Infant formula shortage: Tips and resources

Like many families around the country, the nationwide infant formula shortage is causing panic and stress for parents and caregivers trying their best to keep their infants happy, healthy and fed.

If you’re having difficulty finding formula, here are some tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics. And here’s what providers at Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital recommend:

“This is a scary time for many families, on top of everything else that makes caring for an infant stressful,” says Andrea Donalty, MD, FAAP, medical director of Mary Bridge Children’s primary care network. “We strongly encourage families to not dilute formula or make homemade recipes as those things can do more harm than good for your child. The best thing to do is to talk to your child’s pediatrician for appropriate alternatives for your child’s needs and for resources that might be available.”

Here are answers to common questions about the shortage:

• Can I give my infant another formula? It depends. In most cases, especially if you’re switching from a name brand to a private label, this may be OK, but it depends on your child and their dietary sensitivities. Always give a formula that is age-appropriate and check with your pediatrician first. Generally speaking, if your child is not on a specific formula for health reasons, any formula, including generic store brands, would be acceptable. All infant formulas sold in US stores meet very strict rules about ingredients as well as regulations on the manufacturing and storage.
• Is cow’s milk a safe alternative? Again, it depends. For infants closer to 12 months old, whole milk can be a safe alternative to formula, but it’s not advised for infants younger than 12 months on a regular basis.
• What about other milk alternatives? For infants younger than 12 months, it’s not advised to give milk substitutes, whether animal milks or plant milks. These can be deficient in essential nutrients for your child’s growth and health.
• Is it dangerous to dilute formula? Yes. Unless your child’s pediatrician instructs you otherwise, always follow the recommended water-to-formula ratios. Otherwise, your infant will not get adequate nutrition. For young infants in particular, adding more water can have serious health effects.
• Can I get help at the emergency room? The emergency room can provide IV fluids if your infant is dehydrated, but in most cases related to the formula shortage, we cannot provide any resources that your child’s pediatrician wouldn’t also be able to.

Resources to consider if you cannot find infant formula:

• WIC authorized formula brands and varieties
• DOH list of formula brand substitutions
• Help Me Grow Washington Hotline
• Dial 211 to be connected to a community resource specialist to help find local resources.

If you or your family is in need of WIC supplemental nutrition program services or assistance, please visit the Mary Bridge Children’s WIC Nutrition Services, or if you’re outside Pierce County, call 800-841-1410.

To find a primary care provider for your child, visit Mary Bridge Children’s provider page or call 253-792-6630.