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| Families Scramble to Find Baby Formula, Diapers and Wipes | Families Scramble to Find Baby Formula, Diapers and Wipes |
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| As coronavirus continues to spread across the globe, we’re working to answer the questions on many parents’ minds. For the latest updates, read The New York Times’s live coronavirus coverage here. | As coronavirus continues to spread across the globe, we’re working to answer the questions on many parents’ minds. For the latest updates, read The New York Times’s live coronavirus coverage here. |
| Until Catie Weimer’s baby, Arlo, was 4 months old, he would scream and pull his head away from the bottle every time she tried to feed him formula. If she got any of it into him, he’d vomit. He was born at 37 weeks, and she was already worried that he was on the small side when she learned that he had a milk protein allergy and was put on the hypoallergenic formula Alimentum. | Until Catie Weimer’s baby, Arlo, was 4 months old, he would scream and pull his head away from the bottle every time she tried to feed him formula. If she got any of it into him, he’d vomit. He was born at 37 weeks, and she was already worried that he was on the small side when she learned that he had a milk protein allergy and was put on the hypoallergenic formula Alimentum. |
| “It completely changed all our lives to get this diagnosis,” Ms. Weimer said of her son’s allergy. But Ms. Weimer, 33, has not seen Alimentum on the shelves for weeks in Ogden, Utah, where she lives. | “It completely changed all our lives to get this diagnosis,” Ms. Weimer said of her son’s allergy. But Ms. Weimer, 33, has not seen Alimentum on the shelves for weeks in Ogden, Utah, where she lives. |
| Adding to her anxiety about finding the formula at all are the limitations on the size and quantity that she can purchase as a recipient of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). | Adding to her anxiety about finding the formula at all are the limitations on the size and quantity that she can purchase as a recipient of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). |
| “The way the checks work, if I only find three cans at a store, I can’t get a reimbursement to get an additional can later,” Ms. Weimer said. “I find a store with four cans, or I’m just down a can.” | “The way the checks work, if I only find three cans at a store, I can’t get a reimbursement to get an additional can later,” Ms. Weimer said. “I find a store with four cans, or I’m just down a can.” |
| Before the pandemic, she drove to two to three stores before she was able to find four cans in one place. With store stocks depleted, she wonders, “Am I going to have to force him to drink a milk-based formula because that’s what I can afford?” The easily-digestible formula that her son needs can cost almost twice as much as a milk-based formula. | Before the pandemic, she drove to two to three stores before she was able to find four cans in one place. With store stocks depleted, she wonders, “Am I going to have to force him to drink a milk-based formula because that’s what I can afford?” The easily-digestible formula that her son needs can cost almost twice as much as a milk-based formula. |
| Before he switched to Alimentum, Arlo cried all the time and barely slept. Now, at 7 months old, he’s “the happiest kid,” she said. | Before he switched to Alimentum, Arlo cried all the time and barely slept. Now, at 7 months old, he’s “the happiest kid,” she said. |
| Like Ms. Weimer, parents and caregivers across the country and at all socioeconomic levels are searching multiple stores for essential baby products such as formula, diapers and wipes. | Like Ms. Weimer, parents and caregivers across the country and at all socioeconomic levels are searching multiple stores for essential baby products such as formula, diapers and wipes. |
| Alia Anderson, 35, who has a 2-year-old, a 1-year-old and a high schooler, said that in Woodbridge, Va., she has not been able to find baby wipes for two weeks. “We go to the wipes section at Walmart, Target, Food Lion, Family Dollar, Dollar Tree,” and it’s all empty, she said. | Alia Anderson, 35, who has a 2-year-old, a 1-year-old and a high schooler, said that in Woodbridge, Va., she has not been able to find baby wipes for two weeks. “We go to the wipes section at Walmart, Target, Food Lion, Family Dollar, Dollar Tree,” and it’s all empty, she said. |
| Lauren Whitney, 36, a mother of four who lives in Washington, Utah, broke down at her local Walmart because she could not find diapers in the size she needed at several other stores. She filmed a TikTok video that went viral, asking “How am I supposed to diaper my child if I can’t afford to buy 20 at a time like you can?” | Lauren Whitney, 36, a mother of four who lives in Washington, Utah, broke down at her local Walmart because she could not find diapers in the size she needed at several other stores. She filmed a TikTok video that went viral, asking “How am I supposed to diaper my child if I can’t afford to buy 20 at a time like you can?” |
