SouthCoast Parents Facing Growing Baby Formula Shortage

Issues involving babies, born and unborn, are in the news a lot these days. As the debate rages from coast to coast over abortion rights, the ability to feed newborn babies is getting more difficult for many parents.

As I began preparing to write this piece about a dwindling supply of baby formula, Breitbart hit with an exclusive article about the crisis that appears to be deepening.

Visits to several New Bedford area stores on Saturday provided clear evidence that the baby formula shortage has hit home. There are restrictions at several area stores on the amount of baby formula one can buy at a time, and according to the Breitbart piece, the situation is worsening.

Not only are supplies running short but prices are rising for what is available. It is the basic rule of economics: supply and demand.

The article says, "inflation, supply chain shortages, and product recalls" are contributing to the problem, the origins of which can be traced back to July 2021. The shortage can be particularly severe for parents who depend upon specialty formulas for their newborns.

So what should parents do if they can no longer fond the formula they need to feed their infants? My first suggestion would be to consult your pediatrician about alternatives. My second suggestion is not to panic.

Solid Starts.com actually posted an article in March 2020 about just this type of situation. It offers some alternative feeding solutions in the event parents can't find or afford traditional baby formula. It is worth a look, but remember, any changes in your baby's diet should be approved by the pediatrician first.

FoxNews.com, however, suggests parents do not attempt to make their own formula. Dr. Sarah Adams of Akron Children's Hospital in Ohio offers several recommendations instead and urges parents not to hoard whatever baby formula they might find out there.

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Again, consult your pediatrician before making any decisions about what to feed your infant if you cannot find or afford baby formula.

Life with a newborn is stressful enough without these challenges adding to the pressure. Just remember, this too shall pass and you and the child will get through it.