Coping with the Baby Formula Shortage

A nationwide baby formula shortage has many parents worried. If you formula-feed your baby, here’s what you need to know:

► Powdered infant formula is harder to find right now because of:

  • Supply chain issues related to the pandemic.

  • A February recall of 3 Abbott Nutrition baby formula brands, due to a possible bacterial contamination that caused severe infection and 2 deaths in 4 children several months ago. The recall involved only powdered formula. 

► Relief is in sight. Abbott is working with the Food and Drug Administration to ensure that it can safely resume production. The White House is also taking steps to increase formula production at other plants. But it could be several weeks before powdered formula is plentiful in stores again.
Do you have recalled baby formula?

The Abbott Nutrition recall involved powdered formula brands Elecare®, Alimentum® and Similac®.

► Check this FDA info for specifics on the recall. If you have a recalled brand, do not use it. Return it to the store for a refund.

► Learn more about the infection and how to protect your baby. The bacteria can live in powdered formula and other dried foods.
During the Shortage ...

If you need baby formula urgently and cannot find it, call your child’s healthcare provider for guidance. If your baby receives WIC nutritional assistance, call your local WIC office to ask about their formula supplies. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and federal health and nutrition agencies offer this guidance for urgent situations:


DO

► DO check smaller stores, which may still have formula even when bigger stores do not.

► DO consider alternative formulas, including generic products. Check the nutrition information and try to match the amount of protein and carbohydrates in your current formula. Most babies can switch brands with no issues. If your baby is on a specialty formula, ask your child’s healthcare provider to recommend alternatives.

  • Cow’s milk may be a temporary alternative if your baby is 6-12 months old. But check with your child’s healthcare provider first! Before age 1, cow’s milk is not ideal and should only be used briefly in a pinch.

► DO buy formula online. Be sure to buy from recognized distributors and pharmacies, rather than individuals or auction sites.

► DO check with Mothers' Milk Bank. Donor banks typically prioritize medically fragile infants (such as preemies) and may not have enough donated breast milk for healthy formula-fed infants. Donor interest is rising, however, to help during the formula shortage.

 
DON'T

► DON'T  buy more than a 10-14 day supply of formula at a time, to help ease the shortage.

► DON'T water down formula to stretch out your supply. This can cause dangerous nutritional imbalances and health problems in your baby. Always follow the formula manufacturer’s instructions. 

► DON'T make your own formula. Homemade formula cannot mimic breastmilk the way that manufactured formula does. It also may include too many nutrients or minerals that your baby’s organs can’t break down.

► DON'T buy formula from online marketplaces. It's impossible to know at the time of purchase if the formula you are buying is expired, how it's been stored or if it has been opened.

► DON'T give toddler formula to babies under 1 year old. Babies tummies and nutritional needs are different than toddlers.

Check out these FAQs from the AAP for more on the formula shortage and possible alternatives for your baby.

This page is not intended to provide individual medical advice for you or your child. Always seek the advice of a physician or qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have about your or your child’s health or medical condition. Never disregard, avoid or delay contacting a doctor or other qualified professional because of something you have read in our emails, webpages or other electronic communications.

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