Diluting Formula-Other options

In these frightening economic times everyone's making tough choices.  But diluting baby formula to make it last longer can have fatal consequences.  We all remember the headlines a few months ago when a 23-year-old mother diluted her formula with water.  Her 5-month-old son almost died.  He suffered from water intoxication and had to be put on a ventilator.  While baby formula can feel expensive, it's critical to remember that it's loaded with a much-needed balance of nutrients and viatmins necessary for the proper growth and brain development of your child.  It's a carefully construed formula and messing with it can endanger your baby.  Low income families are eliigible for WIC allotments.  WIC is a federally-funded program that provides food and health support for famlies with babies and toddlers up to the age of five.

WIC allottments generally are supposed to supplement you for a month.  But occassionally you might find yourself in a bind.  There are some options.  First, check with your pediatrician or hospital.  Often they have free formula samples and they can give you some to tide you over.  Also, call the 800 number on the back of the formula can.  Manufacturers usually can help you out.  Lastly, buy generic formula.  All formula made int he U.S. is held to the same high standard mandated by the Food and Drug Administration.  While they may vary slightly in their ingredients, they all provide the necessary vitamins and nutrients that your baby needs.

It's tempting, I know, to try and stretch every dollar.  But when it comes to stretching formula don't do it.  The price is too high.

(This blog was originally posted in 2009)