Dealing With The Formula Shortage - Pediatricians Share 3 Ways To Solve The Problem

July 18, 2022

Recently, social media platforms were flooded with videos and photo evidence of supermarkets with empty shelves of baby formula. Desperate parents shared videos to get the message out that the baby formula shortage was taking a toll on their children’s health. Many single mothers began to fear for their and their children’s future. Parents were juggling trying to provide their little ones with proper nutrition while maintaining a full-time jobs to keep themselves afloat during the inflation period.

This infant-formula shortage was just another aftermath of the pandemic.

Westarmoney/Pexels | The supply chain was extremely disturbed, resulting in slowed production

The matter only worsened as Abbott called back some of their formula products in February, then in March, and the last nail in the coffin was shutting down the Michigan plant. This disturbance in the supply chain has led to empty supermarkets and stocked formulas being sold at insanely high prices. Dr. Namjoshi, who works at Stanford Children’s Health, talks about the situation, stating that it is unfair that parents have to worry about formula shortage, especially when are already working hard to adjust to the big change in their lives.

Jessika/Pexels | Pediatricians are tirelessly trying to help parents find a solution

Here are three ways parents can combat the formula shortage in this difficult time.

1. Try Out A Different Brand

Many people have tried and tested multiple brands before finally settling down on one that their little one approves of, but pediatricians suggest that during these tough times, a formula change can be considered. Parents are under the impression that a brand change might interfere with their child’s growth, but that is not true since most of these formula products are developed with the same amount of sugars, fats, and proteins. While it might not be easy as your child will surely put up a good fight and a protest to remember, but your child will soon acclimate to the new formula.

2. Get The Government’s Help

Some families are getting formula through the national nutrition program for low-income women, infants, and children, WIC, which serves almost half of the infants in the United States of America. On 21 May, President Biden signed a bill that allows WIC to provide baby formula during emergencies like the formula shortage. The FDA is also looking to minimize baby formula imports so that American citizens can have something to rely on.

3. Go To Your Pediatrician

If you’ve searched everywhere for formula products and are currently running out, then your best bet would be to reach out to your pediatricians who have access to formula and backup supplies from the hospitals. They are also well aware of resellers or locations that might have formulas in stock. If all fails, pediatricians can help provide lactation support for parents looking to switch their child to breastfeeding due to the formula shortage.