75% of babies are fed formula by six months of age, and we know many of you are unfortunately being impacted by the formula shortage that is currently occurring. Sadly, the out of stock rate is over 40% for the 20 major retailers.
In February, Abbott voluntarily recalled products such as Similac, Alimentum, EleCare, and Similar PM 60/40) and shut down one of their manufacturing plants due to reports of four infants falling ill from Cronobacter sakazakii infection, two of which later died due to formula consumed from said plant. Abbott is hoping to reopen their facilities in a few weeks after they gain approval to do so. However, products from this facility will probably not be available on shelves for another 8 weeks.
If you have an urgent need for formula, please contact our office! Our supplies of Similac are very low at this time, but we do have Enfamil available. We will continue to provide your infant with formula while our supplies last.
Again, we hope these tips will also help your family during this difficult time:
- While it might not be ideal, you may need to switch your infant’s formula during this time to a generic or alternative brand. If you can keep the formula within the same type (ex. cow’s milk-base or iron-fortified infant formulas). Your baby may experience changes in stool patterns, gas, or spitting up over a couple of days as they become adjusted. However, being fed is best!
- Smaller stores and drug stores may have formula supplies when it is sold out at major retail chains.
- Some major retail chains sell formula on-line. Refresh their pages often to see what is in-stock and available for purchase. Note that some major retailers are putting a limit on the amount you can buy.
As a reminder, we DO NOT recommend the following as alternatives to formula feeding:
- NEVER add more than the recommended amount of water to powdered or concentrated formula and never add any water to liquid ready-to-feed formula. This can dilute the nutrients which can cause imbalances and may lead to serious health problems.
- It is not recommended to make homemade formula. The balance of nutrients may be difficult for your baby to digest, may cause kidney or liver damage, and otherwise may not support healthy growth or development.
- It is also not recommended that you purchase formula from other countries that have not been reviewed / recommended by the FDA.
- You should also not feed an infant under 1 year of age cow milk or other milk substitutes.
If you have any additional questions regarding infant formula, please do not hesitate to contact our team at (513) 232-8100.
Thank you for trusting us with your care.
Resources:
Considerations When Changing Formulas
Why Do Infants Need Baby Formula Instead of Cow’s Milk?
Is Homemade Baby Formula Safe?
Fact Sheet: Helping Families Find Formula During the Infant Formula Shortage
Need to schedule your child’s next pediatric appointment? Call our office today!