Can’t find infant formula? WA Department of Health offers tips to help struggling families
Families throughout Washington state have been impacted by the nationwide infant formula shortage since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
But that problem has been exacerbated by the February recall of several baby formula products due to possible contamination and the voluntary closure of the nation’s largest manufacturing plant of baby formula in Michigan.
Though Abbott Laboratories reached an agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on restarting the Michigan plant, it likely will be weeks before it is back up to speed and formula from the facility begins to return to store shelves.
“No family should be in a position where they are worried about how they are going to feed their children,” Washington State Department of Health Chief Science Offer Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett said in a news release Wednesday, May 18. “We need to prioritize food security so that every family can be sure that their child is getting nutrition for optimal growth and development.”
The Department of Health release provided an online list resources for any families struggling to find infant formula or with concerns about their nutrition. Additionally, the state recommends contacting your child’s primary care physician’s office and asking to speak to a nurse, medical assistant or health educator.
“Your child’s doctor and care team are a great source of information for any concerns about your baby’s health and nutrition,” Kwan-Gett said in the release. “They may be able to make recommendations about switching to a formula that’s easier to find or give tips on where to go when your usual sources of formula are out of stock.”
Other advice
Additionally, the Department of Health release offered this advice:
▪ For parents needing to be connected to health care providers, call the Help Me Grow WA hotline at 800-332-2588. Additional support and resources to participants in federal and state nutrition programs is also available through the hotline.
▪ Washington WIC (Women, Infants and Children) participants should contact their local WIC clinic to get infant formula benefits replaced. WIC has expanded the formulas it is offering and can often tell parents which stores have formula in stock. The state WIC office can be reached between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday at 800-841-1410.
▪ Participants in the Basic Food (SNAP) program should visit the Parenthelp123 web page or call 800-322-2588.
▪ The American Academy of Pediatrics has said it is alright for most babies who are not on a specific extensively hydrolyzed or amino acid-based formula for certain medical conditions to switch to any available formula. Questions should be directed to your child’s primary care provider.
▪ The American Academy of Pediatrics cautioned parents not to attempt to make their own formula recipes, though, as they may not have enough vital nutrients or could contain too much salt or other elements that may be harmful to your baby.
▪ Abbott Laboratories will be releasing limited quantities of metabolic nutrition formulas, previously on hold following the recall. These products were not included in the recall and have been tested and determined safe, but they require a medical referral. Those in need can contact Abbott at 800-881-0876.
▪ Check smaller stores and drug stores for available formula.
▪ If you go online to purchase formula, only buy from reputable distributors and pharmacies.
▪ Contact manufacturers directly, such as Gerber’s MyGerber Baby Expert, Abbott’s consumer hotline (800-986-8540), Abbott’s urgent product request line or Mead Johnson/Reckitt’s customer service line (800-222-9123).
▪ Reach out to community resources, such as your nearest Community Action Agency, United Way’s 2-1-1, Feeding America or the Human Milk Banking Association of North America.
▪ Relactation or induced lactation can also be used as an alternative to using formula, but it takes time and effort. La Leche League International has resources on how to stimulate milk supply.
This story was originally published May 18, 2022 at 12:26 PM.
