One negative side effect of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic is panic buying. Due to a lack of information and sensationalized news, people all over the United State became scared that they wouldn't be allowed to leave their homes for an extended period of time. They started buying so many supplies that they're leaving grocery store shelves completely empty, which makes it difficult for others to find what they need as well.
The main supplies people have been panic buying are toilet paper, hand sanitizer, and baby products. Though some stores have now placed buying restrictions on toilet paper, not very many stores have done the same for baby products (i.e. diapers, wipes, infant formula, etc.). It has been disheartening to see viral videos of mothers trying to find food for their babies because they only drink baby formula, or need a specific type of formula that they're unable to find anywhere.
Unfortunately, some misinformation has been sent around social media about making your own infant formula at home. Another bit of fake news is that if you call formula companies directly, they'll send you a free case during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both of these ideas have been debunked and aren't supported by doctors or the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Young babies aren't able to digest cow’s milk, so trying to make your own formula with it could be dangerous.
So, what's happening to help parents find formula for their young babies? It has been reported that social media users are speaking out and pleading with others to be more considerate of those who are struggling to find the things they need for their babies. They are also using different platforms to help others find baby products without price gauging.
One of the first things they’ve asked for is to not buy baby products if you don't actually care for a baby. It's not recommended for babies to continue consuming baby formula past 12 months old. Baby formula is designed specifically for babies- so after their first birthday, they can start drinking other types of milk. Several people on social media who bought extra infant formula are giving it away for free due to the high demand. They just want to make it available to those who need it- not to hoard it.
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The next thing social media users have asked is for those who are not on government-assisted programs such as WIC or SNAP to buy a different size of formula container. At first, it was asked for those who aren't a part of these programs to wait to shop until after the first of the month. But it has been explained that not all of the programs pay-out at the same time of the month. Instead, buying a larger container or formula that isn't covered under the programs will help give others the opportunity to find formula. As a source said about baby food, “If you’re not on WIC, grabbing a different brand of cereal or yogurt is literally the least you can do to help people who are”. The same applies to buying baby formula.
Lastly, infant formula companies are striving to ease the worries of parents by confirming that there's no shortage of formula. They added that they'll continue to operate during this time. This will be a huge sigh of relief for many parents who need to buy baby formula while the coronavirus pandemic rages on.
Notably, Similac has specifically said, “We‘re currently doing all we can to ensure ongoing and consistent distribution of our products” and “there has been no impact on availability or distribution” of their formula. They also explained that they are working closely with retail stores and even have teams to help restock them.
If you're struggling to find baby formula, the most important thing you can do is ask for help. No one knows you need help unless you say something. By letting your family and friends know what you need, they may have it and can drop it off to you without hesitation. You could also call your OBGYN’s office and ask if they have any formula samples. You can even ask local food banks if they have had any donations.
You can contact formula companies directly, but there's only so much they can do. If they don't have a sample program in place, they probably won't send you free products. They will, however, send you coupons to use in the store and could help you find where their products are available.
We understand that the coronavirus outbreak is stressful and frustrating for everyone. So, that's why we should do our part to help others as much as we can. Don't panic buy! But if you do see something that someone you know needs, only purchase what they'll use for a reasonable amount of time.