According to Datasembly, close to 40% of popular baby formula brands are out of stock at stores nationwide. As the shortage deepens, the White House is working urgently to respond while more and more worried parents search for answers. Across the country, families are doing everything they can to keep their babies fed.
As officials lay out a series of measures to tackle the crisis, physicians are offering guidance and choices to help parents cope with the baby formula shortage.
Per Dr. Victoria Regan of Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital in Texas, your first move should be to call your baby’s pediatrician, particularly if your infant needs a specialty formula. The pediatrician’s office may keep formula samples on hand.
Be sure to ask your healthcare provider whether an equivalent formula suited to your child’s particular needs would work. Your doctor can walk you through making the switch smoothly and suggest other options.
Physicians caution parents against preparing homemade formula, since infants have very specific nutritional requirements. A DIY formula can deliver too many or too few nutrients, and it also risks contamination with toxins. Likewise, avoid stretching your supply by adding extra water to formula — doing so can lead to water intoxication and electrolyte imbalances.
Next week, the government is expected to announce measures to speed up formula imports from other countries. Until then, stay in contact with your child’s primary doctor about the best options if you are having trouble finding formula.