What you need to know about the baby formula shortage

Baby formula supplies are down nationwide due to supply chain issues and a safety recall, leaving many families in a lurch when it comes to feeding newborns and infants. Before their first birthday, infants rely on either breastmilk or formula as their primary source of nutrition.

While Abbott Laboratories, a major nutrition supplier, said it has reached an agreement with the Food and Drug Administration to reopen its infant formula plant, it will take several more weeks for the formula to make its way onto shelves.

“Once the affected manufacturing plant reopens, it will be about six to eight weeks before we really see improvement in the supply chain,” said Laura Gearman, RD, pediatric dietician at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital. “Ready to feed infant formulas have remained in good supply throughout the last few months. It’s often specialized formulas that have been more difficult to obtain, and we don’t see that improving in the near future.”

While supplies are low, healthcare providers are here to help families who are struggling to find what they need. Gearman provided the following advice for finding formula and formula substitutions.

Don’t dilute or make your own

While it may be tempting to dilute formula to make it last longer, Gearman says it’s important to not add water to your formula.

“Adding water will decrease the amount of nutrients a baby receives which can slow growth and development,” Gearman said. “Additionally, extra water may disrupt electrolyte and mineral balances which can lead to acute adverse health effects.”

Gearman also advised against making your own formula at home, for several reasons:

• Infant formulas are tightly regulated in the United States to contain appropriate amounts of the nutrients that are essential for growing infants.
• Even if alternative products appear to have enough of essential nutrients like protein, iron, calcium and vitamin D, infants are likely to have difficulty absorbing these nutrients from sources outside of infant formulas and they may not be in appropriate ratios to promote optimal growth.
• Infants consuming homemade infant formulas are more susceptible to foodborne illness if ingredients are not handled safely.

Gearman said to use caution when considering formulas manufactured outside of the United States that are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not subject to regulations for safe storage and shipping and are not subject to the same requirements for essential nutrients as FDA-approved formulas.

Options during the formula shortage

If you’ve been using a certain brand of formula, but you’re now unable to find it, the Minnesota Department of Health has compiled guidance on potential substitutes. Store brand formulas are very similar to brand-name formulas.

We also have suggestions for other formulas your baby could try in the chart below:

If your baby is on a special formula like Elecare, PurAmino DHA & ARA, Nutricia Neocate Formula, or Alfamino Infant formula, ask your baby’s doctor for alternatives.

“While it may be tempting to buy as much formula as possible, it’s important for people not to stockpile,” said Gearman. “Only purchase what you need for the immediate future.”

Additionally, many stores are now limiting the amount of formula that can be purchased at a time.

Other advice if you’re having trouble finding formula:

• Ready-to-feed formulas are a little easier to find, though they’re more expensive.
• If you can, try checking smaller stores or online options to buy formula.
• We don’t recommend using social media connections or auction sites for buying formula. They may not be safe.
• Your local Minnesota Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC) office may have additional suggestions.

If your baby is nearing their first birthday, Gearman says to ask your provider about switching to whole foods and milk. Infants typically make this switch after their first birthday, but it may be possible to begin the transition or use a formula targeted for toddler-age children sooner based on your provider’s recommendations if you’re struggling to find formula.

Your provider can also work with you if you’re already breastfeeding and would like to increase human milk supply to supplement your infant’s nutrition if formula is difficult to find.

You can find more information about formula shortage and replacements for formula from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the Minnesota Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC), and Minnesota Milk Bank for Babies.

If you have specific questions about your baby’s health, please reach out to your baby’s doctor.