The Forbes Health editorial team is independent and objective. To help support our reporting work, and to continue our ability to provide this content for free to our readers, we receive compensation from the companies that advertise on the Forbes Health site. This compensation comes from two main sources. First, we provide paid placements to advertisers to present their offers. The compensation we receive for those placements affects how and where advertisers’ offers appear on the site. This site does not include all companies or products available within the market. Second, we also include links to advertisers’ offers in some of our articles; these “affiliate links” may generate income for our site when you click on them.

The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Health. While we work hard to provide accurate and up-to-date information that we think you will find relevant, Forbes Health does not and cannot guarantee that any information provided is complete and makes no representations or warranties in connection thereto, nor to the accuracy or applicability thereof.

The baby formula shortage that began in early 2022—spurred by COVID-19-related supply chain issues and a voluntary recall of baby formula from Abbott Laboratories (the maker of Similac products)—is hitting parents hard and will likely worsen.

New data from Datasembly found the share of baby formula out of stock in the U.S. hit a staggering 40% in late April—and reached 43% nationwide by the end of the week ending May 8[1]Datasembly Releases Latest Numbers on Baby Formula. Datasembly. Accessed 5/17/2022. .

Fortunately, on May 16, Abbott announced that it reached an agreement with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to resume production at its Michigan plant within the next two weeks, pending FDA approval. From there, though, it could take six to eight weeks before the baby formula is available on store shelves, the company says (although it will continue to import formula from its FDA-registered facility in Ireland in the meantime).

And on May 18, U.S. President Joe Biden invoked the Defense Protection Act, a 1950s law that allows the government to direct manufacturing production in response to a crisis. In this instance, the law will be used to prioritize key ingredients for formula production, compelling suppliers to work with formula manufacturers ahead of other customers ordering those ingredients. The president also launched a plan that will utilize U.S. military aircraft to import formula from abroad.

While Abbott’s recent update is encouraging, supply issues will likely continue for months to come, leaving many parents wondering how to navigate the prolonged shortage and obtain the formula they need for their children. One avenue for finding formula is receiving it via donation, but there are other methods to consider as well. Here’s everything you need to know.

If you typically feed your infant name-brand formula, such as the Similac options impacted by the recall, consider checking out the generic version, says Robert Dracker, M.D., founder and medical director of Summerwood Pediatrics in Syracuse, New York and a Forbes Health Advisory Board member. “In most cases, wholesale store brands, such as Walmart, BJ’s and Costco, are acceptable since they are usually relabeled formulas made by FDA-approved formula manufacturers,” he explains. Indeed, all infant formulas—name brand or not—must meet the same FDA requirements and contain certain key nutrients before being sold in stores in the U.S.

Find a Pediatrician Near You

Zocdoc helps you find and book top-rated doctors, on demand. Visit them in their offices, or video chat with them from home. Check out the Pediatricians in your area.

It’s also worth reaching out to your child’s pediatrician if you haven’t already. “Doctors can contact formula representatives who can assist them in obtaining formula for children, especially those who require specialty formulas,” says Dr. Dracker. “I have had success doing this for some of my infants who need special formula types.” Above all else, stick with formulas that have FDA approval.

If you’re breastfeeding and considering making the switch to formula amid the shortage, Dr. Dracker advises banking any excess breastmilk and freezing it whenever possible, making sure it’s date-labeled and its use rotated so the older milk is used first. “There are many online resources available to families that can guide them on the proper collection and storage methods,” he says.

While exploring ways to secure your infant’s formula, don’t forget about the power of local parents. “There are many regional ‘mom groups,’” says Dr. Dracker, noting that networking with other parents could be a smart way to find much-needed baby formula. “I would only suggest that if parents are going to share formula resources that they do so only with in-date, unopened formula,” he explains.

Your social media feeds may also be full of posts about donating and receiving breast milk, but that’s an avenue Dr. Dracker discourages. “I would never suggest sharing breast milk, which needs to be pasteurized first and free of bacteria, depending upon the storage methods.”

If you have baby formula you would like to donate, many local organizations are accepting donations and matching the formula to parents in need. You need to do some searching in your area to learn about where to donate, and keep in mind that you should only donate unopened and in-date baby formula—not opened or expired cans.

The Salvation Army is one such charitable organization accepting baby formula donations. Locate the Salvation Army in your area for details regarding where to drop off baby formula.

If you’re looking for local baby formula donations to feed your little one, social media groups geared toward local parents are a great place to start. Some people are organizing baby formula donations and matching parents with the formula their baby needs. Local hospital systems may also be a smart place to check for donated formula, depending on where you live. Do some research in your area to see if this route is an option for you. If you’re able to find donated baby formula of your baby’s preferred type, make sure the formula is completely sealed and unused.

You May Also Be Interested In Baby Formulas Available On Amazon

Mama Bear Organic Infant Formula with Iron

Earth’s Best Organic Dairy Infant Formula with Iron

Gerber Good Start GentlePro 2 Infant Formula

(Note: Product details are accurate as of publication and are subject to change.)

Parents are understandably desperate to find the baby formula they need for their children, but there are a few things to keep in mind as the shortage continues and opportunists prey on families in need.

“I would not recommend buying baby formula on [sites like] eBay, from sellers who are trying to make a profit during shortage periods, since you don’t know where the formula originated or how it was stored,” says Dr. Dracker.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is also warning people of online scammers who claim to have baby formula and even provide pictures, prompting parents to pay them via PayPal or Venmo, but then the formula never arrives. To best avoid scams, the BBB recommends:

Another scam gaining traction on Facebook is a viral post that suggests calling major formula makers like Enfamil and Similac to let them know you’re having trouble finding formula so they can notify your state and have the state send you cans of formula. Politifact has rated this claim as “false,” also noting that Facebook has flagged these posts as disinformation.

Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional.

Forbes Health adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved or otherwise endorsed by our advertisers.

Valerie is a seasoned writer and editor who has spent her career creating content in the parenting and women's wellness spaces. Before joining Forbes Health, Valerie was the trending news editor at Scary Mommy. When she's not helping women and families live their best and healthiest lives, she's spending time with her family, walking her dogs, reading or exercising.

Sarah is an experienced writer and editor enthusiastic about helping readers live their healthiest and happiest lives. Before joining Forbes Health, Sarah worked as a writer for various digital publications including LendingTree, theSkimm, CNBC and Bankrate. When she isn’t writing or editing, you can find Sarah with her nose in a book or enjoying the outdoors with her French bulldog, Honey.