Shelves across the U.S. where baby formula should be are nearly empty, like this one at a Target store in Orlando. What are parents supposed to do? |
The infant formula shortage in the U.S. came to a head this spring as a result of ongoing supply chain disruptions — issues outside the infant formula production industry — combined with a recall of several major brands of powdered formula. All of this was further exacerbated because many parents stockpiled powdered formula during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Abbott Nutrition recalled several brands of its powdered formula and shut down its Sturgis, Michigan, production facility when federal officials investigating four babies with bacterial infections (two of whom died) consumed products made at the facility. Since Abbott is one of the companies producing most of the U.S. formula supply, the recall took much of the formula inventory. In some states, between 40 and 50 percent of infant formula products were pulled from shelves.
President Joe Biden announced this week that the federal government is working with manufacturers to increase production of formula and help families access existing stock. But hungry babies don't care about supply chains, inventory and price gouging; they just want to be fed. And their parents want to feed them. They also have questions.
Can I just add a little more water to make the formula last a little longer? Is it possible to make my own formula? If so, what's the recipe? Some moms have even attempted to start breastfeeding their babies again.
We checked in with Dr. Bob Shelley, associate dean of student affairs and director of admissions on the Savannah campus of Mercer University School of Medicine. Shelley is also a pediatrician by training who practiced in Savannah from 1986 until 2015. Like any good doctor, he is extremely sympathetic to the situation parents find themselves in and encourages them to seek the advice of their pediatrician or health care provider.
Where to Look for Formula
"If parents speak to their pediatrician, they may be able to assist them in finding formula, get them samples or let them know where formula seems to be in stock, so I would encourage families to do that," Shelley says.
Shelley says for those parents who don't have a pediatrician, the local Women, Infants and Children (WIC) office may also be able to suggest places to look. But he says to put your smartphone and social media to work for you.
"The companies that make Similac and Enfamil have apparently developed apps that parents can download," Shelley adds. "[These apps] are supposed to be able to assist families in finding the formula. While there was a recall on Similac some time ago, the Similac that is in the stores now should be completely safe to use as long as it has not reached its expiration date. I am told there are Facebook groups for moms where people help each other find formula as well."
Also if you find formula, don't buy more than you need. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests parents buy no more than a 10-day to two-week supply to help ease the shortage.
Shelley is adamant on one point: Stick to buying formula domestically.
"I would certainly not recommend purchasing formula from international markets" he says. "The FDA has stringent guidelines for formula, and you would be losing those protections."
Baby formula is just that, an exact formula, so the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) advises against parents making their own. |
Can I Make My Own Formula?
Should You Try to Breastfeed Again?
- Hand express/pump at least eight to 12 times per day for 20 to 30 minutes, including at night.
- If your baby will latch on, give them the breast before and after each feeding.
- Put your baby to your breast instead of using pacifier. The sucking helps build your milk supply.