{"id":1436,"date":"2026-05-23T07:04:22","date_gmt":"2026-05-23T07:04:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tampamovingjournal.com\/?p=1436"},"modified":"2026-05-23T07:04:22","modified_gmt":"2026-05-23T07:04:22","slug":"bay-area-doctors-warn-diluting-baby-formula-can-be-life-threatening-for-infants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tampamovingjournal.com\/?p=1436","title":{"rendered":"Bay Area doctors warn diluting baby formula can be life-threatening for infants"},"content":{"rendered":"

TAMPA, Fla.<\/strong> – <\/span>As families face tough economic times and feel the strain of rising grocery and gas prices, some parents may be tempted to make baby formula last a little longer by adding extra water.<\/p>

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But pediatricians warn that decision can have serious, even life-threatening, consequences for infants.<\/p>

Bay Area doctors say they are concerned the issue could become more common as families struggle with the rising cost of food, formula and other essentials.<\/p>

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Doctors concerned as economic pressure grows<\/h2>

Why you should care:<\/p>

“Formula is very expensive,” Dr. Ebony Hunter, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Johns Hopkins All Children\u2019s Hospital, said.<\/p>

Hunter says she saw cases in the ER during the 2022 national formula shortage and is now seeing families once again feel the pressure as the cost of living rises.<\/p>

“We last saw it in 2022 during a formula shortage, and now we\u2019re seeing it with the increased gas prices as well as grocery prices, and just cost of living overall,” Hunter said. “We\u2019re seeing more and more.”<\/p>

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Doctors say infant formula is carefully designed to provide babies with the right balance of nutrients and electrolytes.<\/p>

Adding extra water can throw that balance off \u2014 especially in babies younger than six months old, whose kidneys are not fully developed and cannot process excess water the way adults can.<\/p>

That can cause sodium levels in a baby\u2019s body to drop dangerously low, leading to swelling in the brain, seizures, and in severe cases, death.<\/p>

Symptoms to look for<\/h2>

Hunter says symptoms may be subtle at first.<\/p>

“They can be as subtle as just like, a sleepy baby or a fussy, or crying, or even vomiting,” Hunter said.<\/p>

Doctors say babies may also find it difficult to wake, stop feeding well, lose weight, develop a weak cry, or in severe cases, suffer seizures.<\/p>

When to seek emergency care<\/strong><\/h2>

Doctors say parents should seek emergency medical care right away if a baby becomes unusually sleepy, is difficult to wake, has a weak cry, stops feeding or has a seizure.<\/p>

What they’re saying:<\/p>

Dr. Jennifer Takagishi, a pediatrician with Muma Children\u2019s Hospital at Tampa General Hospital,\u00a0medical director, HealthPark Pediatrics,\u00a0division chief, General Academic Pediatrics, and a professor of pediatrics at the USF Morsani College of Medicine, says families who dilute formula are often trying to do what they believe is best in a difficult financial situation.<\/p>

“It\u2019s not usually done for anything other than desperation,” Takagishi said. “They are trying so hard to do what\u2019s right for their child, but they can\u2019t afford it.”<\/p>

Read more St. Pete shooting in Childs Park neighborhood leaves 1 hospitalized: Police<\/a><\/p>

Takagishi says she has not recently seen cases in her outpatient clinic, but worries economic hardship could push more families into making dangerous decisions.<\/p>

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“<\/strong>Sometimes the generic brands versus the name brands can be less expensive. Buying them in a little higher bulk can be helpful,” Takagishi said.<\/p>

Takagishi says they try to offer solutions and resources. She says families can also avoid wasting formula by starting with smaller bottles if a baby doesn\u2019t always finish a feeding.<\/p>

“If they\u2019re putting six ounces in, but the baby\u2019s usually only taking four, start with putting in only four, and then add if you need to,” Takagishi said. “That way you don\u2019t have to throw out any extra formula.”<\/p>

Pediatricians say parents should never add extra water to formula and should always mix it exactly as directed: measuring the water first, then adding the scoops of formula.<\/p>

Cost-saving alternatives<\/h2>

What you can do:<\/p>

“No shame forever asking for help. There’s always an opportunity to help someone,” Hunter said.<\/p>

Doctors also urge families to ask for help if they are struggling to afford enough formula.<\/p>

Hunter said asking for help feeding your child before it becomes a medical emergency is key.<\/p>

Resources may include WIC, local food banks, health departments, and dialing 211 for assistance.<\/p>

“There is so much help available,” Hunter said. “You just have to tap into it. This is what the community is here for.”<\/p>

Community resources<\/strong><\/h2>

Doctors advise you can always utilize 211, or call the Department for Children and Families and say you are in need of services.<\/p>

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Anyone can call Hope Florida and get registered for a hope navigator.<\/p>

Pinellas County<\/strong><\/h2>

Free clinics, such as St. Pete Free Clinic, typically have formula for low-income families.\u00a0<\/p>

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