What To Do And Not To Do Amid The Baby Formula Shortage, According To Experts

The coronavirus pandemic has created a number of shortages and now a new one can be added to the list: a shortage of baby formula.

While parents might be looking for ways to improvise amid the supply crunch, MU Health Pediatrician Chris Wilhelm said there are some things to do and also not do.

"Do not make your own formula. I am sure if I google 'homemade infant formula,' I would get a plethora of options to choose from and I venture to say none of those are safe," he said.

Due to the current scarcity, Wilhelm said people might be trying to add more water to the formula, which he said should be avoided.

"Some people, I know, are trying to get more for their money by doubling the amount of water in the ratio of water to formula," he said. "Basically though, what you are doing is cutting your infant's nutrition in half, because you're adding more water."

Anne Strope, administrative coordinator for the Missouri Women Infant and Children Program, said you don't have to exclusively rely on baby formula however, especially if your child is of age.

"If your child is over 6 months old, that child can start having baby food and when you increase the amount of baby food, you can decrease the amount of formula," she said.

Strope also said an alternative to baby formula that moms can try is relactation.