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.