The nationwide shortage of infant formula has parents of newborns looking for options and guidance. Director of Nutrition Services at the Louisiana Department of Health Jennifer Nicklas advises families to shop at different stores if they are having difficulty finding formula.
“So, we’re just telling everyone to try to look at smaller stores, pharmacies, at drug stores to see if there’s some product available there and to just not give up,” said Nicklas.
A recall of formula made by Abbott at their Michigan plant along with supply chain issues has only exacerbated the formula shortage. Nicklas also suggests asking friends and family to help you search for formula and for WIC clients the list of approved formula substitutions has been expanded.
“Before we had about 11 Abbott products, Similac products, available for purchase with the WIC EBT cards and we’ve added 89 substitutions,” said Nicklas.
For a list of substitutions click here and, for other retailers who accept SNAP benefits click here.
Nicklas acknowledges it’s a frustrating situation for parents. She said switching to another formula could cause discomfort for an infant’s digestive system for several days. Nicklas said however do not water down formula in an attempt to make it last longer. Do not attempt to make your own formula, and never…
“Substitute with cow’s milk, plant-based milk, almond milk, soy milk, those types of products because the baby’s systems just can’t tolerate it like it can either formula or breast milk,” said Nicklas.
Nicklas said also never purchase expired formula or products that have been punctured or damaged.
Comments