PEORIA, Ill. – Local officials have a message to parents in the wake of the continued shortage of baby formula in the country: don’t panic, and don’t do anything rash.
OSF Healthcare Pediatrician Doctor Terry Ho says one of the things to not do is try to give your newborn some type of formula other than what you’ve been giving them — and, at the right amount.
“One of the thoughts is that if I add more water to my formula, I might be able to drag that supply I have out,” said Ho. “We really want to recommend against doing that. The main reason why is by watering down that formula, you’re changing the nutritional composition of the formula.”
Ho says doing anything to water down the formula could end up leading to other health problems for your baby.
During a Peoria City/County Health Department briefing Thursday, officials also advised against some other things circulating online and elsewhere.
“We recommend avoiding any type of homemade formula, or alternatives, such as cow’s milk, goat’s milk, or other milk products,” said Michelle Compton, Peoria City/County Health Department.
Compton also urges against stockpiling formula, so that there’s a better chance for parents to be able to get what they need.
She says the “WIC” program is specific in the types of formula they will pay for, otherwise, a store brand of the formula you use should be okay.
While the Peoria City/County Health Department is a “Milk Depot” location, for the donation of breast milk, the department cannot accept donations of baby formula.
You can call the health department if you have questions at (309) 679-6000 or CLICK HERE.
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