Our Take: Beacon pediatrician offers advice to parents, caregivers navigating formula shortage
In the News (AP): Pandemic-related supply chain problems, combined with regulators temporarily shutting down a Sturgis, Mich., production facility over contamination concerns, have caused a national infant formula shortage that has sent many parents and caregivers scrambling.
But there was some cause for optimism Sunday when a U.S. military plane delivered a shipment of Swiss-made Nestlé formula to Indianapolis International Airport, part of an effort that President Joe Biden has dubbed, “Operation Fly Formula.” It’s the first of several planned shipments and federal officials have said people should start seeing more formula in stores as early as this week.
Our Take: Dr. Emily Kisor, a pediatrician at Beacon Medical Group Pediatrics Bristol Street, said she has been speaking daily with numerous families affected by the shortage. “I know that our phone nurses speak with even more people,” Dr. Kisor said. “It is a very distressing problem for many families and caregivers.”
Many families are hearing information and advice from relatives, friends and through social media. “Please be cautious in the resources that you are using. We are here as your physicians to answer questions and concerns. We can also be a resource to help you locate the formula that you need.”
Dr. Kisor taped a Medical Minute video (see below) and shared some common questions she’s been hearing in a Q&A, along with alternative formula brands to those that have been recalled, and her advice for parents and guardians of infants:
Question: Is it OK to change formula types?
Dr. Kisor: Most infants will do okay with formula changes, especially if they’re older than six months. They may also tolerate it better if you are able to transition slowly. It’s also important to know that all store-brand formulas are made at the same place. Perrigo makes all store-brand formulas, such as for Target and Walmart, it’s just labeled differently. So you can compare the basic ingredients to choose.
Q: Any hints for finding formula when grocery store shelves are bare?
Dr. Kisor: Check smaller stores, such as hardware stores. Buy online. Join and seek help from social media groups. Similac has an online formula locator. Call your pediatrician or family physician.
Q: What should parents be sure to avoid doing during this shortage?
Dr. Kisor: Don’t dilute formula. Don’t make homemade formula. Don’t use goat’s milk as a substitute. Don’t buy formula from other countries without being very cautious. And please don’t hoard formula. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends not buying more than two weeks’ supply of formula at a time so that others are able to feed their babies as well.
Q: Will anything be changing soon?
Dr. Kisor: There is hope! Similac has been working very hard at increasing production of formula at their other locations and flying in formula from their location in Ireland. They are also working closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to get the Sturgis facility up and running to increase production in the next few weeks.
