“Even the best intentions can have devastating results,” says Diane Calello, executive and medical director of the New Jersey Poison Control Center at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Department of Emergency Medicine. â€œAlthough it may seem safe to use substitutes or make homemade formula to feed your baby, it can be very dangerous and potentially life-threatening.”

Shortages of baby formula may lead to the use of unsafe substitutes such as rice drinks, goat’s milk, homemade formula, almond milk, cow’s milk, diluted (watered-down) formula, honey, and protein shakes. The use of any substitute to formula or breast milk can quickly lead to severe nutritional deficiency.

Commercial/manufactured infant formula and human breast milk contain essential micronutrients and vitamins babies need to have at each feeding. These additional nutrients are essential to their healthy growth and development. It is important for parents and caregivers to make sure they do not feed their baby any products that do not contain the necessary daily nutrients.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has issued new guidance to help parents and caregivers struggling to find baby formula as the shortage worsens. However, this new advice is ONLY for emergency situations where baby formula cannot be found. These alternatives are only meant to be used for a short period of time; they cannot be used as permanent alternatives to baby formula.

“If you are not able to get your baby’s formula, it’s important to speak with your child’s pediatrician before making any changes,” says Calello. “Your pediatrician is a trusted source and can provide guidance as to the safest, available options for your baby, especially if your baby has special health needs.”

Serious side effects have been reported after infants were given formula that does not meet the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) nutritional standards. A recent article in CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report discussed three separate incidences of infants treated in emergency departments for low calcium levels and vitamin D–deficient rickets after being fed homemade formula. In addition, infants fed watered-down formula may develop electrolyte imbalance and brain swelling.

If a child is sick after drinking formula or any other product, contact your local poison control center immediately for medical treatment advice. Poison control centers are a medical resource for both the public and healthcare providers. Get free, medical help, 24/7.

Call the NJ Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222 or Chat Here