As you may already know, there is currently a major baby formula shortage in America. So large, some are calling it a crisis. Across the US, over 40 percent of baby formula is sold out, causing parents to stockpile on baby formula wherever they can get it. For this reason, retailers such as Target and Walmart have started placing limits on baby formula purchases.
Here are two causes to the current shortage of baby formula in America:
Back in 2020 when Americans were stockpiling toilet paper, parents were stockpiling baby formula, in fear of a shortage. As parents were consuming their stockpiled baby formula, sales plummeted, which made formula production planning very difficult. Additionally, an uptick of births in 2022 helped create the current baby formula shortage.
Next, there was an issue of bacteria being found in traces of formula produced by major baby formula producer Abbot. The findings were the result of an investigation done by the FDA, where they discovered pathogen Cronobacter sakazakii in baby formula produced at Abbot's Michigan plant. This recall definitely helped contribute to the current baby formula shortage in the USA.
While it may be very hard to find baby formula in your local big box stores like Walmart and Target, you may get lucky as many of these stores are placing limits on the amount of baby formula each person can buy. This means if they do get some in stock, you will have a better chance of getting some.
Many people flocked straight to Amazon when the shortage began, only to realize that even Amazon was sold out. While Amazon.com, the American site, is sold out of baby formula, Amazon.ca, the Canadian site, still has lot's in stock as of this writing. What you can do is purchase your baby formula from Amazon.ca and have it shipped to your US address. Shipping may not be free, but you'll have formula to feed your baby. Just make sure to use a credit card that doesn't charge foreign transaction fees, like the Chase Sapphire, because you will be paying in Canadian dollars.
One often forgotten place to look for baby formula during the national shortage is at your local mom and pop shops. I'm talking about your local small groceries and convenient stores. Due to the fact that most parents buy their baby formula in larger big box stores, you may have a good chance of finding some at these smaller local grocery stores.
Instacart is an American company that operates a grocery delivery and pick-up service in the United States and Canada, similar to what Uber Eats is for restaurants. Using The Instacart website or app, we were able to track down baby formula in stock at stores in our area. You can either order it through Instacart for delivery, or go down to the store yourself and pick it up in person.
Plus, use coupon code TAXI03F9C5 to save $10 off your first Instacart purchase!
So you've checked all your local Walmarts, Targets and Shoprites, and still haven't found any Baby Formula, give your child's pediatrician a call. Doctors usually have boxes of baby formula sample packs in stock, and may be able to supply you some in your time of need.
Although most stores and websites are sold out of baby formula, keep checking back as they may add new stock at any point. Below are some quick links to help you catch the baby formula when it comes back in stock.
We hope these tips help you survive the baby formula shortage! Once you find some baby formula in stock, relax and check out our deals on baby clothes, strollers and car seats! If you have any good leads on where else to find baby formula during the shortage, please let us know in the comments below.
Thanks so much for this article! We ran out of formula but found some on Instacart and also saved $10 thanks to your coupon! ❣️