What you need to know about the baby formula shortage

With the current baby formula shortage, you may feel anxious and be asking yourself:

“What if I can’t find formula? How am I going to feed my baby?”

We feel for you and your family. Over half of babies are partially fed with formula after 3 months. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is working diligently to resolve shortages and improve supply, we want to provide provider-approved options for those struggling to find baby formula right now.

As long as the situation continues, we recommend the following tips:

DO

• Consider switching formula brands. Most babies can switch formula brands without difficulty. If you can’t find your usual formula, try a similar formula from a different brand. Store brand formulas are very similar to brand-name formulas. (see chart below)
  • If your baby only takes special formula like Elecare, ask your baby’s doctor for alternatives. EleCare is a hydrolyzed or amino acid formula.
• Try ready-to-feed formulas. These are more expensive but usually a little easier to find. 
• Shop small or online. If you can, try checking smaller stores or online options to buy formula.
• Contact your local WIC office. They may have additional suggestions. 
• Check social media groups to see where and which formulas are available in your area. 

DON’T

• Don’t water down formula. Babies need the nutrition in formula. Messing with the instructions can be dangerous for the baby.
• Don’t make your own formula. It is not safe and won’t have the nutrition your baby needs.
• Don’t buy formulas from social media connections or auction sites. They may not be safe. 

To learn more, please check out the FAQ by the American Academy of Pediatrics at www.healthychildren.org.

Formula Comparison Chart

(This list is not all-inclusive but includes many common brands.)

	Brand Name	Alternatives
Standard infant formula	Enfamil with NeuroPro  Similac – Pro Advance  Organic  Enfamil simply organic  Similac organic infant formula	Parent's Choice – Advantage  Parent’s Choice – Infant  Kirkland Signature – Infant formula  Up & UP Advantage Infant Formula  Gerber Good Start Everyday Probiotics  Mama Bear Infant Milk-Based Formula    Organic  Happy Baby – Organic Infant formula  Earth’s Best – Organic Dairy Infant Formula  Burt’s Bees Baby Organic Infant Milk  Mama Bear Organic Infant formula  Happy Baby Organics Infant Formula
"Gentle" formula	Enfamil Gentlease  Similac – Pro Sensitive	Parent’s Choice – Sensitivity  Parent’s Choice – Gentle  Up & Up – Sensitivity  Up & Up – Gentle  Gerber Good Start Gentle or GentlePro  Mama Bear Gentle Baby Formula
Soy formula	Enfamil ProSobee  Similac Soy Isomil	Gerber Good Start Gentle Soy  Parent’s Choice Soy  Earth’s Best Organic Soy Infant Formula  Mama Bear Soy Formula
Anti-reflux formula	Enfamil A.R. Infant Formula  Similac for Spit up	Hipp Anti-reflux formula
Hypoallergenic formula	Emfamil Nutramigen  Similac Alimentum	Parent’s Choice Hypoallergenic Formula  CVS Hypoallergenic Formula  Well beginnings Hypoallergenic Formula  Mama Bear Hypoallergenic Formula

 

If you need to find substitutes for the following formulas, please talk to your child’s pediatrician or provider first.

• EleCare
• PurAmino DHA & ARA
• Nutricia Neocate Formula
• Alfamino Infant formula