As parents across the country continue to struggle to find baby formula for their children, a new tool provides help in locating it while getting the best price.
Reasons for the shortage
The reason for what experts are calling “the worst formula shortage in decades” can be traced back to a reported contamination at the Abbott factory in Michigan in February, and the lasting supply-chain shortages as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The factory resumed operations in July, and production has increased.
iReviews, a product review firm, launched an online shopping assistant in September as a browser add-on for Google Chrome to give parents a way of finding and purchasing formula without ever leaving their homes.
How it Works
The add-on allows parents to find in-stock baby formula and compare the prices from reputable sources. According to the iReviews website, the tool works by checking the stock and price of a preferred formula brand from the top online stores. For example, if you go to Amazon and search for baby formula, you can click on the brand you prefer and, in a matter of seconds, the add-on will check other top competitors to give you the best price along with in stock information. If the formula is out-of-stock, you can choose to receive a desktop notification as soon as it becomes available.
The iReviews site lists four simple steps to get started:
- Download the official extension from the Chrome Store. On the page, you can see an overview about the extension, read about privacy practices and check reviews.
- When the download is complete, head to Amazon to search for baby formula.
- If your preferred baby formula isn’t in stock, you can choose an alternative page where the product is available.
- To be notified when an out of stock item comes back in stock, click the small bell icon next to the price. You’ll need to log in with your Chrome account and give the extension permission to send you the notification.
There is an instructional video on the iReviews YouTube channel that takes you step-by-step through how to install the add-on and how to use it.
What parents can do while the formula shortage continues
The CDC has a dedicated web page for parents who are unable to find formula that includes guidelines for children under six months old and for children six months to 12 months old. Additionally, there are tips on the web page for families. View the page at cdc.gov..
