Store brand versions of infant formula are FDA approved and should be considered as an option. Infants under one year of age should generally not have cow’s milk, milk alternatives, or toddler formula. Homemade infant formula recipes have not been evaluated by the FDA and may lack nutrients vital to an infant’s growth. Be careful of alternatives: Do not water down formula, try to make formula at home, or use toddler formula to feed infants without discussing with a pediatrician.In February 2022, Abbott issued a recall of certain powered formulas of brands including Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare that were manufactured at a plant linked to potential bacterial contamination. Impacted lots will start with a 22 through 37, not including the letter at the beginning. If you aren’t sure if a formula is safe, check your formula’s lot code online or call 1-80 to see whether or not it was affected by the recall.

Check for recalls: Risking serious illness is not worth the risk.

WIC has added some additional exempt formulas to their list.

Substitutions are permitted for specialty, exempt formula that is prescribed by a health care provider.

You may want to call first to see if the store has formula in stock.

Families with WIC can find a list of WIC approved vendors who may have infant formula in stock online.

They can help advise on your formula needs.

Connect with your local Women, Infants and Children (WIC) clinic if you are eligible.

Your neighborhood CAA may be able to provide you with formula or connect you with local agencies that have formula in stock.

Locate your nearest Community Action Agency (CAA).

Contact a certified nutrition or lactation consultant by phone, text, Facebook Messenger, web chat, or video call at MyGerber Baby Expert who can also help you find similar formula.They can also submit an urgent product request to Abbott on your behalf. They may have samples or can suggest a similar formula that is nutritionally similar to your infant’s typical formula and easier to find. If your family is impacted by the formula shortage, you can

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