“These shelves are always empty”: Local mothers weigh in on national baby formula shortage

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — A nationwide baby formula shortage is sending parents into a state of panic.

They’re looking for immediate relief from major retailers, but it is unclear when that may happen.

“Out of stock, out of stock, out of stock….42 miles away!” Kell Joseph of Robinson Township said.

Empty store shelf after empty store shelf and bone-dry cans of formula...

This sight is unfortunately a very familiar one for moms like Joseph who live throughout the Pittsburgh area.

“I thought I was shopping at the wrong times or maybe I’m at the wrong stores and then I kind of picked up on a trend that these shelves are always empty,” said Joseph.

Her daily routine now consists of checking store apps including Target and setting stock alerts in hopes of locating baby formula for her nearly ten-month-old baby girl, Violet.

“It’s been a struggle and there are some times — where I’m like, we’re getting down to the wire,” said Joseph.

Nationwide, formula is hard to come by, and the cost is increasing.

Many major retailers, including Target and Walgreens, are capping the amount you can buy at once due to increased demand, supply chain issues and recent recalls from formula maker Abbott.

We took parents’ concerns directly to the expert — AHN Pediatrics dietitian and lactation consultant Jennifer Yoon.

“We recommend babies that are less than two months old, that they are getting a ready to feed formula. If that is not available, it’s OK. Not recommended, but OK to buy powdered formula,” said Yoon.

Yoon also encourages moms who are able to breastfeed to continue doing so in the interim.

She says it’s OK to be flexible and buy a store brand of formula.

The store brands are both healthy and safe.

Yoon said, “If your baby has a sensitivity or dietary restriction, make sure you continue to buy that designated option.”

“Once you find something that works for your baby, you just got to be on top of it,” Joseph said.

Many area moms tell Channel 11 they are also relying on Facebook groups, where they are working together to locate formula.

Also, some pediatricians offer free samples, so parents can ask if they have any available.

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