U.S. Baby Formula Shortage Worsens, Here's How to Stretch Your Supply

Supply chain issues around the world are fueling a shortage of baby formula – and the problem is only getting worse.

About 40% of the top-selling baby formula products were out of stock during the week ending April 24 in the United States, CBS News reports. That's an increase from just 11% in November and still a large bump from 31% on April 3.

"We've been tracking it over time and it's going up dramatically. We see this category is being affected by economic conditions more dramatically than others," Ben Reich, CEO of Datasembly tells CBS News.

The shortage, which is up 29 percent from March, appears to be nowhere near the end.

"Unfortunately, we don’t see this slowing down any time soon," Reich adds.

In some states shortages were more severe, including Iowa, South Dakota and North Dakota, which had shortages of 50% or more, Missouri at 52%, Texas at 53% and Tennessee at 54%. Between 40% and 50% of baby formula products were out of stock in 26 states.

"We've noticed it being difficult to find maybe a couple months ago — two, three months ago — and then just recently we can't find it," San Francisco resident Irene Anhoeck told CBS News earlier this year. "We've tried all the local Targets. We checked Costco, Costco online, Walgreens, Long's. Can't find it anywhere."

Three-quarters of babies in the United States receive some formula products within their first six months of life, so this affects a lot of families.

Formula shortages are especially dangerous, according to Brian Dittmeier, Senior Director of Public Policy at the National WIC Association (NWA), an advocacy group women, infants, and children.

“Unlike other food recalls, shortages in the infant formula supply affects a major — or even exclusive — source of nutrition for babies," Dittmeier says. "Inadequate nutrition could have long-term health implications for babies."

What's causing the shortage?

At issue is trouble getting key ingredients, problems with packaging, labor shortages and a formula recall early this year.

"This is a shocking number that you don't see for other categories," Reich says.

Among the causes was a widespread recall in February of Abbott Nutrition powdered baby formula products amid reports of illnesses in babies. Last week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warned consumers not to use any of the recalled products manufactured at Abbott Nutrition's Michigan facility because of unclean conditions.

"Inflation, supply chain shortages and product recalls have continued to bring volatility to the category, and continues to be one of the most affected products in the market," Reich says.

Stores have been limiting sales of the products in response to the shortages. A Walgreens spokesperson says the chain limits customers to three infant and toddler formula products during each transaction, the same number cited by CVS Health. Target is limiting customers to four products, CBS News reports.

"Product supply challenges are currently impacting most of the retail industry," a CVS Health spokesperson shares. The company is working with "national brand baby formula vendors to address this issue and we regret any inconvenience that our customers may be experiencing."

Meanwhile, prices have risen by about 18% on the most popular products, according to CBS News.

The Infant Nutrition Council of America has asked parents to not stockpile products while encouraging them to keep a 10-day to two-week supply.

How to stretch your supply

Parents are having a hard time getting their hands on formula and when they do, it may not last long, which is a cause of concern for infants who need special formula. Premature babies, are struggling because the formula they need is in the lowest supply, according to pediatrician William Spohn.

This has caused parents to search for alternative ways to feed their child. However, Spohn says almond, oat, or cow milk are not suitable options for infants.

He says giving infants whole milk can cause them to have an inflammation of their bowel (called colitis), which leads to a bleeding bowel and anemia.

“We still recommend against giving cow's milk, until the baby is 12-months-old,” Pediatrician Dr. Blake Bergeron with LeBonheur Children’s Hospital says. “The formulas have extra nutrients that are not found in typical cow's milk, that are very important for growth and brain development."

If you are having trouble finding formula, here are some tips:

Use a different brand

“If your baby's otherwise healthy, it's totally fine to use whatever brand you can find,” Dr. Bergeron says. “Whether that's a brand name formula or the generic versions."

To be on the safe side, you can also speak with your child's doctor.

Mix baby formulas

According to Dr. Bergeron, all baby formulas sold in the U.S. are FDA approved, which means it’s safe to mix them.

"Assuming your baby's healthy and does not have any sort of allergies or milk protein problems,” Dr. Bergeron adds. “If you're mixing one formula with another one, as long as they're mixed properly, that is perfectly okay."

Although it may be tempting, you should avoid adding extra water as a method of stretching your baby's bottle.

“If you dilute that, it can throw off the levels of electrolytes and fats and sugars,” Dr. Bergeron adds. “It can make your baby really sick."

For urgent situations, healthychildren.org recommends:

Talk with your pediatrician and ask if they are able to get you a can from the local formula representatives or one of the charities that has some. Your local WIC office may also be able to help.
Check smaller stores and drug stores, which may not be out of supply when the bigger stores are.
If you can afford it, buy formula online until store shortages ease. Purchase from well-recognized distributors and pharmacies rather than individually sold or auction sites. Do not import formula from overseas, since imported formula is not FDA-reviewed.
Check social media groups. There are groups dedicated to infant feeding and formula, and members may have ideas for where to find formula. Make sure to check any advice with your pediatrician.
If no formula can be found, consider borrowing a can from a friend.

If you have any concerns about your baby's nutrition, consult with your pediatrician.