Parade consulted Krystyn Parks, a pediatric registered dietitian certified with the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners for insight on the shortage. “Yes, there is a formulashortage right now. There are still formulas on the shelf in stores, however, if a baby requires a specific formula due to a medical need or a tolerance issue, it can be difficult,” Parks says. “You may see formula, but not the formula that you need.” Keep reading for more pertinent information on the baby formula shortage of 2022—plus, where to find formula and tips for safely transitioning your baby to a new formula.
Is there a baby formula shortage?
Like so many products and industries post-2020, baby formula is indeed experiencing a shortage in the U.S. Due to limited access to key ingredients, packaging, and also labor shortages, Web MDreports that the baby formula shortage is at an all-time high… and only getting worse. Data from Datasembly as recent as April 2022 found that out-of-stock rates for formula hit 31 percent in April with some states experiencing an out-of-stock rate as high as 40 percent. Compared to the 23 percent out-of-stock rates of January 2022, the data clearly indicates that the shortage is only increasing—especially considering the formula recall that happened the following month. (More on that below.) “Because different regions have different formulas, there have been social media groups created to help parents find formulas,” Parks, of Feeding Made Easy, LLC, adds. “I help parents figure out equivalent formulas (if they exist) and I know others are doing the same. Unfortunately, there are major issues that need to be addressed from the top, but right now we are having to deal with this on an individual level.” Dr. Regan adds that it’s not just parents having a hard time finding formula in stores. It’s also a very real problem that hospitals are dealing with, too—primarily in the NICU for babies born prematurely.
Why is there a baby formula shortage?
As Parks mentions above, the coronavirus-related shut down two years ago has had a massive influence on the availability of so much, baby formula included. But there’s also something else at play here and that’s the massive Similac recall that took place earlier this year in February. “Looking back, it began with the onset of COVID-19 and everyone stockpiling supplies including formula back in 2020,” Dr. Victoria Regan, of Memorial Hermann Health System in Houston, Texas, explains. “Subsequent supply chain issues aggravated the problem with shortages on supplies to make the formula.” In combination with COVID-related supply issues, the recall—which took Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare powdered infant formulas off the shelves—has had a drastic impact on the availability of formula. “A bacterial infection associated with one type of formula was found this year, causing a recall on this major brand,” Dr. Regan says of the recall. “The supplier’s plants had to be shut down, cleaned, and re-inspected. This compounded the formula shortage we were already experiencing.” Parks adds that not only did the recall exacerbate the shortage, but it’s also compounded by the fact that other baby formula suppliers can’t seem to produce enough to close the gap. “There were issues over the past couple of years due to supply chain issues—like we have seen in other areas—however, with the recall of several Similac formulas in February and the closing of one of their manufacturing sites, the shortage has gotten worse,” Parks says. “They are making less formula and the other companies are not able to increase supply to make up for it.” Similac is only just getting back in the game as the discovery of a bacterial infection—called Cronobacter—in its powdered infant formula significantly set them back. “The good news is this supplier is starting to increase their production [now],” Dr. Regan adds.
CVS, Walgreens, Walmart and Target baby formula limit
On Friday, May 6, it was announced that retailers including CVS and Walgreens were setting a baby formula limit. According to NBC, CVS “confirmed customers would only be allowed to buy three baby formula products per purchase in stores and online.” Check with your local retailer on their set baby formula limit, as it varies by store.
Where to find baby formula during the shortage 2022
Baby formula is on the shelves, but as Parks noted above, parents may have a tricky time trying to find the specific formula they have been using. Especially if you have a baby dealing with specific medical needs or intolerances, locating your preferred formula might prove a near-impossible task. That’s why Parks recommends consulting your child’s pediatrician regarding the next steps. A pediatrician will have a clearer picture of the shortage in your area and will likely be able to better point you in the right direction as far as a) which comparable formula to get and b) where it’s available. “It is best to consult with your baby’s healthcare provider (usually a pediatrician) to see which other formula your infant can use,” Parks explains. “There are also good resources online from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics.”
How to transition babies between formulas
Adults have strong stomachs and our bodies require a variety of foods to optimize our nutrition. But can the same be said for infants? The idea that babies can’t switch between formulas right away can potentially add another layer of complexity to the baby formula shortage 2022. Formula may be available but is it the one you’re looking for? And more importantly, is it safe to simply change a baby’s formula without weaning them off the original? “The good news is that most babies can transition safely from one formula to another,” Dr. Regan assures. “Some babies may be pickier and not drink as much but within a week, their appetite will usually be back to normal.” Of course, instead of cold-turkey toggling between formulas, take Parks’ advice and consult your baby’s pediatrician to find the most comparable alternative available. Dr. Regan also notes that parents should not use non-human milk as a substitute. “It is very important not to try and substitute non-human milk (cows, nut, oat, goat, etc.) in place of infant formula as it lacks important nutrients for an infant’s physical and neurological development,” Dr. Regan explains. In the same vein, Parks also strongly recommends against making your own formula at home—so, be wary of “recipes” that may encourage this. “I do want to note that it is not recommended to try and make your own formula,” Parks advises. “Infant formula is incredibly complex and babies often end up with nutrient deficiencies with homemade formulas.” Next up, the most meaningful quotes on parenting.
