Your usual baby formula may be a little more difficult to find due to supply chain concerns following recent recalls. Formula is available, but is in shorter supply. The most significant shortages are in specialty formula.
Considering a store brand
When your usual choice isn’t available, store brand infant formulas are available at many retailers in your community, such as at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Sam’s Club and Target. These products are sold under names like Complete Comfort, Advantage, Gentle and Sensitivity.
"We often get calls from parents wondering which brand to get if their typical brand is out of stock," said Taylor Ruchotzke, BSN, RN from MercyOne Clinton Medical Center. "Parents can buy any store brand marketed the same as the brand they typically buy."
All infant formula sold in the United States is required to meet the same FDA quality and nutritional standards, ensuring complete nutrition for your baby.
Don’t do this!
According to the CDC and Iowa Department of Public Health:
- Never dilute powdered infant formula by adding more water than recommended
- Do not make or feed homemade infant formula to infants
- Do not use cow's milk or goat's milk
- Do not buy formula online that comes from outside the United States
- Do not hoard formula! Be prepared to shop more frequently as stores receive partial shipments.
If you are challenged providing formula to your child, parents should work with your child’s health care provider for recommendations on other ways to feed your baby or toddler if your regular formula is not available. Check out more resources from Iowa Department of Public Health.
Donated milk
Decades of research have established that human milk is the perfect food for infants. The Mother's Milk Bank of Iowa stores and distributes human milk to those who need it. Women interested in becoming a human milk donor should contact the Mother's Milk Bank of Iowa at (877) 891-5347, and can make a donation at MercyOne hospitals in Clinton, Des Moines, Dubuque, Mason City and Waterloo.
