How to find formula for your infant during the COVID-19 outbreak

Please note, this post is not intended to promote formula feeding over breast feeding. It is intended to help babies be fed in the wake of COVID-19. Please be kind and limit comments.
 
We all know breast feeding / breast milk is best, but in some cases it is not possible to provide this "liquid gold" for a plethora of reasons. Formulas can step-in to provide nutrition for a growing human, but what happens when the formula is not available? Due to frightened Americans buying formula in bulk, families are struggling to find formula to feed their infants. I understand the fear and current state-of-mind of the populous, but what we are not helping the situation and limiting some families abilities to find the food they need to feed their baby.

I have heard many stories of mothers crying in the middle of the store because this is their (insert number here) store they have been to and cannot find the formula they need.  Some mothers are even considering making their own formula, which is completely unsafe.

If you happen to be in this situation, here are some steps you can take:

1. Contact the manufacturer of your formula to find additional retailers that may carry your formula or purchase directly from the manufacturer:
   • Find Abbott Nutrition Product at Retail: https://abbottnutrition.com/store-locator
     1. Purchase Abbott Products Directly: https://abbottstore.com/
   • Find Mead Johnson Product at Retail: https://www.enfamil.com/store-locator
     1. Purchase Mead Johnson Products Directly: https://www.enfamil.com/products
     2. Purchase Gerber Products Directly: https://www.thegerberstore.com/formula/
2. Check local and online Retailers (Walmart, Target, Amazon, BJs Warehouse, BuyBuyBaby, Walgreens, CVS, Dollar General, Aldi, Sam's Club, Cotsco) for availability
3. Contact your local store you typically buy your formula. People want to help and can offer information as to when the next shipment will be in.
4. Contact your local food bank. They often have formula that has been donated.
5. Contact you Pediatrician and/or Dietitian as they will be able to help guide you to a different brand that is comparable to your current formula (Up&Up, Parent’s Choice, Earth’s Best, Baby’s Only), or a substitute until you are able to restart your previous formula.
6. Reach out to your local hospital or pediatrician to see if they have any samples they can spare
7. Check with local women's shelters and faith-based organizations that provide food assistance.
8. Contact your local WIC office for guidance.
9. DO NOT substitute a toddler formula, milk or milk alternative for formula. They are not appropriate for children under the age of one

If your child is between 4-6 months, has good head control, lost their tongue thrust, and is showing an interest in your foods, it might be time to start trying solid foods with approval from your pediatrician. Although infants derive most of their nutrition from breast milk or formula up until the age of one, eating solids will eventually lesson the amount of formula you will need to give.