SALT LAKE CITY — Hopefully, the baby formula shortage will be over in the next couple of months, but in the meantime, health officials are stressing two important messages to Utah families: Do not dilute your baby’s formula and don’t make your own.

“Formulas are made with a lot of technology based on a lot of studies,” Dr. Wendy Hopson-Rohrer, pediatrician and associate vice president for health sciences education at University of Utah Health, said during a Tuesday press conference. “These formulas have the exact amount of proteins, carbohydrates, minerals and all of the things babies need to grow. When you make your own, the ingredients are not likely to match the same content that is needed.”

Diluting the formula to make it last longer is just as bad, she said. When it is diluted, that also dilutes the calories babies need. That could lead to electrolyte imbalances and even kidney problems.

The shortage in Utah is mainly tied to specialized formulas made for infants with allergies and other sensitivities, said JoDell Geilmann-Parke, state vendor coordinator for the Women, Infants and Children Program.

“Standard milk-based formulas are widely available across the state,” she said. “But those specialized formulas are lacking widely across the state in grocery stores.”

Abbott Nutrition recalled its baby formula products in February. On Monday, the company reached an agreement to restart production, though it will take at least eight weeks for formula to hit grocery store shelves, Parke said. In the meantime, families can reach out for help from their physician to acquire what they need.

“One of the key points is the fact that while we have a shortage, we want to make sure there’s enough formula to go around for everyone,” said Dr. Michelle Hofmann, deputy director at the Utah Department of Health. “Don’t buy more than a few weeks of supply to keep on hand so other families can have access as well.”

Another thing experts are asking women to avoid is donating breast milk to each other.

“In an ideal world, mother to mother milk sharing is a wonderful thing, but we have to be very aware that it is not regulated and protections are not put in place like they are in a milk bank,” said Elizabeth Kirts, lactation manager at University of Utah Hospital. “We screen all moms to make sure they are healthy and there are no medications or illnesses or other contradictions for milk sharing.”

Kirts said if you do decide to go that route, be sure to work closely with your physician who can look into risks and benefits and provide the appropriate screening. Women can also try to relactate with the help of a lactation consultant. You can also try slowly introducing a new brand to your baby if your formula is out of stock, but do not switch to cow’s milk, Hobson-Rohrer said.

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