What to Do Until It’s Restocked
If you’re driving from grocery store to grocery store looking for your next can of Kendamil baby formula but being met with empty shelves, you’re not alone. Parents are turning to What to Expect’s Community to share that they have been unable to find this popular formula anywhere.
“I can’t find it anywhere near me or to ship either,” one mom wrote. “I’m panicking as we are down to half a can, and it’s the only formula my 5th percentile combo guy has ever taken.” Another parent added: “It’s out at ALL my local stores and can’t be ordered online. Thought I found it on Instacart, but they canceled it early this a.m.”
- There is a Kendamil baby formula shortage caused by demand surges and shipment delays. Kendamil is aware of the issue and working quickly to get the formula back on shelves.
- The company says supply should return in a few weeks. To address the issue they are increasing supply, expediting shipments and working closely with their retail partners.
- If you can’t find Kendamil formula, you can transition your baby to another brand. A pediatrician suggests transitioning slowly to an alternative brand that is similar and easily available.
While there is in fact a Kendamil baby formula shortage happening at the moment, it’s not expected to last too long. Kendamil’s team announced on TikTok on October 16 that Kendamil Goat should be back in stock next week and Kendamil Organic the week after. Kendamil Classic is expected to take a bit longer and will be back on shelves in early November. In the meantime, here’s what you can do if your family is affected.
Why is Kendamil so hard to find right now?
The main reason for the shortage is a surge in demand, according to Kendamil representatives.
“In just two years since entering the market, demand for Kendamil has grown more than sixfold. Last week, our retail partners provided more formula to parents than ever before in our history — and this wasn’t just a temporary surge,” Kendamil co-founder Will McMahon tells What to Expect exclusively.
The port strike (which ended on Friday, October 4, three days after members of the International Longshoremen’s Association struck) has played a role in these shortages too.[1]
“The port strike has contributed to the delays in getting products on shelves, and even though the strike has ended, there’s still a significant backlog of containers that are slowing down the replenishment process,” says McMahon. “We know how stressful it can be for parents when they can’t find the formula they rely on, and we’re working tirelessly to resolve this.”
When can parents expect Kendamil formulas back on shelves?
The Kendamil team says it’s working quickly to fix this issue.
“We took additional measures to re-route Kendamil formula to alternative ports across North America — a process that began even before the strike,” says McMahon. “However, these alternative routes are also facing delays.”
Shipments have been leaving European ports each week as usual. Unfortunately, it may take a few weeks for availability to return to normal.
“We are pleased to say that shipments are now finally starting to clear customs,” says McMahon in the brand’s TikTok video. “That means that product can then make its way to our warehouse before making its way to your local store.”
Kendamil Goat will be in stock the week of October 21, Kendamil Organic the week of October 28 and Kendamil Classic in early November.
What can you do if your baby uses Kendamil formula and you can’t find it?
“If parents cannot find the formula their baby is used to, the safest option is to look for a similar alternative, commercially available formula,” says Whitney Casares, M.D., a pediatrician in Portland, Oregon.
To learn what that is, McMahon suggests checking in with Kendamil’s customer support team, who can recommend one based on your child’s needs and your family’s budget.
“If [parents] still have some of the original [Kendamil] formula their child is used to, transitioning to the new formula slowly is ideal to avoid irritation to the gastrointestinal tract,” suggests Dr. Casares.
Your child may have some side effects when transitioning to a new formula (namely increased gas and spit-up), Dr. Casares says. Rare side effects include vomiting, blood in stool or refusal to feed — of course, contact your child’s pediatrician if you notice any of these.
One What to Expect parent wonders if they can safely switch their baby from Kendamil’s organic cow’s milk-based formula over to the brand’s goat milk formula (which they were able to get their hands on). While this is safe to do, according to Dr. Casares, you should check with your child’s pediatrician first.
One thing experts don’t recommend? Stocking up on formula that you do not need.
Yes, having a reasonable backup stash is always a good idea, but clearing out shelves of formula — as some parents have done on TikTok — is unnecessary. It also puts other families, especially those who may not have the ability to buy formula in bulk, at risk of not getting formula that their babies will tolerate.
If you’re struggling to get your child’s preferred Kendamil formula right now, it’s understandable that you may feel panicked. But remember: This is a temporary hiccup, and in all likelihood, your baby will thrive with another variety of formula in the meantime.
“Though it can be scary to navigate a formula shortage, take heart,” says Dr. Casares. “Formula shortages are often temporary and there are, thankfully, a variety of formula options on the market.”
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