The Infant Formula Shortage: Your Guide to Alternatives
Like we aren’t dealing with enough already.
The shortage of infant formula is causing a unique kind of stress. Parents are panicking with shelves stripped bare, while trying to make sense of the few products they can find.
If you are one of these parents, know that I see you. Finding food for your baby shouldn’t be this hard, and it’s not your fault. This shortage is another gut-punch from 2022 that you don’t deserve. Let’s work together to find a temporary formula alternative until supplies return to normal.
Infant formula is one the most tightly-regulated food products in the U.S. That’s partly why we are in this mess. Above everything, find comfort in knowing that anything you find on store shelves meets FDA standards for infant nutrition and fulfills AAP infant-feeding recommendations.
What to Know About Switching Formula:
Most infants thrive on traditional, milk-based formulas. I encourage traditional formulas with my families since they are nutritionally complete and the most cost-effective.
Don’t worry about creating a slow transition from one brand to another. A hard-switch is generally well tolerated by most babies.
Lots of changes may cause trouble. Although most babies can tolerate a quick change to a new formula without much consequence, some babies may have brief gassiness or poop changes with a brand change. These symptoms may worsen the more frequently you change from one brand to another – which may be unavoidable! Talk with your doctor about gas drops, probiotics and stool softeners to help your baby during the time, if needed.
Download Dr. Natasha’s Infant Formula Shopping Guide below.
Generic formulas are nutritionally equivalent to brand name, but do have some subtle differences. Look for the generic description (milk-based, hydrolyzed, etc.) on the formula labels when searching.
All ready-to-feed formulas are fine to use. Feel free to pick them up in a pinch.
Don’t try to stretch formula by adding extra water. Diluting formula changes the ingredient ratios and can make your baby sick.
Organic formulas haven’t been shown to be nutritionally superior, but are preferred by many families. Moving briefly to a traditional variety may be needed until an organic option becomes available.
Toddler formulas are NOT the same as infant formula. FDA regulations are less-strict for toddler formulas and the nutritional components are different. Use toddler formulas as an option for infants 9-months or older.
Non-GMO, pre- and probiotics, DHA levels, lactoferrin??? Don’t stress this small stuff. Each formula company has a slew of industry-funded research in support of their unique ingredients or formulation. Of course, just because the FDA doesn’t require a certain ingredient doesn’t mean some value may exist. However, most special formula ingredients have limited evidence of long-standing benefit. After seeing trendy formula ingredients sharply come and go throughout the years, I tend to support the basics.
If your infant is close to 1-year of age, transitioning to cow’s milk or an alterna-milk may be an option. Talk with your doc, first.
Here’s Your Chart. Take it With You to the Formula Aisle.
How to use this chart:
The intent of this guide is to offer options while your preferred formula may be out of stock. This list is NOT brand-sponsored, NOT meant to be all-inclusive and NOT intentionally leaving out certain brands. This list is simply compiled from my time on the internet and in various stores in the Kansas City area. As always, check with your child’s doc if you have questions or concerns.
If your baby drinks milk-based formula, they can basically drink anything on the chart. If your preferred brand is not available, I’d consider:
A different traditional, milk-based option or generic
Milk-based Gentle/Sensitive
Milk-based organic
A2
Soy
For babies that prefer Gentle/Sensitive formulas, there are some alternative categories like A2 and soy. Keep in mind, many babies are able to tolerate regular milk-based formulas as they get older. So, going back to a traditional formula may be an option, too.
A different milk-based Gentle/Sensitive option or generic
A2
Soy
Traditional??? (see above)
Hypoallergenic
Preemie formulas have more caloric density and some extra micronutrients to support growth. In a pinch, a traditional formula can be used. Talk with your doctor if preemie formulas are not available in your area.
Neosure or Elecare
Milk-based formula mixed to 22 kcal concentration (Talk with your doctor first.)
Kids with milk-protein allergy or requiring an extensively hydrolyzed formula have fewer options. However, there are generic brands available from wearhouse stores and online that may serve as an adequate substitute.
For kids with severe allergy or other medication conditions, elemental formulas are the only option. Please call your GI specialist to see what alternatives they may recommend.
Formula FAQ
What about goat milk?
There is no goat milk infant formula that meets FDA regulations, so I don’t recommend this for my patients. However, these products are available on the internet, typically imported from the EU. If you choose to import, be sure you read the instructions carefully – EU formulas are prepared with different instructions than U.S. brands.
What’s the deal with formula “stages”?
A few brands have created Stage 1 and Stage 2 products. The difference in the stages is the protein ratios and both stages are nutritionally complete. A Stage 2 formula is safe to give to an infant, if that is the only option available.
Should I make my own formula?
Hard no. Don’t try it. Don’t @ me. Don’t ask me. If it is an absolute emergency and you do not have formula, call your pediatrician's office for help. Until then, offering an electrolyte solution (like Pedialyte) is a safe alternative for hydration until you are able to find a regulated infant formula. For infants 6-months and older, whole milk with a daily multivitamin with iron can be used as a temporary option — call your doc first. For kids 9-months and older, use water or cows/goat/pea milk as hydration options while offering solid foods.
What about getting formula from overseas?
I’d pass. You can import brands like HiPP, Holle and Lebenswert from online outlets. If you feel strongly that these are necessary for your family, make sure you are ordering from reputable suppliers to ensure safety and quality.
What about ready-to-feed?
Perfectly fine option, if that is what you can find. Use is right from the container. Don’t ever dilute ready-to-feed formula.
As always, call your doctor for specific advice regarding formula changes. We are always willing to help.
Keep up the good work,
