Impacted by the Infant Formula Shortage?

The recent recall of several varieties of formula and the existing supply chain issues have resulted in a nationwide infant formula shortage.

Need Infant Formula?

Here are some tips for families looking for formula during this challenging time:

Consider alternative brands/store brands

If your baby isn’t on an extensively hydrolyzed or amino acid-based formula, consider alternative brands and store brands. Similac and Mead Johnson are the major brand name formula manufacturers. But all infant formula made and sold in the United States needs to meet the minimum nutrient and quality standards as dictated by the Infant Formula Act of 1980. Store brands are a safe and often cheaper option for many types of infant formula.

Look at smaller stores and pharmacies

Big box stores like Target and Walmart may be feeling the effects of the supply chain issues more than smaller stores and pharmacies.

Network During the Infant Formula Shortage

Reach out to family and friends who can check stores in their areas. Facebook and other social media groups can help to broaden your reach. One innovative mom has taken crowdsourcing even further and started a website Formulafinder.org to share formula sightings.

Make sure that what you’re feeding your baby is safe and nutritious

• Do not water down infant formula to make it last longer. Diluting it could result in dangerous nutrient imbalances for your baby. Formula should always be prepared as instructed on the can or as advised by your health care provider.
• Do not replace formula with other foods or drinks. Breast milk and infant formula are intended as the sole source of nutrition for the first six months of life. They are also the primary source of nutrition for the first year of life.
• Do not make homemade infant formula. Homemade recipes aren’t safe and can lack essential nutrients for growing babies.
• Do not buy formula online that comes from outside the U.S. Imported formula is not FDA reviewed and may not meet the strict safety and nutrition standards required in the U.S. There’s even a risk of receiving mislabeled or counterfeit products.

If you’re having difficulty affording formula, find out if you qualify for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). Food pantries may receive donations of formula so can help families in need.

If you’re still having difficulty finding formula, reach out to your health care provider who may have a small supply of formula samples for emergency situations.

Guest Blogger: Susan Tripp, MS, RD, LDN, CSNC, Neonatal Registered Dietitian, UMass Memorial Medical Center – Children’s Medical Center Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

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