Helping Families Find Infant Formula During the Shortage

What you need to know

The recent infant formula shortage has placed many parents on edge, wondering how they are going to feed their child. Voluntary recalls, supply chain issues, and inflation have caused a nationwide shortage of infant formula. With all of the stressors of parenthood, the last thing a parent wants to worry about is how they’re going to feed a growing baby.

At Champions, we know unmanaged stress is one of the leading causes of child abuse and neglect. Parents love their children and want the best for them, but they still need tools and support to be the best parents they can be.

If you or someone you know are struggling to find infant formula, check out the resources below.

Champions’ Services

Contact our ABC Program to speak with a lactation consultant. If you are pregnant or recently had a baby, this service is for you! Our International Board Certified Lactation Consultants are here to support your infant feeding goals and help manage any infant feeding challenges. If your baby does not have any specific dietary needs, and you are unable to find your usual formula, look for an alternative that is in the same category as what they typically drink. Our IBCLCs can also suggest similar formulas that may be available at your local store.

Contact Your Doctor

Ask your OBGYN or your infant’s pediatrician to submit an urgent product request form on your behalf. Urgent requests can be made for Abbott Metabolic Formulas and Similac® PM 60/40. For the full list of eligible formulas and the urgent request form, click here. You can also ask your OBGYN or pediatrician if they have in-office samples.

Community Resources

Call 2-1-1 to speak with a United Way representative who can connect you with community resources that have formula.

If you are eligible for WIC, contact your local office to find infant formula nearby. To find the office closest to you, visit https://www.signupwic.com/

Thinking Outside of the Box

Join parenting Facebook groups. As the shortage continues, parents have been coming together to help each other find their baby’s formula and sharing extra cans.

You may have seen recipes across the internet on how to stretch your formula, or create your own at home. You should not water down formula, try to make formula at home, or use toddler formula to feed infants. Don’t discard formula unless it is expired or is part of the recall. Check your formula’s lot code to see whether or not it was affected by the recall. Also, be careful about buying formula from outside of the U.S. as it is not monitored or regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

As the old saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. Champions is here to be a part of your village, always providing guidance and tools to help you meet your parenting goals – no matter how big or small they are.

Additional Resources