Maryland Department of Health
Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB)

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Resources to support families during national infant formula shortage

January 23, 2023


The Maryland Department of Health (MDH) has been working with partners to monitor the ongoing shortages in infant formula and to provide information and resources to families. The following resources are provided to support families impacted by the national infant formula shortages.

Maryland WIC​​

  • If you are a Maryland WIC participant, contact your local WIC office for assistance locating products or making changes to your WIC food benefits.
  • If you are not a Maryland WIC participant, visit the Maryland WIC website to learn how to apply, or call your local WIC office (or 1-800-242-4942) to find out if you are eligible for benefits.

General Guidance for families

  • Do not dilute infant formula. Adding extra water or other liquids to infant formula can be dangerous and life-threatening for babies, leading to serious nutritional deficits and health issues.
  • Do not use homemade formulas. Formulas made at home often lack the critical nutrients that babies need.
  • Use a different brand or type of formula if available. For most babies, it is OK to switch to any available formula. Call your child’s health provider if you have questions.
  • If feeding a baby with human milk from a source other than the baby's mother, you should only use milk from a source that has screened its milk donors and taken other precautions to ensure the safety of the milk.

Specialized formulas

  • If your baby needs a special formula, your child’s health provider can advise you on a comparable formula to use.
  • If you are still unable to find a speciality formula, contact a manufacturer’s hotline:

Breastfeeding resources

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Infant Formula Traslation Languages




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