June 07, 2022

Baby Formula Shortage Resources

June 7, 2022

In need of baby formula? Below is a list of resources to help during the shortage, courtesy of the Cambridge Public Health Department: 

  • The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recently launched a new website called Information for Families During the Formula Shortage. The website has a list of resources and guidance for families looking for baby formula. This site is also available in SpanishVietnameseHaitian Creole, and Navajo
  • The Massachusetts Women, Infants, & Children (WIC) Nutrition Program has added more formula brands and new formula products/can sizes that are now covered by WIC benefits. Massachusetts WIC participants can call their local WIC office or the 800 number on the back of their WIC card for help. Cambridge participants can visit the Cambridge/Somerville WIC program website or call 617-575-5330.
  • Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey issued an advisory with resources for Massachusetts families. Also listed are tips to avoid scams and how you can report a scam and/or deceptive business practices related to the baby formula shortage. 
  • The Massachusetts Department of Public Health also has information for families on its website, including these important tips: 
  • Do NOT make homemade baby formula. Homemade formula recipes can be very dangerous for babies since they have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and may lack nutrients vital to an infant’s growth.
  • Do NOT water down formula to stretch it out. Doing this can be extremely dangerous to your baby. Always follow formula label instructions or those given to you by your healthcare provider.
  • Please speak with your baby’s doctor before switching your child to toddler formula, dairy milk, or plant-based milk such as soy or rice milk. While this is not recommended before a child’s first birthday, your baby’s doctor can help you make the best choice for your child in light of the current situation.
  • HealthyChildren.org, an American Academy of Pediatrics’ parenting website, has a baby formula shortage Q&A that includes questions about switching formula brands and using formula substitutes.
  • If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your baby’s doctor.