Infant Formula Safety Resources
Published May 10, 2022

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Academy members, registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs), nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered (NDTRs) recognize the vital role of good nutrition in the growth and development of infants, children and adolescents. Consult an RDN for more information on infant formula safety and overall well-being and health of children.
Infant Formula Safety Tips
Some steps to ensure the safety of infant formula include:
- Choose an infant formula that's safe. For more information on choosing an infant formula that's safe, visit the CDC and FDApages on the topic.
- Don't make homemade infant formula. See the FDA's page for more information.
- Do not buy formula online that comes from outside the United States. This formula could be counterfeit, for example it might have a fake label with a wrong use-by-date.
- Properly prepare and store infant formula. For information on proper preparation and storage, visit the CDC's page.
- Properly clean, sanitize, and store infant feeding items. Visit the CDC's page for more information.
- Always wash your hands. For information on how and when to wash your hands, visit the CDC's page.
Visit www.fns.usda.gov/ofs/infant-formula-safety for more information.
For families receiving formula from WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children), you may need to contact other WIC accepting stores or pharmacies in your area if your usual location is unable to provide formula at this time. By downloading the WIC Shopper App, caregivers are able to search for other stores accepting WIC. For additional information about the WIC formula recall waiver, please visit www.fns.usda.gov/ofs/infant-formula-safety
Safe preparation and storage of formula are important when feeding your child to help prevent contamination. Following these guidelines can help:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before preparing your child's formula
- Ensure appropriate cleaning, sanitizing, and storage of bottles
- Use liquid formula when possible
- Prepare and store powdered infant formula safely
Please refer to the CDC recommendations for more in-depth guidance on formula preparation and storage.
From the Academy's Pediatric Nutrition dietetic practice group:
What should I do if I cannot afford formula?
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC): Mothers who qualify based on income can enroll in WIC to receive vouchers for formula. Visit WIC's website for information about enrolling.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): You can use your SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer card (formerly called food stamps) to buy formula. If you are enrolled in WIC, you also might qualify for SNAP.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): This program offers temporary cash assistance to qualified families. Locate your state TANF program.
Where can I get help if I do not qualify for benefits?
- Feeding America is a nonprofit network of 200 food banks. Many provide free baby food, infant formula, diapers and other supplies. Visit Feeding America's website to search for local foodbanks.
- Dial 2-1-1 to be connected to a community resource specialist who can help you find local resources. The number can be dialed from almost anywhere in the U.S. You also can get help online by visiting the 211 website.
Breastfeeding Support:
Recalled Formulas and Alternatives
The following table includes information on the recalled formulas and appropriate alternative formulas. Any substitutions should be discussed with a healthcare professional prior to adjustment.
RECALLED FORMULA | ALTERNATIVE FORMULA |
---|---|
Elecare infant (powdered infant amino acid based formula) |
Neocate Neocate Syneo (contains probiotics) Nutricia Alfamino - Nestle PurAmino – Mead Johnson |
Elecare Jr. |
Neocate Jr – Nutricia Neocate Splash - Nutricia Vivonex pediatric – Nestle Alfamino Jr. – Nestle PurAmino Jr. – Mead Johnson EquaCare Jr. – Cambrooke |
Similac Alimentum (powder only) |
Enfamil Nutramingen Gerber Extensive HA Mead Johnson Pregestimil Perrigo – Store brand hypoallergenic formula Amazon: Mama Bear Hypoallergenic CVS: CVS Health Hypoallergenic HEB: Baby Hypoallergenic Kroger: Comforts Hypoallergenic Meijer: Meijer Baby Hypoallergenic SpartanNash: Tippy Toes Hypoallergenic Target: Up & Up Hypoallergenic infant Walgreens: Well Beginnings Walmart: Parent’s Choice Hypoallergenic |
Similac Sensitive (powder only) |
Gerber Good Start Gentle or Sooth Enfamil Gentlease – Mead Johnson Enfamil Sensitive Perrigo – Store brand Sensitive formulas |
Similac Advance / Pro Advance |
Enfamil, Gerber, Perrigo store brands, mama bear, etc. Similac 360 total care Similac Pro-total comfort |
Similac Spit Up (powder only) |
Enfamil AR |
Hypoallergenic Product Similar to Alimentum
![]() Enfamil Nutramingen |
![]() Gerber Extensive HA |
![]() Mead Johnson Pregestimil |
![]() Amazon: Mama Bear |
![]() CVS Health Hypoallergenic |
![]() HEB: Baby Hypoallergenic |
![]() Kroger: Comforts Hypoallergenic |
![]() Meijer Baby Hypoallergenic |
![]() SpartanNash: Tippy Toes Hypoallergenic |
![]() Target: Up & Up Hypoallergenic infant |
![]() Walgreens: Well Beginnings |
![]() Walmart: Parent’s Choice Hypoallergenic |
Resources for Finding Hypoallergenic and Amino Acid-based Formulas
Families have also noted difficulties finding other powder formulas that are typically available on store shelves including formulas for premature infants and hypoallergenic formulas. If the child is a healthy term infant changing to another infant formula is okay and should be tolerated by the infant. If the formula was "prescribed" by a medical professional contact the child's healthcare provider or pediatric dietitian if problems finding the child's formula continues. The table below has links to assist with locating infant formula for families.
manufacturer | formula name(s) | website(s) |
---|---|---|
Abbott | Elecare, Elecare Jr, Alimentum powder |
Check if included in recall Store Locator |
Nutricia | Neocate Syneo, Neocate Infant DHA/ARA, Neocate Jr, Neocate Splash | Where to Buy |
Nestle | Alfamino Infant, Alfamino Jr | Formula4success |
Cambrooke | Equacare Jr, Essential Care Jr | Sample Requests |
Mead Johnson | PurAmino DHA & ARA, Nutramigen, Pregestimil |
Nutramigen Savings, myPurAmino program Store Locator |
Gerber | Store Locator | |
Store Brand Formula | Store Locator |