Baby Formula Shortage Here’s How to Navigate It.

Being unable to find formula to feed a child is an especially stressful reality for many parents and caregivers right now. Earlier this year,pandemic related supply-chain issues and ingredient shortages led to some formulasbeing out of stock around the country. The problem compounded in February, when Abbott, one of the four major formula manufacturers in the US, voluntarily recalled a number of its products, including the popular Similac formulas, that had been manufactured at its Sturgis, Michigan, facility due to possible contamination with Cronobacter sakazakii. Now parents are faced with bare shelves or purchase limits, as well as weeks-long delivery estimates on some online purchases. Bobbie and ByHeart, two new formula companies, had to close off their subscription sign-up lists and sell their products only to existing subscribers. Data suggests that formula inventory was down about 40% nationwide. The situation may improve in the coming weeks. Abbott entered an agreement with the FDA and in early July reopened its Michigan plant (though from the time of resumed production, eight weeks or more may pass before new inventory reaches shelves). President Biden also invoked the Defense Production Act to increase formula production and created a plan to use Department of Defense aircraft to bring in formula from abroad. The FDA has laid out criteria for formula companies outside the US to bring their products to the American market. (As of June 2022, some of these are now available on store shelves.) How much all of these measures might help, and how quickly, remains to be seen. If you're looking for formula right now, know that many infant formulas sold in the US are extremely similar, and experts say most babies can tolerate switching formulas well. In this article, we’ll tell you what to keep in mind about the current recall and formula safety, as well as some dos and don’ts for switching formula brands and types. For a full list of baby formulas, and information about formula types, check out our guide.