Sites like eBay and Craigslist have a formula for exorbitant prices. A recent MIT Technology Review found that several sellers were asking for more than $ 300 for 12 baby food containers on eBay, with about $ 25 each. Typically, these containers would sell for between $ 7 and $ 10.
Moore says well-to-do parents are especially stressed. They receive their checks earlier this month and have to fight to beat other desperate parents, if they can, to get the specific brands of welfare rules allowed formulas, which are produced by Abbott, Gerber and Mead Johnson.
Despite the FDA’s agreement, the crisis may worsen over the next few months as supply chain problems persist and the FDA continues to monitor production to keep the formula safe. This could create another health crisis among babies forced to quit formula too soon, which can lead to nutritional deficiencies and hospitalization.
A crucial way to help combat scarcity could be to get women to donate excess breast milk, according to Lindsay Groff, executive director of the North American Human Milk Banking Association. He says the shortage of formulas has led to a 20% increase in demand for milk banks in the United States, but there is not enough milk to circulate. She hopes parents will be able to spread the word online, urging her followers to breastfeed if they can.
