument-based ‘discursive strategies' to frame the debate on diet- and public health-related issues. Conclusions These findings can be used to recognize, anticipate, and address CPA practices that may negatively influence infant, child and maternal health, by ensuring that the commercial interests of the industry do not prevail over public health goals. Key messages The baby food industry uses a range of political practices in France, which may negatively influence infant, child and maternal health. This study seeks to uncover and describe these practices. This research will serve us both for the political environment, an advocacy work, but also to broaden scientific knowledge on the subject, in France and internationally.