Let's keep it real! Being a new mom can be a stressful time and this baby formula shortage is not HELPING!
With a lot of the Alli.C community being mommy's who are using baby formula, breast milk, or both to feed their little ones. We want to take some stress off you and make sure you have accurate up-to-date information on the USA baby formula shortage and know who to contact if your baby needs formula or breast milk now.
If the shelves are bare of your favorite baby formula brand and your baby doesn't have specific formula needs, try a new brand. Most babies do fine with different formula brands (even the store brand) if they're the same type. For example:
- Soy formula
- Cow milk-base formula
- Elemental (amino acid-based) formula
- Hypoallergenic (extensively hydrolyzed) formula
Click here for a list of comparable formulas developed by NASPGHAN an organization of pediatric gastroenterologists. Note this list was developed at the start of the Abbott factory closure.
Try Baby formula made in another country. The United States government is in the process of having formula manufactures in Germany ship product here. The formula will be available in doctor offices and hospitals first but will soon be on store shelves. The FDA has allowed these formula companies to market in the United States. When using baby formula made in other countries read the mixing instructions carefully for preparing powdered formulas. They may require different amounts of powder or water than formulas made in the U.S.
- Use the FDA's conversion chart to convert milliliters to fluid ounces and common conversions from Celsius (°C) to Fahrenheit (°F)
- Be vigilant when buying baby formula made outside of the U.S. from online marketplaces they can be counterfeit use this link to learn how to spot frauds
If you prefer breast milk over baby formula but you aren’t producing enough milk supply to keep up with your baby’s demand, try a local milk bank that is accredited through the Human Milk Banking Association of North America, donors have been screened for infectious disease and contamination risk.
Always talk to your baby's pediatrician first, and if your child needs medical specialty baby formula submit an urgent request here.
All our information is sourced through the Department of Health and Human Services, American Academy of Pediatrics, and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition.
Hope you find this information helpful and it consolidates all the information that's been in the news. We pray this crisis is over soon, but in the meantime, stay healthy and love on your precious babies.
For additional resources:
- Contact your local CAA they may be able to give you baby formula or connect you with local agencies that have formula.
- Call United Way at 2-1-1 they can connect you to a community resource specialist who may be able to help you find local food pantries and other sources of baby formula.
- Join the Alli.C mailing list to stay up-to-date