| Experts say that the issue is not with the supply of these baby essentials — it’s that some Americans are hoarding the available stock. | Experts say that the issue is not with the supply of these baby essentials — it’s that some Americans are hoarding the available stock. |
| “Especially with diapers and baby formulas, it’s pretty similar to what you’re seeing with toilet papers and hand sanitizers and stuff like that,” said Karthik Natarajan, assistant professor of Supply Chain and Operations at the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. | “Especially with diapers and baby formulas, it’s pretty similar to what you’re seeing with toilet papers and hand sanitizers and stuff like that,” said Karthik Natarajan, assistant professor of Supply Chain and Operations at the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota. |
| “This is mostly panic buying,” he said. “Especially at the start of the shutdowns and quarantines, people were not sure how long this was going to last and how long they might not be able to get out. People ended up buying for weeks and even months at a time.” | “This is mostly panic buying,” he said. “Especially at the start of the shutdowns and quarantines, people were not sure how long this was going to last and how long they might not be able to get out. People ended up buying for weeks and even months at a time.” |
| The National Diaper Bank Network, which is a haven for those who cannot afford baby essentials, is seeing its supplies dwindle and demand skyrocket with more Americans out of work and seeking assistance. Joanne Goldblum, the nonprofit’s chief executive officer, said that supplies have gone down in part because some diaper banks are no longer accepting open packages because of virus concerns, and diaper banks cannot hold drives because of social distancing measures. | The National Diaper Bank Network, which is a haven for those who cannot afford baby essentials, is seeing its supplies dwindle and demand skyrocket with more Americans out of work and seeking assistance. Joanne Goldblum, the nonprofit’s chief executive officer, said that supplies have gone down in part because some diaper banks are no longer accepting open packages because of virus concerns, and diaper banks cannot hold drives because of social distancing measures. |
| “Our need has gone up immensely,” said Holly McDaniel, executive director of the Austin Diaper Bank in Austin, Texas. “We typically serve about 20,000 diapers a week to Central Texas. Now we’re surpassing 50,000 diapers each week. On average, we have 20 calls a week asking for help in where they find diapers. Now it’s over 50 a day.” | “Our need has gone up immensely,” said Holly McDaniel, executive director of the Austin Diaper Bank in Austin, Texas. “We typically serve about 20,000 diapers a week to Central Texas. Now we’re surpassing 50,000 diapers each week. On average, we have 20 calls a week asking for help in where they find diapers. Now it’s over 50 a day.” |
| Ms. McDaniel said that her diaper bank was out of formula, and it had fewer diapers to give out. “They’re terrified,” Ms. McDaniel said of her diaper bank’s clients. “A lot of the families we serve are WIC families,” she continued, and those families could not get the diapers they’re allocated this month because stores are sold out. | Ms. McDaniel said that her diaper bank was out of formula, and it had fewer diapers to give out. “They’re terrified,” Ms. McDaniel said of her diaper bank’s clients. “A lot of the families we serve are WIC families,” she continued, and those families could not get the diapers they’re allocated this month because stores are sold out. |
| Ms. Weimer is nervously waiting for April 1, when she’ll be able to shop for the month’s supply of her son’s formula. Her job as a social media manager for a record store will last for only one more week, and her boyfriend Ethan, Arlo’s father, who also works at the store, has already been furloughed indefinitely because the store is anticipating having to close its doors soon. Her friends are looking for extra cans of Alimentum, and her parents have sent two cans from Montana. | Ms. Weimer is nervously waiting for April 1, when she’ll be able to shop for the month’s supply of her son’s formula. Her job as a social media manager for a record store will last for only one more week, and her boyfriend Ethan, Arlo’s father, who also works at the store, has already been furloughed indefinitely because the store is anticipating having to close its doors soon. Her friends are looking for extra cans of Alimentum, and her parents have sent two cans from Montana. |
| If she cannot find the WIC-approved quantities near her home in Utah, she is afraid she will run out of the food her son needs by the end of the month. | If she cannot find the WIC-approved quantities near her home in Utah, she is afraid she will run out of the food her son needs by the end of the month. |
| “I am having dreams about finding four cans of the right size at any store here,” she said. “It’s all he can eat.” | “I am having dreams about finding four cans of the right size at any store here,” she said. “It’s all he can eat.” |
