Parents are facing a baby formula shortage. Here’s how to find what you need in Charlotte
If you’re the parent of a newborn who cannot find baby formula, you’re not alone.
Pandemic-related supply chain issues, weather delivery disruptions, and recent recalls have resulted in a nationwide baby formula shortage.
Abbott Nutrition, which produces popular baby formulas like Similac and Elecare, recently recalled specific kinds of powdered formulas following infant hospitalizations and two linked deaths, the News & Observer reported.
Here’s how the shortage is impacting retail stores, and where you can get baby formula in Charlotte.
How the shortage is impacting stores in Charlotte
The baby formula shortage has prompted Target, Kroger, CVS Health and Walgreens to limit how much baby formula can be purchased in stores or online, the Wall Street Journal reported.
“Due to increased demand and various supplier challenges, infant and toddler formulas are seeing constraints across the country,” a spokesperson for Walgreens told the Charlotte Observer in an emailed statement. “Similar to other retailers, we put into effect purchase limits of three per transaction on all infant and toddler formulas to help improve inventory. We continue to work diligently with our supplier partners to best meet customer demands.”
CVS implemented the same limit on formulas and said stores are “continuing to work with our baby formula vendors to address this issue” and “regret any inconvenience” it causes their customers in an emailed statement to the Observer.
Walmart already has a five-per-day purchase limit on baby formula, a spokesperson for the company said.
Where to find baby formula in Charlotte
Organizations like The Salvation Army and Hearts & Hands Food Pantry can provide baby formula for low-income families, according to their websites.
Some women may qualify for the Women, Infants and Children benefits program, which provides cash-value vouchers to use at authorized retail stores and pharmacies. To learn more about this program, contact the Mecklenburg County Health Department at 704-336-4700.
What to do during a baby formula shortage
If you’re struggling to find baby formula, here are some tips that can help, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
Ask your pediatrician if they are able to get you formula from a local representative or charity.
Buy formula online if you can afford it. Be sure to purchase from reputable distributors and pharmacies.
Most babies can switch to store brand formula. If you are unsure, consult with your pediatrician.
Consider borrowing formula from a friend.
Though toddler formulas are not recommended for infants, it is safe for babies older than six months for a few days.
What to avoid doing during a formula shortage
AAP says you should never water down formula since it can cause nutritional imbalances and lead to serious health problems. Instead, follow instructions on the label or those given to you by your pediatrician.
Parents should also consider avoiding giving their baby almond or other plant milk, as they are often low in protein and minerals. It is also advised to not give your baby homemade formula. It is generally not safe, and will not meet the baby’s nutritional needs.
News & Observer reporter Kimberly Cataudella contributed to this story.
This story was originally published April 14, 2022 at 9:33 AM.
