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 put out by our partner M Health Fairview.
DO
- Switch 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 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 get 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