Moms: what’s local baby formula availability now?

Some say specialty baby formulas tough to attain

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – Kentucky moms, you’ll remember all too well when about a year ago, baby formula seemed like it was nowhere to be found.

The pandemic combined with notorious formula brand Similac’s temporary shut down was a tough double whammy.

What does local formula accessibility look like now?

BG Internal Medicine Pediatrician Dr. Kelly Kries said, “Now, when [parents] see formula, they buy, I hate using the term ‘new norm’, but they’ve kind of adjusted to the new norm. Fast forward to this year, and we’re about a year out from this and definitely seeing an improvement. A lot less scary. But we’re having some aftershocks from the formula shortages from a year ago.”

Bowling Green mom Sam Rasmussen remembers what it was like to face those empty shelves with two kids at home.

“I had to go about three counties or three counties east, four counties south in order to be able to find formula for my daughter and for my son.”

That feeling of helplessness drove her to the computer.

“I currently run Baby Formula Locator – BGKY. It’s a free-only Facebook group. We accept donations, and there are other parents who will have extra formula on their shelves that they no longer use who will donate it.”

Today, Rasmussen is thankful that the local moms are finding formula easier overall, however, she said, “I am seeing a lot of moms requesting specialty formulas and prescription formulas. There’s a lot of babies out there with allergies and needing high-calorie formula and hypoallergenic formula, and we can’t find that anywhere on the shelves.”

Moms and healthcare providers are doing everything they can to find these specialty formulas, but with the lack of availability, some have simply had to adjust.

Dr. Kries said, “Parents have just gone with whatever formula they could find rather than perhaps what formula might be best for their kid.”

Rasmussen says even now, “There’s always a need for formula. It seems like every day I have a new request and I can’t fulfill it all.”

“Hopefully we’re going to see a light at the end of the tunnel,” said Dr. Kries.

What’s been your experience finding formula? Let us know on our social media. And be sure to share your tips to other parents in our WNKY social community.