For many families, access to infant formula and other resources can be hard to access. Here at CentroNía we continue to work with families to help them receive any additional support they may need, and have compiled the following list of resources as a tool:
Local
- The Napkin Network allows you to donate unexpired and unused baby formula. Those who are in need can submit a request and a team member will reach out to you.
- A Facebook group called Nova Baby Formula Finding Resource allows families across the DMV to gift, sell, trade, or find baby formula throughout the region.
- Greater DC Diaper Bank: Accept more than just diapers and wipes, as well as formula, breastfeeding supplies, and more to families in need.
- Feed the Fridge will start giving out free baby formula Thursday, May 19 to anyone in need.
National
- Gerber’s MyGerber Baby Expert allows you to talk to a certified nutrition or lactation consultant by phone, text, video call, Facebook messenger, or web chat, who can help you identify a similar formula that may be more readily available.
- Abbott Nutrition has a consumer hotline at 1-800-986-8540. An OBGYN or your infant’s pediatrician to submit an urgent product request on your behalf by downloading and completing their pdf form.
- Reckitt’s Customer Service line: Call 1-800-222-9123
- United Way’s 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1 to be connected to a community resource specialist affiliated with United Way who may be able to help you identify food pantries and other charitable sources of local infant formula and baby food.
- Feeding America: Call your local food bank to ask whether they have an infant formula and other supplies in stock.
- Human Milk Banking Associate of North America: Certain HMBANA-accredited milk banks are distributing donated breast milk to mothers in need; please note that some may require a prescription from a medical professional.
- Contact your local WIC office to identify or obtain additional sources of infant formula nearby.
- You should not water down formula or try to make formula at home, or use toddler formula to feed infants. Don’t discard the formula unless it is expired or is part of the recall. Check your formula’s lot code to see whether or not it was affected by the recall.
- You can find more guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Call your OBGYN or pediatrician to see if they have in-office samples or can suggest a similar formula that may be more readily available in stores and is nutritionally similar to your infant’s typical formula.
- The Birth Injury Center is an advocacy center who's mission is to assist anyone who has been affected by a birth injury. Their website is a compilation of information around the different types of birth injuries and they also offer resources to assist families. For example, Cerebral Palsy is the most common motor disability for children and it affects 1 in every 345 kids. If you would like to learn more about Cerebral Palsy or about The Birth Injury Center, visit their website today!