Can’t Find Infant Formula?

 

The nationwide shortage of infant formula has intensified since Dr. Brian Donnelly alerted us to the problem on The PediaBlog back in February. Stores running low in supply or out-of-stock have been warned that things may not be back to normal until the end of the year. Joe Hernandez points to supply chain challenges exacerbated by the pandemic and product recalls for contamination for creating this “incredibly stressful” situation for parents who feed their babies formula:

During the first week of May, the average out-of-stock rate for baby formula at retailers across the country was 43%, according to data from the firm Datasembly, which collected information from more than 11,000 sellers.

In late April, the rate was even higher in some states, with an out-of-stock rate over 50% in Iowa, South Dakota, North Dakota, Missouri, Texas and Tennessee.

 

While the Food and Drug Administration is working with manufacturers and retailers to alleviate the problem, the American Academy of Pediatrics last week offered tips to worried parents having difficulty finding infant formula in the grocery store:

• Check smaller stores and pharmacies when bigger stores run out.

• Search for formulas to buy online. Only use recognized distributors and pharmacies.

• Avoid infant formula from overseas since they are not FDA-reviewed. (98% of infant formula consumed in the U.S. is made here. On Monday, the FDA announced it was relaxing restrictions on imported formula coming mostly from Mexico, Ireland, and the Netherlands to ease the shortage.)

• Most babies can safely switch to another brand of formula, including store brands. However, some babies depend on specialty formulas (eg. extensively hydrolyzed and amino acid formulations) that may be brand-specific and have no store brand options. When in doubt, check with the pediatrician.

• Check social media groups for news on where to find formula.

• If possible, consider borrowing a can from a friend.

• Always ask your pediatrician’s office if they have samples available.

 

In February, Dr. Donnelly encouraged parents to be creative:

But don’t be too creative. Other dangers lurk. If you search online for infant formula options, you may see claims that other milks are healthy alternatives. Such claims have been made for coconut milk, rice milk, goat’s milk, and even camel’s milk. Best advice: Don’t buy it. And please remember that cow’s milk is not recommended before the age of 12 months because of its link with anemia.

 

The AAP has modified its position on using cow’s milk during the formula supply shortage:

If your child is older than 6 months of age and is usually on regular formula (not a specialty product for allergies or other special health needs), this may be an option. In a pinch, you could feed them whole cow’s milk for a brief period of time until the shortage is better. This is not ideal and should not become routine. However, it is a better option than diluting formula or making homemade formula.

 

The AAP reminds parents and caregivers that putting more water in baby formula is dangerous:

While it may be tempting to water down formula to stretch it out, you should never do that! Always follow label instructions or those given to you by your pediatrician. Watering down formula is dangerous. It can cause nutritional imbalances in your baby and lead to serious health problems. Always mix formula as directed by the manufacturer.

 

And don’t try to make your own baby formula at home:

The AAP strongly advises against homemade formula. Although recipes for homemade formulas circulating on the internet may seem healthy or less expensive, they are not safe and do not meet your baby’s nutritional needs. Infant deaths have been reported from use of some homemade formulas.

 

There are other alternatives to infant formula that parents might consider. Toddler formulas aren’t recommended for infants but can be used in a pinch for a few days in babies nearing one year of age. And remember that using goat’s milk and raw, unpasteurized cow’s milk is strongly frowned upon by pediatricians and food safety experts. Plant-based milks (almond, oat, coconut, etc.) should also be avoided in infants since they are low in protein and minerals.

The AAP has one final reminder to keep bellies full and babies growing:

Don’t hesitate to talk with your pediatrician if you have any concerns you have about your baby’s health and nutrition. If your child has special health needs, be sure to check with their doctor about medically appropriate and safe feeding alternatives.

 

Read more about managing the infant formula shortage safely from the AAP here.

 

(Google Images)

 

source http://www.thepediablog.com/2022/05/18/cant-find-infant-formula/