What to Do if You Can't Find Baby Formula

Is it okay to dilute baby formula with water to “stretch it out”?

No. At six months and under, infant kidneys are not ready to process a significant amount of water, which may have a dangerous impact on the baby’s electrolytes and sodium levels.

Can I provide my baby with cow’s milk or goat milk or plant-based milk instead of formula?

Research does not support any kind of milk other than breast milk, or baby formula, as adequate sources of nutrition for babies under 12 months of age. For babies at least 6 months old, but ideally closer to 12 months of age, pasteurized cow’s milk is an acceptable source of nutrition, for brief use during an emergency situation, if supplemented with iron. Look for pediatric versions of iron supplements.

Can I provide my baby with solid food instead of formula?

Solid food should not be introduced to an infant’s diet until the age of four to six months, and cannot replace the use of breastmilk or formula for your baby’s nutritional needs. Breast milk and formula are the only two recommended sources of nutrition for infants four months or younger.

I am concerned that my baby will get thirsty and dehydrated if not given enough fluids. Isn’t there some liquid I can give my baby to prevent this?

It is okay to provide your baby liquid such as Pedialyte, which has sodium and maintains electrolytes. This can be used to supplement your baby’s hydration needs and is a better option than free water. However, Pedialyte alone will not provide the calories your baby needs, so should not be considered as an alternative to formula or breast milk.

Is it possible for me to switch to breastfeeding even though my baby has always had formula?

Re-lactation is possible, but challenging and time-consuming. It will not happen overnight. Breastfeeding is not possible for many mothers for a variety of factors, and no mother should be made to feel guilty about this. If you are already producing some breastmilk, you can increase your supply by pumping/removing milk more often, and keeping up with your hydration and calorie needs. You should contact your pediatrician for help if you need additional lactation support.

My infant needs a special formula that I am having a hard time finding. What should I do?

Reach out to pediatricians who have extra support in getting specialty products. Pediatricians are working hard to have some supplies available for their families in an emergency situation. Several of the manufacturers of these formulas also have an emergency access phone line as well.

I can’t find my preferred brand of formula and I’m worried about the quality of other brands. What should I do?

You should feel comfortable exploring other brands sold in reputable stores, as long as your baby does not require a specialty formula. In that case, reach out to your pediatrician for help sourcing formula for special dietary needs.

Where can I find a consistent source of formula?

This is the big challenge in the current shortage. It is a better idea to seek out multiple options. Some tips:

Call grocery stores and pharmacies before shopping in person if you can.
Utilize grocery store websites that allow online shopping/pick up, but call to confirm before pick-up as availability may have changed due to in-store purchases.
Check Abbottstore.com and Enfamil.com regularly—inventory fluctuates.
Check Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Target.com and other online retailers regularly—inventory fluctuate at these sites as well. Some online retailers will allow you to search inventory at nearby stores, even if unavailable online.
In an emergency situation, reach out to your pediatrician.

Can I give my baby donated breast milk?

Yes. Ideally, formal milk donation sites can ensure safe and nutritious breast milk is accessible for your baby. Informal sharing is obviously not as well regulated, and may carry some risk of infection for your child if the milk is not properly screened. We do not encourage families to obtain milk from un-screened donors that they do not know well.

Before formula became a commercially manufactured product, didn’t babies do just fine with homemade formula recipes?

Unfortunately, no. Many babies would suffer from electrolyte imbalances as a result of improper mixing or diluting of homemade formulas, or have difficulty meeting all of their nutritional needs. Homemade formula recipes are generally discouraged to avoid risks to babies, and if used should be reviewed by your pediatrician’s office to ensure they are safe.

What to Do if You Can’t Find Baby Formula