Experts discuss the dangers of making baby formula among national shortage

Colorado Springs, Colo., (KRDO) -- A recall of baby formula has put a strain on parents across the country including in Southern Colorado.

Some families told KRDO it's been quite the challenge to find their baby's preferred formula product.

Colorado Senator Jessie Danielson (D) representing District 20 expressed her own frustration with the current situation.

"Just like so many other families we are faced with a shortage of formula so I just went today to go find what I can find in stores nearby and I will tell you there is not a lot," said Danielson.

Tracking down baby formula for her five-month-old baby has been difficult.

"We've just been doing our best to find what we can and purchase it when we can and as much as we can," added Danielson.

Due to supply shortages and certain recalls of contaminated baby formula products, families are doing what they can.

Still, a local pediatrician urges parents not to panic over the shortage.

UCHealth Pediatrician Dr. Steven Luebbert suggests when it comes to alternatives, the safest thing to do is to try another brand.

"Do the generic brands, at Costco, a lot of times they are very similar to the brand," added Dr. Luebbert.

Dr. Luebbert says regular milk is fine to give to babies between five and eight months.

However, he says you shouldn't keep your child on that milk long-term.

"Some of the worst kids I have seen with anemia is because they have been on cow milk for so long - there is not a lot of iron in cow milk," added Dr. Luebbert. 

Experts also say it's critical you don't make your own formula.

"The problem is they don't know what they are doing," said Dr. Luebbert.

Dr. Tanya Altman, a California doctor, told CNN that homemade formulas can result in a baby not getting the right nutrition or having the ratio of their electrolytes disrupted, which can be dangerous. There have also been cases of bacterial contamination, which can make infants sick.

Dr. Luebbert with UCHealth says the best thing to do is to reach out to your child's provider if you have questions.