If there comes a point in this formula shortage that the shelves are empty and there is nothing left to feed your baby, you may turn to some kind of homemade option. Many of these “recipes” are floating around online.
The approach here is harm reduction. What are the safest options when they are no formulas left on the shelves? All milks have some risk but the point here is minimize that risk.
Steps you might consider:
Change up your current formula (if available). And most come as a ready-to-feed, powder or concentrate option.
Donor Human Milk (see below)
Commercially produced formulas
Cow’s Milk formula
Goat’s Milk formula
Soy Milk formula
If the above options are not available and you choose to use a homemade infant formula, please use one that has been tested. I have linked below some of the research studies that have been done on various homemade infant formulas.
Contamination seems to be one of the biggest risks mentioned in these studies so be sure you have cleaned and sanitized the area where you are prepping and have clean hands to start. Contamination has also been found in commercially available formulas which has contributed to this shortage so I say all of the above with that in mind and to also not be a hypocrite. Again, all milks have some risk.
DO NOT dilute formula down with extra water or other milks to stretch it. This is a very dangerous practice that can cause an electrolyte imbalance that can be fatal.
DO NOT offer raw milk! Raw milk is not safe for babies no matter what animal it came from.
DO NOT offer plain cow’s milk or goat’s milk! (the American Academy of Pediatrics just revised a statement on this topic for cow’s milk for children over 6 months of age for temporary use during emergencies).
Using a recipe with molasses can be dangerous. Molasses creates a bio-film in bottles that can result in dangerous bacterial growth. Do not use molasses as an ingredient of any formula replacement.
Honey is NOT safe for kids under 1 year old.
Eggs and egg yolks should not be used unless pasteurized and the baby is more than 6 months old.
Corn syrup and condensed milk was NEVER a complete source of nutrition. It should not be used now, and sharing those old recipes may be harmful.
Other Mammal Milks
Goat milk is not “nearly identical” to human milk. With a high proportion of protein and minerals to liquid it puts extra stress on a baby kidneys, particularly younger babies and premie babies. Healthy babies over 6 months old can usually handle 1-2 feedings of goat or cow’s milk per day to help formula last longer. Goat’s milk is NOT a complete nutritional substitute for human milk or commercially available formula. If your baby has an allergy to casein (milk protein) they will not tolerate goat’s milk well.
Other mammals milk like camels are also not appropriate for infants. Yes, camels. I have seen this floating around too. DO not give your baby camel milk.
Where to find donor human milk?
The Milk Bank, based in Indianapolis, receives human milk from screened and approved donors. While most of their milk is distributed to hospitals there is some avaiable for shorter and longer term use (a prescription is required). Learn more about being a donor or receiving donor milk.
If you are considering donating or receiving donor human milk to/from a friend or stranger, I highly recommend reviewing the Four Pillars of Safe Breastmilk Sharing from the organization Eats on Feets. This practice is considered peer-to-peer or informal milk sharing and there can be risks involved.
Another option is Human Milk 4 Human Babies. State-wide chapters are found on Facebook and you can post to request milk based on your location. Kentucky page found here.
Spread the Word
If you are in need of a specific type of formula for your child, let your family and friends know so they can be on the lookout for you especially if they are in other towns or states. Check the smaller grocery stores and drug stores for your formula brand and type you need. Try shopping online for what you need.
Increasing Milk supply, relactation, and inducing lactation may be something you are interested in. I let my clients know that all of these can be a lot of work and a big time commitment (pumping, etc.) with no guarantee of milk production. But for some, it is worth the effort and attempt. Connect with me or your lactation consultant to learn more or register for my free info session on this topic.
On a normal day, I am Registered Dietitian and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant here to educate and support families with their goals and discuss the best practices for nutrition for infants but today we are in a crisis and that calls for interventions outside the norm.
Find out more about Bonnie and her services at Bonnie Knows Breast.
Research on homemade formulas (some of these studies are really old!):
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9183479/
Unfortunatley this study is behind a paywall but was published in 2021: https://www.jandonline.org/article/S2212-2672(21)00178-7/fulltext?fbclid=IwAR2EyZKqG-clNCtftOPPtcGS0Fv5UyXAaagxto70qklRIsFdjZMDxIltXrc
Find me discussing more on this recent news clip: https://www.wdrb.com/news/business/baby-formula-shortage-hits-across-the-country/article_19b7ebf0-d2d7-11ec-966c-d3bd9ea173a6.html