Formula Shortage Hacks For New Jersey Moms Scrambling To Feed Their Babies

I spend most of this weekend on the hunt for formula. No, I don’t have an infant but my cousin has a bundle of joy and he is hangry. All kidding aside, The infant formula shortage is intense and is mostly because of Abbott Nutrition's voluntary recall of certain powdered infant formulas. This has created a mess and all you have to do is look at the shelves in the baby section of the food store to see how widespread it is.  We found some ways to help.

My aunt drove as far as PA looking for some, stopping at every food store along the way to no avail so I'm excited to give them and all of you these resources from New Jersey's Community Team on the Nextdoor app. If you are in the same boat here are some resources to help you find what your baby needs.

Manufacture Hotline Help

Gerber's MyGerber Baby Expert: reach a certified nutrition or lactation consultant by phone, text, Facebook Messenger, web chat, or video call, who can help you identify a similar formula that may be more readily available

Abbott's Consumer Hotline: call 1-800-986-8540

Abbott's urgent product request line: ask your OBGYN or your infant's pediatrician to submit an urgent product request by downloading and completing this form.

Reckitt's Customer Service line: call 1-800 BABY-123 (222-9123)

More Community Resources For Finding Formula

United Way's 2-1-1: Dial 2–1-1 to be connected to a community resource specialist affiliated with United Way who may be able to help you identify food pantries and other charitable sources of local infant formula and baby food.

Feeding America: call your local food bank to ask whether they have infant formula and other supplies in stock.

Human Milk Banking Association of North America: certain HMBANA-accredited milk banks are distributing donated breast milk to mothers in need; please note that some may require a prescription from a medical professional. Find an HMBANA-accredited milk bank here.

Some More Creative Ideas To Get Formula And Important Information

Call your OBGYN or pediatrician to see if they have in-office samples

It is important to know that you should NOT water down formula.  To see if your formula was affected by the recall check here.

You can find more guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

For additional information, please see this new fact sheet from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

I hope that helps!  Of course, asking friends and family members to keep an eye out in other states is a great way to tag-team the problem as well.

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