Emergency Physicians Urge Parents to
Avoid Diluting Baby Formula
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[May 20, 2022]
With baby formula in short supply around the country, the American
College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) has a clear warning for
caregivers: avoid watering down formula.
“Adding extra water to baby formula to try and make it last longer can
put a child at risk of a seizure or another medical emergency,” said
Gillian Schmitz, MD, FACEP, president of ACEP. “Given the current
formula shortage, it may be tempting to look for a workaround, but it is
very important to always mix formula according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.”
Infants under the age of six months should not drink water or other
liquids besides infant formula or breast milk, unless advised by a
physician. Adding too much water to formula reduces its nutrient levels
and could slow a child’s development. It could also cause an electrolyte
imbalance that can lead to severe health problems, including seizures.
Baby formula should always be mixed as directed by the manufacturer,
unless specifically guided by a physician or health care professional.
Consistent with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommendations,
emergency physicians advise against trying to make formula at home with
store bought ingredients.
With all sorts of risky homemade formula recipes on the internet or
circulating among friends, the best choice is to talk with a physician
about the safest ways to feed a child.
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Feeding an infant under six months of age cow’s milk, or milk substitutes, is
not a safe alternative to infant formula, emergency physicians said. Milk or
similar dairy products can cause an infant severe illness at times of heat
stress, fever or diarrhea.
Cow’s milk cannot be digested by an infant as completely or easily as formula or
breast milk. It lacks the proper amounts of iron and other nutrients that
infants need, which can irritate the linings of a still developing digestive
system and lead to a dangerous electrolyte imbalance, bloody stool, or iron
deficiency. Whole milk or toddler formula could be a temporary option for
several days for a child older than six months if infant formula is not
available.
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“Actions that may seem like a harmless way to stretch the supply of formula
could end up being dangerous,” said Dr. Schmitz. “An infant needs a careful
balance of nutrients and even a brief disruption can cause health problems. Do
not hesitate to bring a child to the closest emergency department for any
concerns that they could be having a medical emergency.”
The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) is the national
medical society representing emergency medicine. Through continuing education,
research, public education, and advocacy, ACEP advances emergency care on behalf
of its 40,000 emergency physician members, and the more than 150 million people
they treat on an annual basis. For more information, visit
www.acep.org and
www.emergencyphysicians.org.
[American College of Emergency
Physicians] |