What To Do About the Baby Formula Shortage

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There have been many product shortages in the last year, due to both pandemic-related issues and supply-chain disruptions. We’ve seen semiconductor chip shortages, furniture shortages, and car shortages, but nothing quite as anxiety-provoking as the baby formula shortage we're facing now. As you know, I don’t have any kids of my own (yet), so I can only imagine what it feels like to see the food supply for your baby dwindling. I put together this article to share the research I've done and resources I've found, in the hopes that I can be helpful to you and your family in this nerve-wracking time.

What’s going on.

According to The Atlantic, 40 percent of formula is out of stock nationwide. The shortage has been caused by several interconnected issues that stem from the fact that the formula industry in America is so concentrated. About 40 percent of formula that Americans use is produced by only three companies Abbott, Gerber and Reckitt. This concentration means that when there's an issue with one company, the industry as a whole is affected. That's what's happening now.

In February, a factory that makes Abbott's Similac formula was shut down due to a potential bacteria outbreak. Even now, months later, the plant still hasn't reopened. Reporters at The New York Times argue that because demand for baby formula is typically constant, these companies don't have the ability to scale up production when demand increases; so these companies haven't been able to step up to compensate for the Similac underproduction.

Here’s what you should do.

I know the temptation may be to try and make your own formula at home— but don’t. Doctors strongly advise against making your own formula at home. Experts say that striking the correct balance of supplying babies with the nutrients they need, while avoiding the ingredients they cannot yet process, is too complex to accomplish at home.

This article in the New York Times has some really excellent suggestions on what to do instead, like calling your child’s pediatrician: pediatricians may have formula samples that you can have, or might have insight on local places you can find safe formula, rather than trying to make it on your own.

xo,

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