Where to get baby formula
This post discusses what to do about the formula shortage. We will share tips on where to get baby formula.
Here are the sections of topics this post in the order we will discuss them:
- Why is there a baby formula shortage?
- Alternatives to baby formula
- Should I try to make baby formula
- What some moms are doing about the baby formula shortage?
- Where to get baby formula?
Baby Formula Shortage
Moms all across America are in desperate need of baby formula. Shelves are empty in most states and moms are desperate.
What is going on, why is there a baby formula shortage?
The three main formula suppliers in the United States are Abbott, Mead Johnson Nutrition, Nestle USA and Perrigo Co.
That catalyst for the shortage was the recall by Abbot. Abbott had to recall formula due to safety concerns a few months ago. They sited a bacterial infection scare. This scare was serious enough for them to shut down the factory as well.
Along with the supply chain issues companies cannot keep up with the demand. Reports say that over 40% of baby formula in the United States is out of stock.
The baby formula shortage is expected to last the rest of the year of 2022. If you are not sure what to do about the baby formula shortage please keep reading. Resources are listed.
Making baby formula
Memes online are circulating baby formula recipes. Some are even using the Gerber baby image, a sneaky way to trick you into thinking it is safe. You should never try to make your own baby formula!
Because home made formula cannot be tested or guaranteed of contaminants it’s just not a good idea.
“Stay away from homemade infant formula recipes”
-brian dittmeier, National WIC Association
It is safe to change the formula that you usually use. Check with your pediatrician to find a safe alternative. If your child has a medical condition you will need assistance with formula choice. Some babies have heart disease or digestive issues. Food allergies are also a concern.
Keep in mind that children should not be introduced to cow’s milk until age 1. With a doctor’s permission children can start on some solids and cow’s milk starting at 6 months old.
You can watch Dr. Patel share his thoughts on the situation. He works with new parents every week.
What is Astaire doing about the formula shortage?
Astaire is an entrepreneur and homeschooling mom of one. She is expecting any day now. She still has her busy skincare business that she needs to run.
Having a new baby, homeschooling and running a business are already a handful.
Can you imagine having to hunt for baby formula as well?
What will she do once her baby arrives? How is she going to plan for the shortage? I asked her a few questions:
Are you concerned about the formula shortage?
I am very concerned. Though I plan to breastfeed, I do worry that I will have issues and not be able to do so.
Have you considered donating to a milk bank?
Yes, I am researching options now so that I can begin as soon as possible.
How do you feel about the reason for the shortage?
As a business owner I do believe there are supply chain issues as well as ingredient shortages.
You are a beauty product creator. Do you think making your own formula is the answer?
I do not. This is a hill I will die on. Other than EXTREME circumstances, these recipes aren’t nutritionally sound nor sustainable for babies. It’s a very scary slippery slope.
I am surprised by the amount of willingness to share misinformation in regards to feeding tiny babies.
-astarie
Anything else you want to share with our readers?
Though I do not make Formula, I do make many gentle Baby related skincare and Baby care products. Wash, Lotion, Powder, Detergent and Wipe Juice. As well as cloth diaper safe diaper cream. I make retail products as well as in bulk for other businesses. My goal the rest of this year(and as long as it is needed) is to use proceeds from any baby products to donate to milk banks or options to find formula for low income moms and dads.
Read more about what other moms are doing all across America. This Cumberland County mom is making the best of the formula situation in Fayetteville, North Carolina
Where to get baby formula?
My immediate go to as an international citizen is to consider other countries. For example, where I live in America I could make the trip to Mexico or Canada easily.
I am not currently in need of formula but I do know many moms that could use the help. The problem there is that the United Sates has strict laws on the importation of baby formula. It also appears that they are running low as well.
The United States government has stepped in, creating a site to find out where to get baby formula.
The US government is currently in talks to make it easier to import formula as a short term solution to the baby formula shortage.
According to Brian Dittmeier there are efforts to expand the WIC program at this time. Typically WIC only allows for purchase of one formula brand in the program. Given what many are calling a national crisis they are expanding the list of available baby formula brands.
The other option is to locate your local milk bank. They pasteurize breast milk from donors to distribute to the public.
The FTC is monitoring any hoarding and price gouging. Please be aware that there may be consequences for trying to profit during this formula shortage.
Lyric says
Many moms do make their own vegan baby formula with no issues. We have to take our power back from the food and drug administration. Baby formula is filled with chemicals and sugar, and I’m sure they want us to believe that apart from breastfeeding, nourishing our children should be left to big industry. There has to be an alternative. Also, I was enlightened this past week to learn that many older children with disabilities rely on baby formula as a nutrition staple. I pray this gets resolved soon and that government steps up to fix the problem sooner than later. Imported formula is almost non existent in the U.S.