Top 15 Steps to Safely Feed Your Baby During the US Baby Formula Shortage

I know many families are stressed & worried about the formula shortage. Many don't have the resources they need & are resorting to dangerous practices

As a Holistic and Integrative Doctor of Physical Therapy specializing in babies with colic, reflux, eczema, food allergies, food intolerances, food sensitivities, and sensory needs, I understand that certain families NEED to have a specific formula available. Others may have more flexibility with options.

This list includes various options and I encourage you to choose the ones that feel best to you and ask for guidance if you are not sure what to do next:

I've compiled these 15 steps to take for ways to safely feed your baby:

1. Call your pediatrician, allergist, or GI and ask if they have samples of the formula you use.

2. If you use a name brand, there are similar formulations (even for sensitive babies with allergies) from other brands that you can try.

This post has various options: https://www.facebook.com/109328047980875/posts/277296087850736/

Just a warning that very sensitive little ones may not be able to tolerate different brands. (I can help you identify what it is they're sensitive to: https://bit.ly/ConsultationDrBeata)

3. I recorded a webinar on the steps to take with more details and am offering free access to the recording and resources. https://bit.ly/USFormulaShortageWebinar

Or you can watch without the resources on YouTube: 10 Steps to Take If You Can't Find Your Baby's Formula During the US Baby Formula Shortage Moms Dads - YouTube

4. See if you can order online and get it shipped to you from places like Buy Buy Baby, Target, etc.

5. **UPDATE** Do not order from Amazon by switching to Canada. Canada is starting to see formula shortages and there have been reports of formula getting stopped at the border. There is also no price regulation from private sellers so you will be paying a hefty price.

6. Most states have a Facebook group where you can post which formula you are looking for and other moms can keep an eye out for you. These are fabulous and it's uplifting to see communities coming together to help!

7. There are milk banks and multiple Human Milk for Human Babies Facebook groups, where you can find local mothers donating breastmilk. Be sure to ask about medications and health status.

8. If you have breastfed in the past, even with a low supply, relactation is an option. There are many resources available to help get your breast milk supply back or increase your supply. I covered this topic in this week's Q&A and have free access available to members of the private community: https://bit.ly/MindfulMomsCircle

Find Highly recommended lactation consultants near you: https://bit.ly/FindPreferredProviders

You can watch the 3 Key Components to Relactation on YouTube: 3 Key Components of Relactation: For moms who want to relactate or increase supply to breastfeed - YouTube

9. Goat's milk formulas like Hipp or fresh goat milk are options with a few precautions to be aware of. (Schedule a one-on-one consultation to see if this is appropriate for you and your little one: https://bit.ly/ConsultationDrBeata)

10. If you are in a pinch, babies over 6 months of age can have cow's milk as a substitute for a short period of time.

11. Breastfeed if you can or get help to increase your supply. I know there are many challenges to breastfeeding and there are so many resources that can help! My resource for highly recommended providers near you: https://bit.ly/FindPreferredProviders

12. I don't ever recommend watering down formula. This changes the electrolyte balance and is dangerous to the baby’s health and may require hospitalization.

13. I don't recommend homemade formula recipes unless you are working with a knowledgeable provider.

14. Check with your insurance company to see if you can order formula through them. This is especially for those who need a specific or prescribed formula, and there are a few websites that you can order through that I will put in the comments.

15. On May 13, 2022, Abbott announced that they may be able to open their Michigan facility in 2 weeks, with a lag time of 6-8 weeks for the formula to reach store shelves. 🤞

Also, if your little one has digestive issues, increased fussiness, worsened sleep, etc, switching to a different formula, these may be signs and symptoms of a food allergy.

There are holistic solutions for your baby's health regardless if you are formula feeding, breastfeeding, or a combination and I offer one-on-one consultations to create a plan for you and your little one going forwards. https://bit.ly/ConsultationDrBeata 💕

For more resources and holistic solutions join our free community: Holistic Mindful Moms: Babies w/ Colic, Eczema, Reflux, Allergies

Wishing you and your little ones all the best 💕

Dr. Beata Harasim PT, DPT, FAAOMPT

Holistic & Integrative Doctor of Physical Therapy