Columbia not immune to nationwide baby formula shortage. What to know
Dr. Cory Jones has seen his fair share of concerned patients lately.
A national shortage of baby formula has grown in recent months and the pediatric gastroenterologist at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital in Columbia says new parents’ worries have grown with it.
“Yes there is some concern — in our area we’ve been working closely with registered dietitians in order to substitute formulas,” Jones said.
Some national retailers have recently started rationing the amount of baby formula customers can purchase as the shortage continues. Below are details to know about the shortage and what new parents should do to successfully navigate the crisis.
Reasons for baby formula shortage
A combination of company recalls and production issues due to the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant baby formula shortage. Abbott Nutrition recalled some of its powdered formula brands, including Similar, Alimentum and Electra. The recall was triggered by complaints from four consumers who said the products gave their babies bacterial infections and was expanded following an infant who died after consuming formula.
Stores rationing baby formula
Target, Walmart CVS and Walgreens recently began limiting the amount of formula customers can purchase at one time, according to the Wall Street Journal. Walmart is limiting in-store purchases of formula to five containers each day in stores. Walgreens and CVS are letting consumers buy three infant and toddler formula products per each transaction. Target has limited online shoppers to four baby formula items.
“The biggest problem for us right now is the supply is changing every day,” Jones said. “Our dietitian is keeping up with supply … she has said there are some that are available on Friday that are not available on Monday.”
Why not just breastfeed?
Jones said that while breastfeeding is better than formula as a primary means of providing nutrition to infants, there are many reasons why some mothers are unable to do it.
“There are women who are working and don’t have time, women with medical problems, babies will illnesses … so often you have to use formula to provide a supplement,” Jones said.
How to get what your baby needs
Even if some stores might not have the exact brand of formula you want for your baby, there are ways to get your infant proper nutrition.
“Really the best thing for someone to do is to reach out to their doctor’s office and find out what they can use to substitute,” Jones said. “There are hundreds out there and that can be really confusing.”
Buying formula on a budget
Even if you can find the formula you need, it’s not cheap. Formula costs can range from $20 and $30 a can to $100 a can, depending on the type an infant requires. And cans can last about a week for newborns to only a couple of days for 4 to 6 month olds, meaning costs can skyrocket quickly, Jones said.
Jones said his office regularly points parents toward the federal Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, referred to as WIC, to help them better afford formula.
“There’s a lot of families that qualify that don’t think they qualify,” Jones said.
Jones added that some formula companies offer vouchers to help lower prices for people.
“And have an open conversation with your doctor about cost … sometimes they can supplement and come up with a better solution,” Jones said.
How long will the baby formula shortage last?
Currently, there’s been no indication from manufacturers about when the shortage might end.
“We don’t right now have any indication about how long the shortage might last,” Jones said. “We’re in close contact with suppliers multiple times a week.”
