RIGHT FORMULA: Peter Smith Chemmart retail manager Jill Grindrod says babies don’t always change easily from one formula to another. Photo: JUDE KEOGH 0103babyfood1
A WORLDWIDE shortage of Karicare Aptamil Gold baby formula has hit Orange.
One pharmacist warns any change to another formula could lead to adverse reactions in infants.
The shortage has been caused by fears over the safety of infant products in China, with Chinese nationals in Australia buying the products in bulk to send back home.
Blooms the Chemist pharmacist Melissa Gannon says babies can get a range of symptoms from changing to another baby formula.
“The effects we’d be concerned about are allergies, upset stomach, constipation, diarrhoea and rashes,” she said.
Mrs Gannon advised parents to seek advice before making any changes.
“The majority of babies would be fine ... [but] come and talk to us,” she said.
Mrs Gannon was advised by the supplier of Karicare Aptamil Gold last month that the product would be in short supply and hoped to have it back on the shelves next week.
Peter Smith Chemmart Pharmacy retail manager Jill Grindrod said the pharmacy had been experiencing supply problems of the baby formula for a while.
“It’s been out of stock for a couple of months,” she said.
“It affects everyone with bubs that are on it.”
Ms Grindrod said many parents had been searching for a similar formula until their usual brand returned.
“It’s quite a concern because not always do they change easily to another formula,” she said.
“If they’re a fussy baby their mum’s going to have a lot of trouble.
“It’s just a matter of finding one the baby will like and drink.”
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fairfaxmedia.com.au