Baby Formula Nationwide Shortage Worsens – Many Stores Now Limiting Sales
A nationwide shortage of baby formula caused by supply chain issues is intensifying, leaving parents frustrated and worried about how they’ll fill their baby’s next bottle.
Supply chain issues have affected nearly every industry throughout the pandemic, with some shortages resolving gradually over time. But baby formula scarcity has continued to escalate since it was first identified in the fall of 2021.
For months, retailers have struggled to keep their shelves stocked with baby formula. Manufacturers say they’re making as much as they can, but it’s still not enough to keep up with demand.
According to Datasembly, out-of-stock rates started rising at the end of November and reached 31% nationwide in April. Some states now have OOS rates at 40% or above. If your child needs any kind of specialized formula, then you probably already know that it can be even more difficult to locate those.
CNN reports that this issue began to intensify after a major manufacturer recalled Similac, Alimentum, and EleCare products following the deaths of two children. Now, major retailers are starting to limit the amount of formula that customers can buy.
The New York Times is reporting that CVS and Walgreens have placed a three-item purchase limit on baby formula. Target is limiting online purchases to four units, although there doesn’t appear to be an in-store purchase limit yet. Costco appears to have limited the online sale of its baby formula as well.
While Walmart has yet to confirm any nationwide purchase limits, customers have reported seeing signs at select stores, announcing varying purchase limits that seem to vary by location. Countless grocery stores are doing the same.
“Inflation, supply chain shortages, and product recalls have brought an unprecedented amount of volatility for baby formula. We expect to continue to see the baby formula category being dramatically affected by these conditions. Baby formula stock has been one of the more affected categories so far in 2022, and will continue to demonstrate higher than average out-of-stock levels.” – Datasembly founder and CEO, Ben Reich
If your family has been affected by the baby formula shortage, the Infant Nutrition Council of America suggests consulting your child’s pediatrician for safe feeding options.
Parents Magazine has also published an article offering additional advice for families struggling to find formula amidst the ongoing shortage.
Moms in our area have turned to other local nursing moms that have an oversupply of breast milk. Look for groups on Facebook. Sometimes they give it away for nothing or replacement milk storage bags and pump parts.
This is DANGEROUS and pediatricians strongly advise against this.
You should not be getting breast milk from anybody off Facebook or anywhere else where the MILK AND THE DONOR HAS NOT BEEN SCREENED for diseases.
I have treated eight babies alone this year with communicable diseases who acquired it from donor milk. Three allergic reactions due to the donor’s diet. I would see maybe one communicable decease a year and one allergic reaction maybe every five or so (not including dairy).
Please do not advise people to do this, it’s dangerous and can be fatal. I know you mean well, but please don’t. Some do not want to use formulas and prefer breast milk. We all respect that however, do you rather have a healthy child or a sick child with multiple organ failure?
If a parent is having trouble finding a specific formula, please contact your pediatrician or your obstetrician, they will help you locate it.
Hospitals have extra stock for situations exactly like this as does pharmacies and clinics. Your doctor can write you script and most will do it without questions right now, because we are all very aware of the situation.
I try to stay out of the comment section as much as possible to avoid conflict because it’s discount page after all, however sometimes it’s very hard and I can’t… this being one. I’m off my soap box now and I apologize if I offended anyone but some parents are getting desperate and if they see your comment, they will look for breast milk online and it might end up causing them more heartache then it’s worth it.
Edit: Disease not decease.
I heard from my neice that you can contact the formula company directly for supplies. Hope this helps.
Thanks, Susan! Great tip!
Pediatricians can also write scripts for formula. It can be filled at most hospital pharmacies and insurance will cover it. Depending on your co-pay, it might be even cheaper then buying from a regular store. If you do not have insurance, you will not be turned away either. It’s priced accordingly to your area, to some it’s free.
Thank you very much, H2S, for cleaning up the comments! I (and I know others) appreciate you.