Formula Crisis Help

“Do’s & Don’ts” About the Formula Shortage

Financial Aide

DO Apply for emergency financial aide or consider social services for other family budget needs (for example getting extra diapers from a local diaper bank), so that you have the financial means to buy larger quantities of formula when supplies ARE available in your area.  

Breastmilk Banks

DO consider a local breastmilk bank to acquire or donate donor breastmilk.

Damaged Cans

DON’T use damaged or expired cans – do not buy or accept formula from anyone if the can is damaged or expired.  Infant formula sold at flea markets, internet auction sites and some e-commerce sites could be improperly stored or shipped, which can negatively affect the quality of the formula.

Facebook Groups

DO join local Facebook groups to stay informed of which local stores have formulas in stock.

Friends and Family

DO ask friends and family in other areas of the state or country to keep an eye out for baby formula in their areas, and ship formula to you if they find someone (or meet halfway in the middle, etc.)

Generic Brands 

DO consider generic or store-brand formulas if your baby doesn’t have special dietary needs (ask your pediatrician!).  Fed is fed and all formulas must meet national standards for nutritional requirements and safety protocols. 

Homemade Formula or Watered Down Formula

DON’T – Making homemade formula is a definite no-no. The American Association of Pediatrics strongly advises against making your own baby formula.  They do not meet infant nutritional needs.  The same goes for diluting baby formula with extra water to make it last longer.  Watering down formula can mess with your baby’s electrolyte balance and cause serious health issues.

Introduce Foods

DO ask your doctor if your baby is ready for foods.  Babies older than six months can start getting more nutrition from quality solid foods.

Mom & Pop Stores 

DO call/visit smaller stores.  Even if the big box retailers are generally sold out, you may be able to find formula by going in or calling your local small businesses.  Mom & pop pharmacies and local shops may have supplies still available. 

Plan With Pediatrician

DO call your pediatrician to create a short-term plan with options for your baby. 

Relactation

DO consider whether re-lactating would be feasible for your situation. If you have stopped breastfeeding within the last 3 months, you may be able to start your supply going again by very frequent nipple stimulation and skin-on-skin contact with your infant.  Getting an adequate supply can take a while and you should definitely work with a lactation consultant.  A lactation consultant can provide tips on restarting breast feeding and also advise you on how to make sure your baby is adequately fed throughout the process. 

Scams

DO visit  BBB.org  to check a business’s rating and BBB accreditation status before buying from a lesser known retailer. Impostors have been known to copy the BBB seal. If it is real, clicking on the seal will lead to the company’s BBB profile on BBB.org – check the domain of the URL.  Conduct an internet search with the company name and the word “scam.” This may locate other complaints about the site.  

Be especially cautious about email solicitations and online ads on social media sites. 

Shop Early  

DO visit stores first thing in the morning when they might have restocked overnight.  Shopping midweek can also sometimes work, after the weekend rush when shelves are a little better stocked.  

Talk to your local stores and find out when they expect to restock, or which day of the week their usual formula shipments come in.  

Toddler Formula

DO talk to your doctor about whether your baby is old enough to use toddler formula temporarily. If your infant is approaching one year old, your doctor might be okay with this, in a pinch. 

Whole Cow’s Milk

DO ask your pediatrician if your baby is old enough to begin the transition to whole cow’s milk.  If your baby is close to one year old, you may be able to switch them a little earlier. 

Major Chain Formula Limits

Major chains have been limiting how much formula any one customer can make.  This is to avoid hoarding and ensure other families have enough formula to feed their infants as well.

How Much Formula Can You Buy at:

Amazon

Unknown

CVS

Limit of 3 baby formula products per purchase in-person and online.

Target

Online, you are limited to 4 products per purchase. In store, there are no limits.

Walgreens

Limits of three per transaction on all infant and toddler formula to help improve inventory

Walmart

Limits of three per transaction on all infant and toddler formula