Bad news for parents: the recent baby formula shortage across the United States has caused several major stores, including Target, Walgreens, and CVS, to put limits on this product.
According to Datasembly, out-of-stock rates were as high as 40% nationwide the first week of April, and things don’t seem to be getting any better.
In addition to labor shortages and supply chain issues, the problem stems largely from the fact that a formula production facility in Sturgis, Michigan shut down after a federal investigation regarding contaminated products. While this is certainly an understandable reason for a facility to close, it’s led to chaos across the country as parents try to stock up on this baby essential.
Now, Target and other stores have been forced to limit the amount of formula that each customer can purchase in response to this stockpiling.
Among these major companies is Walgreens. "Due to increased demand and various supplier challenges, infant and toddler formulas are seeing constraint across the country," a spokesperson said in a statement. "Similar to other retailers, we put into effect purchase limits of three per transaction on all infant and toddler formula to help improve inventory. We continue to work diligently with our supplier partners to best meet customer demands."
Like Walgreens, CVS has also stated that they will limit products to three per transaction. "We’re continuing to work with our baby formula vendors to address this issue and we regret any inconvenience this causes our customers," they said.
Luckily, while Target has set up limits on baby formula as well, they're only enforcing this new policy online rather than in stores, the New York Times reports.
As expected, many are upset about the overall shortage and the limits that have been put in place. "People can’t even find one can of formula and you’re allowing limits of THREE OR FOUR!!! I’ve been driving around for 2- hours already to multiple of your locations and can’t find a thing," one customer ranted to several stores on Twitter.
"This baby formula crisis is legit," another said. "I haven’t found any in four days. Today tried Walmart, Target, Harris Teeter, Amazon, Walgreens, CVS, Food Lion and Lowes. Nada at any of the stores in the area or to ship. Have some to last 4-5 days but it’s quite a job to search." It's certainly a concerning issue.
If you're a parent who's wondering what to do in the face of this shortage, you have a few options. You may need to switch formula brands for the time being—as long as you stick with the same type of formula (i.e. cow milk protein vs. soy). Overall, the best thing you can do is talk to your pediatrician, who can offer you expert advice about the best steps to take.
