Tips for Dealing with the Baby Formula Shortage
- Posted on: Jun 9 2022
The United States is currently experiencing a baby formula shortage. This has left many families scrambling and desperately searching for available baby formula. There have been social media groups started to help families find out when stores receive new stocks of formula but oftentimes by the time families can get to the store, the formula is already sold out. Families are anxious about how they are going to feed their babies. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is recommending the following tips to help families find safe formula substitutes for their children.
1. Talk to Your Pediatrician
If you are struggling to find formula for your baby, call your pediatrician’s office. They may be able to help, recommend a formula substitute, or recommend an appropriate short-term option for your child. This is especially important if your child has any allergies, feeding concerns, or special needs.
2. Try a New Brand of Formula
Most children will do okay trying a new brand of formula. It is recommended that you stick with the same type of formula such as cow’s milk-based, soy, hypoallergenic, or elemental. Talk with your pediatrician’s office to see what they recommend as a substitute for your child. If your child seems to not like the taste or has a difficult time tolerating a new formula try the following methods:
- Gradually introduce the new formula by mixing it with your current formula
- Give your baby some time to get used to a new formula
- If your child is experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, gas, weight loss, constipation, mucous or blood in their bowel movement then call their pediatrician for further guidance
3. Explore Breast Milk Resources
Check out if there are any local breast milk banks in your area. These milk banks should be accredited by the Human Milk Banking Association of America. It is not recommended to share breast milk with others or buy breast milk on the internet because it may not be safe.
4. Consider Formula Made in Other Countries Which Will Soon Be Available in US Stores
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved some baby formula brands from other counties to be sent and sold in the United States. You will soon see these formulas on the shelves at stores in the US. It is not recommended to buy these formulas from the internet due to possible counterfeit scams.
5. Avoid these Practices
It is recommended to avoid the following practices to keep your children safe and help reduce the burden for other families also.
- Don’t Make Homemade Formula
- Don’t Water Formula Down
- Don’t Ignore “Best By” or “Use By” Dates
- Don’t Buy More Formula Than You Need
For more information or to read the original article from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, click here.
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Posted in: Obstetrics