Manufacturer Resources

To reach Gerber, manufacturer of Good Start® and NAN® products, call their MyGerber Baby Experts at 1 (800) 284-9488. You can also reach a certified nutrition or lactation consultant by Facebook, instant message or make an appointment online 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information, visit gerber.com/mygerber-baby-expert.

To reach Abbott Nutrition, manufacturer of Similac® products, call their consumer hotline at 1 (800) 986-8540. For urgent requests on Abbott Metabolic Formulas & Similac® PM 60/40, your OBGYN, or infant’s pediatrician is encouraged to download and fax a completed request form with the physician’s order to 1 (877) 293-9145. For more information and to download the form, visit abbottnutrition.com/metabolics.

To reach Reckitt, manufacturer of Enfamil® and various other products, you can reach their customer service team at 1 (800) 222-9123. To locate their powder and ready-to-use products at a store near you, click here. The store locator service provides a real-time inventory of products in or near your zip code, but if you have no results, contact them using this form here. For more information on infant formula and breastfeeding tips, visit enfamil.com/help-center.

For WIC Families

The Kansas Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program provides nutrition and health education, healthy food, and other services to Kansas families who qualify. Current and prospective WIC families are encouraged to contact their local WIC office to get additional information or apply. During the current infant formula shortage, families can also contact their local WIC office to obtain additional guidance about getting infant formula and food assistance. For a list of alternate formula options, visit the Kansas WIC website here. Please note that this list changes frequently so visit often for updates.

Not sure where your local WIC agency is? Look it up by your zip code by visiting signupwic.com.

Doc’s Note

As an OBGYN, I encouraged everyone to breast feed, and this formula shortage is certainly another reason. But I also know firsthand breastfeeding is one of the hardest things new moms can do, and it is ok if you cannot nurse. For those that can breastfeed, I want to encourage you to do so as long as you can even if that means nursing halftime and supplementing with formula – this will also help increase supply for others. Having a strong presence across Kansas, La Leche League provides tremendous breastfeeding support. To find La Leche help near you, click here. Additionally, for information from the Kansas Breastfeeding Coalition or about donating or obtaining breast milk in Kansas, click here.

Don’ts

Do not water down infant formula.

Do not buy from unverified vendors.

Do not make formula at home.

Do not substitute with dairy milk, other animal milk, or alternative beverages without talking with your physician.

Other Resources

WSJ: Here’s How to Buy Baby Formula Online During the Shortage