Formula shortage won't end for weeks. I compare every U.S. formula in this chart so you can pivot fast. (Part 2 of 2)
The Substack Gods cut my word count off on my last post, lol. Here’s the rest:
(This has also highlighted for me the frustrating lack of competition in the formula market in the U.S., but that’s a topic for another day.)
Many, many formulas are identical in all the ways that matter, and the rest of the add-ons — like probiotics and added DHA/ARA — haven’t consistently been shown in studies to boost development, especially for short periods of time like a month or two. (They aren’t harmful, though.)
“Each company/brand has their own marketing and target something that might be unique about their formula,” Green Corkins said in an email. “It is marketing. All formulas must go through extensive growth studies and meet certain guidelines for levels of vitamins and minerals, so ultimately one brand is the same as the other. The store brands offer an advantage in cost and provide the same quality formula as the name brands.”
I also included three European infant formulas, even though they aren’t sold in the U.S., because I know some of my readers use them.
We tried six formulas when my son was an infant and they all hurt my son’s stomach and gave him constipation until we tried an extra-gentle formula from HIPP, the Comfort formula, which finally worked. Now I know there are some U.S. options that I could have tried, like Nutramigen, but I was so exhausted from the emotional toll of months of watching my son struggle in pain that I couldn’t imagine switching again. This was a few years ago when European brands were still sold by specialty baby formula stores.
The science behind these ingredients is fascinating. I’ll dive into all of that in a future post. I know this is a bit of a departure from high-tech parenting gear, but I felt called to do something to help parents affected by this formula shortage, so consider this a public service post. My initial plan was to include the chemistry and nutrition science of formula in this, but I’m already going to have to split this into two posts.
If your formula of choice isn’t listed, email me at parentinghack@protonmail.com and I’ll give you a comparison breakdown and shopping list ASAP (probably within 12 hours, depending on how crazy my day with my toddler is going).
Feed those babies. Take care of yourselves, too, parents.
This shortage is hard. It’s ok if you aren’t ok.
Sources:
https://babyformulaexpert.com/baby-formula-protein-source/
https://babyformulaexpert.com/baby-formula-protein-type/
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/05/21/abbott-ceo-robert-ford-formula-elevil/
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/05/23/us/biden-baby-formula-shortage.html
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-baby-formula/
Correction:
An earlier version of this chart said Similac 360 Total Care had the ingredients of Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive. The ingredients have been corrected and both formulas are now properly included in the chart.