Julia Anderson
Millions of parents across the country are stressing over the baby formula shortage. With 43 percent of top brands sold out, you’ll need to get creative when it comes to finding the infant formula your baby needs. Luckily, you won’t have to get too creative, as we’ve done most of the work for you with this list of methods to find baby formula despite the shortage.
1. Visit this new government website.
The Department of Health and Human Services has a new website dedicated to helping families find nutritional solutions during the baby formula shortage.
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Through this website, you can find ways to connect with community resources like 211 or milk banks. You can see how to contact your local WIC office or manufacturers’ hotlines for assistance. And you can also find expert-backed tips on how to handle the shortage until the supply of baby formula gets back to normal levels.
2. Look for baby formula online or in person from these stores.
While you may be used to buying infant formula at your local grocery store, there are many other options that you never thought to try. Here are several retailers that may have baby formula in stock, either online or in person. If they are out of stock online, see if they have any formula in store. And if they’re out of stock in store, check their website. Persistence is key here, so keep checking back to see if they’re restocked before giving up.
- Winn-Dixie
- Whole Foods
- Walmart
- Walgreens
- Vons
- Thrive Market
- Target
3. Get samples from your pediatrician.
Your pediatrician should typically have free baby formula samples at their office that could suffice until the shortage ends. Give them a call to see what they have, and ask if they know of any European baby formulas that could work as well.
4. Look for a local milk bank.
Nonprofit milk banks take breast milk donations from mothers who have a surplus and want to help others in need. To qualify for a donation, you will need a prescription from your pediatrician. Once you have the prescription, you can find a milk bank via Google or this website.
5. Try Facebook or Nextdoor
Many mothers have turned to social media to find baby formula. Nextdoor could help you connect with people in your area who know where to find infant formula, as could Facebook. Search for baby formula on Facebook to find local groups on the topic. Then join as many as you can to find what you need.
6. Try store brands.
Try a store brand if you are having trouble finding the specific baby formula you need and do not need a specialty formula. Many have similar ingredients to famous brands, making them easy to swap.
7. Try cow’s milk.
Some experts say whole cow’s milk is a short-term formula solution for babies who do not have special needs and are six months or older. Before giving this or any other alternative a try, talk to your pediatrician.
8. Talk to a lactation consultant.
Such a consultant can tell you if breastfeeding could work as an alternative to baby formula. And if you decide to make the move but can’t afford a breast pump, contact your insurer and see if they will pay for it.
