Infant Formula Shortage in 2022: What to do When You Can’t Find Any

By now nearly everyone knows there is a national shortage of infant formula. This is impacting parents and guardians all over the country, South Boston is certainly no exception.

Here is a link to the official guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which gives the option of cow’s milk when formula is not available but only with the guidance of a child’s PCP.

At South Boston Community Health Center we want you to be sure to call us if you run out of formula and are thinking about substituting cow’s milk for your child under 12 months old.

2 important reminders: for children without allergies it is ok to switch formula brands. And NEVER water down formula (add more water than recommended on the mixing instructions) as this can be dangerous for a child.

Many organizations are trying to help parents find formula. Please see a list of those below. Please call us, or your child’s PCP, if you need support around the shortage of formula. As always, we are here to support you and your family.

WIC-Eligible Families

· Contact your local WIC office to identify or obtain additional sources of infant formula nearby.

Community Resources

· Harvard T.H Chan School of Health – Navigating infant formula shortages

· United Way’s 2-1-1 – Dial 2–1-1 to be connected to a community resource specialist affiliated with United Way who may be able to help you identify food pantries and other charitable sources of local infant formula and baby food.

· Feeding America – Call your local food bank to ask whether they have infant formula and other supplies in stock.

· Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA): Certain HMBANA-accredited milk banks are distributing donated breast milk to mothers in need; please note that some may require a prescription from a medical professional. Find an HMBANA-accredited milk bank.

Manufacturer Hotlines

· Gerber’s MyGerber Baby Expert – Reach a certified nutrition or lactation consultant by phone, text, Facebook Messenger, web chat, or video call, who can help you identify a similar formula that may be more readily available.

· Abbott’s Consumer Hotline: call 1-800-986-8540 · Abbott’s urgent product request line for specialty formulas – Ask your OBGYN or your infant’s pediatrician to submit an urgent product request by downloading and completing the form

· Healthcare Workers: Contact Abbott to request limited quantities of formula for patients in need.

· Reckitt’s Customer Service line: Call 1-800 BABY-123 (222-9123)