The Fidelis Care Blog

Tips to Help Parents with the Nationwide Shortage of Infant Formulas

5/17/2022 • Posted by Dr. Lisa Moreno, Medical Director at Fidelis Care in Children's Health, Health and Wellness, In The Community

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, roughly 1 in 4 parents exclusively breastfeed their children up to the age of 6 months, leaving the majority of parents and caregivers at least partially dependent on formula.

With the current shortages of infant formulas, it is important to know there are resources available to help parents with feeding babies that are not exclusively breastfed. The shortages have been largely caused by supply chain issues and a recall from February 2021 after four babies developed bacterial infections from consuming several infant formulas.

Pediatrician and Fidelis Care Medical Director, Dr. Lisa Moreno, offers the following tips for families that may be facing a limited supply of formula for their baby.

WHAT TO DO:

Talk with your pediatrician and ask if they can get the infant formula from the local brand representatives or a local charity organization. Your local WIC office may also be able to suggest places to look.
Check smaller stores and local community pharmacies, which may not be out of supply when the bigger stores are.
If you can afford it, buy formula online until store shortages ease. Purchase from well-recognized distributors and pharmacies rather than individually sold or auction sites. Do not import formula from overseas, since imported formula is not FDA-reviewed.
For most babies, it is OK to switch to any available formula, including generic store brands, unless your baby is on a specific extensively hydrolyzed or amino acid-based formula. Ask your pediatrician about recommended specialty formula alternatives available for your baby.
When switching to appropriate formula substitutes, give your baby time to adjust to a new formula. It is normal for babies to be fussy or gassy at first.
Check social media groups. There are groups dedicated to infant feeding and parenting, and members may have ideas for where to find formula. Make sure to check any advice with your pediatrician

WHAT NOT TO DO:

Do not make a homemade formula. This is not safe for your baby as there are specific nutritional needs for an infant. Laws and other government rules make sure that all infant formula sold in stores meets very strict rules about their ingredients, to make sure it supports healthy growth and development.
Do not switch to cow’s milk or other milk substitutes from the dairy section of the grocery store, such as almond or soy beverages (sometimes labeled as milk) for babies less than 12 months of age.
Do not use imported formulas from other countries that are not reviewed by the FDA.
Do not water down formulas. This includes adding more water when mixing powdered formula or adding extra water to ready-to-serve, non-concentrated liquid formula. This affects the nutrition your baby is getting.
Do not purchase expired or damaged cans. Check expiration dates.
Do not use toddler formulas for babies less than 12 months old as there are different nutritional needs and toddler formulas do not need to be reviewed by the FDA.

AAP UPDATE WITH INFANT FORMULA SHORTAGE

Given the recent baby formula shortage, the Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), has provided some new revised recommendations.

Cow’s milk is a temporary option of older infants as long as they are not on specialty formula. It is noted that although cow’s milk formula is not ideal, it is a better option than diluting formula or trying to make it at home. If cow’s milk is to be used, the AAP states that it should be limited to 24 ounces per day. This is not ideal and should not become routine.
Toddler formulas can be substituted for a few days for infants closer to 1 year of age.
Formulas designed for babies who were born premature (and have "catch-up" growth to do) can safely be used for a few weeks to feed full-term babies if nothing else is available.

Remember to always contact your pediatrician if you have any questions about your child’s nutrition.