How to help your infant during the baby formula shortage

Why there is a baby formula shortage; how to find baby formulas; and what to feed your infant during the baby formula shortage 2022

By Christy Sharkey and Monica Evans, clinical dietitians at CHOC

In February 2022, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about certain powdered infant formulas which may have been contaminated with bacteria. Those formulas have since been recalled and removed from shelves. Now, due to the increased need for alternative formulas and supply chain issues, there is a nationwide formula shortage.

Most families use infant formula in some way. The formula shortage has created anxiety for parents who are trying to feed and care for their babies. The FDA and several formula companies are taking steps to help with the supply of formula.

Here, CHOC offers guidance for navigating the infant formula shortage. Please note that these suggestions should not replace the advice of your pediatrician.

Do not make or feed homemade formulas to your infants.

The FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) do not recommend that parents make or feed homemade formulas to infants. Homemade formulas might have too many or not enough ingredients necessary for health and growth. This can lead to health problems for your baby and could even lead to death.

Do not water down infant formula to make it last longer.

Putting too much water in your child’s formula will not provide your baby with enough nutrition, which can cause serious health problems.

Speak with your pediatrician about formula substitutes.

Your pediatrician will be able to help you find the best formula substitute for your child.  They may know of places that have formula available.

Do not use toddler formulas, cow’s milk, goat’s milk or plant-based milk as substitutes for infant formula. They do not have the right balance of protein and nutrients for children under 1 year. Using them can lead to health problems for your child.

Reach out to your local Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program.

If you receive WIC, contact the WIC offices.  They may be able to get formula or formula substitutes for you.

Check smaller drug stores, local churches or food pantries for formula.

Smaller drug stores may have a supply of formula available when larger stores are out. Some charities may have previously-donated formulas that they may be able to provide you with.

Stock up on a few cans.

If you can find a place that has your formula in stock, get a few extra to have on hand. Please do not buy more than you need; leave some for other families who need it too.

Consider buying formula online.

You may be able to find some formulas online. Be sure to only buy from well-recognized distributors or pharmacies. Do not buy it from individuals or auction sites. If the formula is not stored or shipped correctly, it could be unsafe to use.

If available, buy directly from the manufacturer’s site.

If you buy formula from outside of the U.S. make sure it is FDA-approved.

In the past, it was not recommended to buy formulas from other countries because they are not FDA approved. Without FDA approval, formulas from outside of the U.S. might have too much or not enough of some important ingredients.

However, the U.S. government has announced that the FDA may speed up the process to approve more formulas from other countries to help with the shortage. In this case, only use formulas from other countries that have been approved by the FDA.

Apart from those infants who need specialty formulas for medical reasons, most babies are okay to switch to a generic infant formula that may be easier to find— including store brand ones.

Learn more about how the FDA is working to improve the supply of formula products.

Formula substitutions for infants

CHOC understands this can be a scary time for families who are trying to get the formulas they need. As of May 2022, CHOC’s clinical nutrition and lactation teams suggest the following substitutions for recalled formulas:

Recalled Formula	Substitutions
Similac Pro Advance powder Similac Total Care 360 powder	Enfamil Newborn, Infant or Reguline Similac Organic Parent’s Choice Organic (Walmart) Gerber Good Start Gentle Earth’s Best Gentle Bobbi (as of 5/17, temporarily not accepting new customers) Byheart infant formula *Gerber Good Start Soy *Similac Isomil (Soy) *Mead Johnson Prosobee (Soy) *Parent’s Choice Soy (Walmart)
Similac Spit Up powder	Similac for Spit-up Ready to Feed Liquid Mead Johnson Enfamil A.R. Parent’s Choice Added Rice
Similac Sensitive	Similac Sensitive Ready to Feed Liquid or Concentrate liquid Mead Johnson Enfamil Gentlease Up & Up Gentle (Target) Up & Up Sensitivity (Target) Gerber Good Start Soothe Earth’s Best Sensitive *Gerber Good Start Soy *Similac Isomil Soy *Mead Johnson Prosobee Soy *Parent’s Choice Soy (Walmart)
Similac Total Comfort Powder	Similac Total Comfort Ready to Feed Liquid Gerber Good Start Gentle Parent’s Choice Complete Comfort (Walmart)
Similac Alimentum Powder	Similac Alimentum Ready to Feed Liquid Mead Johnson Nutramigen concentrate and powder Gerber Good Start Extensive HA Parent’s Choice Hypoallergenic (Walmart) Up & Up Hypoallergenic (Target)
Elecare Infant	Neocate Infant Neocate Syneo (NOT for use in kids with short bowel syndrome) Mead Johnson Puramino DHA & ARA Infant Nestle Alfamino Infant
Elecare Junior – all flavors	Neocate Junior Neocate Syneo (NOT for use in kids with short bowel syndrome) Mead Johnson Puramino Junior Nestle Alfamino Junior

Download CHOC’s formula-use tips and substitutions sheet

Store brand infant formulas

As mentioned in the substitutions list, most retailers nationwide offer their own brand of infant formula. No store-brand infant formulas are involved in the current recall.

The following store brand formulas may be suitable for substitutions:

• Parent’s Choice – Walmart
• Member’s Mark – Sam’s Club
• Up & Up – Target
• Comforts – Kroger
• Kirkland Signature – Costco
• Mama Bear – Amazon
• CVS Health – CVS
• Little Journey – Aldi
• Well Beginnings – Walgreens

For infants on a specialty formula, it is especially important to speak with your pediatrician about formula changes and substitutes during this time.