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Raising a young child is already a demanding task, and the added pressures of a global pandemic have made it even more challenging. This year, parents are also facing a significant shortage of baby formula.
Initial disruptions stemmed from supply chain problems and limited ingredient availability. In February, a major manufacturer recalled a large portion of its products following reports of bacterial infections in infants linked to their formulas. Combined with record-high inflation, the cost of baby formula has surged, making it unaffordable for many families.
Despite these challenges, there are still viable alternatives to breastmilk for feeding your baby. Here are some practical approaches to help you navigate this difficult situation.
Opt for a generic formula option
If you’ve been using a well-known brand of formula, you’ve likely observed that these are the first to sell out. However, generic or store-brand formulas are virtually indistinguishable from their name-brand counterparts. According to a 2017 article in the journal Pediatrics, they are described as “nearly identical.”
Additionally, regardless of where you purchase store-brand formulas—whether at Costco, Target, Walgreens, CVS, Amazon, Kroger, or elsewhere—they are all produced by the same manufacturer: Perrigro. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ensures that all infant formulas, including generics, meet the same stringent quality and safety standards, covering nutrient content, ingredients, and production processes.
Ensure the new formula matches proteins and carbohydrates
To ease your baby’s switch to a different formula, choose one with matching protein and carbohydrate profiles to the previous formula. This advice comes from Bridget Young, PhD, a pediatrics professor at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, as recently shared with Wirecutter.
Prioritize matching proteins—such as transitioning from one nonfat milk-based formula to another—followed by aligning carbohydrates like lactose, maltodextrin, or corn-syrup solids, she advises.
Use samples to supplement your formula supply
While not a permanent fix, free baby formula samples can provide temporary relief if you’re in a bind. For example, if you have an upcoming pediatrician appointment, mention your struggles with the formula shortage and inquire about recommendations. Ideally, they’ll provide samples, but if not, don’t hesitate to ask.
Additionally, visit baby formula company websites to request free samples. If samples aren’t advertised, contact customer service to ask. Before pursuing this option, consult your doctor, especially if your child has specific dietary requirements.
Transition to whole milk after your child turns 12 months old
Once your baby reaches their first birthday, they no longer need the specialized nutrients found in infant formula and can generally switch to whole milk, as explained by Lauren Beene, MD, a pediatrician at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s in Cleveland.
How much milk is appropriate? Beene recommends that toddlers consume 16 to 24 ounces of whole milk daily—exceeding this amount may result in iron deficiency.
Consider alternative milk options after 12 months
For children aged 12 months and older, there are non-dairy milk alternatives, Beene notes. Soy and pea milk are her top recommendations, as they closely match the nutritional profile of cow’s milk and are the only plant-based options suitable as formula replacements from a nutritional perspective.
“Other plant-based milks, like almond, cashew, and oat milk, can provide calcium and vitamin D,” Beene says. “However, they often lack sufficient protein, fat, and calories, so I advise checking labels. While they can be used as supplementary drinks, they shouldn’t replace cow’s milk or formula.”
What not to do during the formula shortage
It’s crucial to remember that some strategies used during shortages of other products may not be safe for feeding infants. Here are a few practices to steer clear of:
Avoid homemade formula
While numerous DIY baby formula recipes exist, the FDA advises against using them. Homemade formulas often lack the precise nutrient balance required for infants, potentially causing nutritional deficiencies, as highlighted in a 2021 statement by the agency.
The FDA also cautions that homemade formula risks contamination, which can lead to foodborne illnesses. Both nutritional imbalances and contamination can pose serious, even life-threatening, risks to infants.
Avoid diluting formula
While adding water to liquid hand soap might extend its use, this approach is unsafe for baby formula. Diluting formula to stretch its supply is particularly risky for infants, as it deprives them of essential nutrients.
“Babies’ kidneys are underdeveloped and cannot handle the excess water in diluted formula,” Beene explains. “Consuming diluted formula can cause dangerously low sodium levels in the blood, potentially leading to seizures or even fatal outcomes.”
Imported formulas
Formulas imported from Europe or elsewhere do not meet the same FDA standards as U.S.-produced formulas. As highlighted by Mytour’s Meghan Moravcik Walbert in a 2019 article, these standards cover storage, nutritional content, recall protocols, and labeling requirements.
Milk banks
Certain regions have milk banks where individuals with excess breastmilk can donate for others’ use. However, Beene advises against relying on milk banks as a substitute for formula during the shortage.
“Donated breastmilk is most beneficial in neonatal ICU settings,” she explains, emphasizing that diverting it for general use “could disrupt the supply for critically ill newborns.”
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Feeding toddler formula to infants
If your usual baby formula is unavailable but toddler formula is in stock, it’s not a suitable replacement for infants under one year old. While there’s no strict schedule for transitioning from formula, this typically occurs around their first birthday. “Toddler formula,” aimed at children over one, is generally unnecessary for most kids.
More critically, the FDA’s nutritional and manufacturing standards for toddler formula differ from those for infant formula, including rules for pathogen testing, as Wirecutter notes. However, if no alternatives exist, Steven A. Abrams, MD, of the American Academy of Pediatrics, states that using toddler formula for babies older than six months is safe for short periods.
When uncertain, consult your pediatrician. With knowledge of your baby’s medical history and specific needs, they are best positioned to provide advice and recommendations for navigating the formula shortage.
