In the first week of May, 43% of baby formula was out of stock, according to Datasembly, a company that tracks product data for retailers. The rate of out-of-stocking was down to 30% in April, but has recently increased to 43%. Four major companies produce baby formula in the U.S., with Abbott planning to start production there within two weeks. It takes six to eight weeks to make it to retail shelves.
Other options for Baby formula for sale include visiting grocery stores. Publix and RiteAid are both Florida-based grocery stores, and carry several brands. Safeway, Walmart-owned Sam's Club, and Target, which sells baby formula online, carry some varieties in-store, and offer online delivery. Piggly Wiggly also carries baby formula in stores, and you can also shop for formula online through their website.
When buying baby formula online, be sure to choose a trusted brand or seller. If you are buying online, choose a verified, United States-based Amazon seller. You can also make your own formula, but remember to follow FDA regulations. This way, you can be assured of the quality of the product. When buying online, be sure to check the safety of the formula. There are many scams online, so make sure you choose your supplier wisely.
Major retail stores have also limited the number of baby formulas available. Wal-Mart and CVS have recently started limiting the number of items customers can purchase online. Target is limiting the number of baby formulas they sell in their stores, too, but this limit will only last until July. Buying online is the best option for those with a small budget. Moreover, you'll be able to buy your baby formula as a gift to the one you love.
As for safety, you'll be happy to know that baby formulas have undergone a lot of improvements over the past 150 years. While they don't quite match the gold standard of breast milk, they can be a good substitute. The Food and Drug Administration, which is the body's regulatory agency, strictly enforces the ingredients in infant formulas. It's important to read the label before buying one to avoid the risk of inadvertently poisoning your baby.
Another great option is soy-based infant formula. If you're trying to avoid animal protein in your child's diet, you might want to consider soy-based infant formula. Some babies are lactose intolerant or allergic to cow's milk proteins. If so, soy-based formula might be a good option. Also, consider buying formula made from corn or soy. That way, it's not as expensive as soy-based milk, but you can be sure it's safe.
If you're looking for a baby formula that is not from the U.S., you can look for European formulas online. Often, European formulas have different regulations than US formulas. Moreover, they may not have all of the ingredients required by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Therefore, it's important to read the label before buying a foreign formula. While it may be cheaper, European formulas could be dangerous for your baby's health.