How to navigate an ongoing infant formula shortage

Parenting a young child is difficult enough, even before taking into account the additional challenge of surviving a pandemic. And so far this year, it includes a shortage of infant formula.

There was a problem first Supply chain and availability Of the material.Then in February, one of the country’s major manufacturers Issued a large recall of their product After several babies were hospitalized in connection with a bacterial infection To them Formula.Throw in Historical Inflation rateAnd suddenly powdered milk (an already expensive item) out of Reach out to many families.

But nevertheless, there are still options for breastfeeding babies that do not contain breast milk (this is not the case) Option for everyone).Here are some strategies to get you through..

Go with a general formula

If you’ve given your baby a prescription for a well-known brand, you’ve probably noticed that they go first. But in reality, there is little or no difference between a general or store-branded expression and an expression with a familiar name. in fact, 2017 article Those published in the journal Pediatrics report that they are “nearly identical.”

Not only that, no matter where you buy it Grocery store or pharmacy branding—Costco, Target, Walgreens, CVS, Amazon, Kroger, etc. — all manufactured by the same manufacturer. Perigro..In addition, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released all powdered milk, including generic brands. Same quality and safety standardsIncludes product nutrients, ingredients, and manufacturing process requirements.

Match protein and carbohydrate with new formula

To make the transition to your baby’s new formula as easy as possible, choose one formula Has the same protein and carbs as the previous formula, Dr. Bridget YoungProfessor of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, I recently told a wire cutter..

She says protein matching is a top priority, such as switching from one formula containing non-fat milk to another, followed by carbohydrates such as lactose, maltodextrin, and corn syrup solids.

Supplement your supply with samples

This is not a long-term solution, but if you are really stuck, Free sample of infant formula can help. For example, if you are planning to meet with a pediatrician, you can inform the pediatrician about the problem of underprescription and ask if there are any recommendations. Ideally, we’ll provide some samples at this point, but if you don’t, You can ask at any time.

You can also check the milk powder company’s website and order the free samples available. Again, if you don’t have a sample, you can call customer service to request a sample. If you use this route, it is advisable to check with your doctor first (Regardless of whether they give you a sample), especially if your child has a special prescription need.

Switch to whole milk when you are 12 years old Months after birth

After the baby’s first birthday, they no longer need the special nutrients provided by infant formula, and in most situations they can move on to drinking whole milk instead. Lauren Bean, MDPediatrician University Hospitals Rainbow Babys & Children In Cleveland.

HLots of milk Should they drink? According to Bean, the ideal total milk yield for infants is 16 to 24 ounces per day, which can lead to iron deficiency.

Switch to another type of milk when you are 12 months old

There is Other milk options (also for children over 12 years old) (Several months after birth) Things that come from something other than cows, Bean points out. Soy and pea milk is her Top picks are the only plant-based milk (from a nutritional point of view) that is most nutritionally similar to milk and can be used as an alternative to formulas.

“Almond milk, cashew milk, And oat milk can be an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D. ” Bean says.. “It’s always a good idea to check the label, [they] It is usually not the best source of protein, fat and calories. Therefore, it can be used as a supplement, but not as a substitute for milk or infant formula.

Things to avoid in case of lack of formula

It’s also important to remember that some of the strategies we may rely on when other products are in short supply may not be a safe option. When it comes to that Feed the baby. There are some things to avoid.

Homemade formula

There are many DIY powdered milk recipes out there, FDA, They should all be avoided. This is because, unlike the formulas that are manufactured, the homemade version may not contain the proper amount of nutrients needed. 2021 statement..

The FDA also warns There is the potential for potential contamination of homemade prescriptions, which can cause food poisoning and can be life-threatening, such as nutritional imbalances.

Dilution formula

If you run out of liquid hand soap, you can add water to the container to make it last a little longer. This strategy does not work with infant formula. Adding extra water to the formula to make the container last longer is a bad idea, especially for young babies. They are not getting the nutrients they need.

“In addition, the baby’s kidneys are immature and cannot treat excess water with diluted milk powder.” Bean says.. “When a baby takes a diluted formula, the sodium level in the blood is very low, which can lead to seizures and death.”

Imported formulas

Milk powder imported from Europe or elsewhere in the world does not comply with the same FDA standards as those produced in the United States. As Lifehacker’s Meghan MoravciK Walbert Point out in this 2019 articleThese include storage, nutrition, recall, and labeling requirements.

Milk bank

There are milk banks in some areas, and those who produce extra milk during breastfeeding can donate it for use by others. However, Bean does not recommend using a milk bank as a way to get breast milk instead of a formula in case of shortage.

“The best way to use this donated milk is in a newborn ICU setting,” she explained, pointing out that she would use bank milk instead of powdered milk. “May affect supply to newborn ICU.”

Online marketplace

It’s best not to look at, whether it’s missing or not Places like Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist Buying breast milk or formulas. You can never be completely sure what you are getting and whether it is safe.

Feed baby formula milk powder to your baby

If the grocery store deviates from regular infant formula However, we still have infant formula in stock, so if your baby is under one year old, you cannot simply replace one with the other.There is no strict timeline Wean your baby from infant formulaIt usually happens around their first birthday. “TThe Oddler Formula, which is sold to children over the age of one, isn’t really needed by most children...

But mThe important thing is the ore, The FDA does not have the same nutritional content and standards for producing infant formula as it does for infant formula. This includes regulation of pathogen testing. Wire Cutter Report.. But if you really have no other choice, Steven A. Abrams, MD, American Academy of Pediatrics Says it’s safe to give infant formula to babies over 6 months old For a few days.

If in doubt, seek guidance from your pediatrician. Given that they are familiar with your baby’s medical history and the special requirements they may have, they are perfect for answering your questions and making recommendations for overcoming infant formula deficiencies.