| Updated June 12, 2020 | Updated June 12, 2020 |
| Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks. | |
| So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. | So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement. |
| A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. | A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study. |
| The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. | The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April. |
| Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. | Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission. |
| Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home. | Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home. |
| States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. | States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people. |
| Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. | Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days. |
| If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) | If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.) |
| Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. | Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications. |
| The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. | The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing. |
| If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. | If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others. |
| If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. | If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested. |
| Here’s what to do if you are low on supplies or want to help. | Here’s what to do if you are low on supplies or want to help. |
| If you need formula and cannot find any online, in stores near you or at local diaper banks, reach out to your pediatrician. | If you need formula and cannot find any online, in stores near you or at local diaper banks, reach out to your pediatrician. |
| “They tend to have samples that can tide you over, or may be able to contact the company directly to fill in that gap before you run out,” said Dr. Anthony Porto, M.D., a pediatric gastroenterologist and associate professor of pediatrics at Yale University. Dr. Dina M. DiMaggio, M.D., a clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at N.Y.U., also recommended going directly to the formula manufacturers’ websites, as they may get stocked sooner. | “They tend to have samples that can tide you over, or may be able to contact the company directly to fill in that gap before you run out,” said Dr. Anthony Porto, M.D., a pediatric gastroenterologist and associate professor of pediatrics at Yale University. Dr. Dina M. DiMaggio, M.D., a clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at N.Y.U., also recommended going directly to the formula manufacturers’ websites, as they may get stocked sooner. |
| Dr. Porto and Dr. DiMaggio cautioned against diluting formula with extra water. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the proportions of powdered formula to water so that babies get the full benefits. If your baby is close to a year old, switching to cow’s milk slightly early is an option, said Dr. DiMaggio, but check with your pediatrician first, and make sure that your child is also eating iron-rich foods like spinach, eggs and beans to supplement. | Dr. Porto and Dr. DiMaggio cautioned against diluting formula with extra water. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the proportions of powdered formula to water so that babies get the full benefits. If your baby is close to a year old, switching to cow’s milk slightly early is an option, said Dr. DiMaggio, but check with your pediatrician first, and make sure that your child is also eating iron-rich foods like spinach, eggs and beans to supplement. |
| “Some parents have already turned to cloth diapers to help them through the shortage, however, these diapers may not be easily accessible for all parents,” said Dr. Nia Heard-Garris, M.D., an attending physician at the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. | “Some parents have already turned to cloth diapers to help them through the shortage, however, these diapers may not be easily accessible for all parents,” said Dr. Nia Heard-Garris, M.D., an attending physician at the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. |
| “Another alternative to premade cloth diapers is to make cloth diapers out of common household items, like dish towels, socks, baby blankets, bladder leak or maxi pads and even T-shirts,” she said. Dr. Heard-Garris recommended this video, which gives no-sew instructions for making diapers out of T-shirts. | “Another alternative to premade cloth diapers is to make cloth diapers out of common household items, like dish towels, socks, baby blankets, bladder leak or maxi pads and even T-shirts,” she said. Dr. Heard-Garris recommended this video, which gives no-sew instructions for making diapers out of T-shirts. |
| Use a spray bottle with water to clean babies at diaper changes, and pat their bottoms dry with tissues or a clean rag, Dr. DiMaggio said. Parents and caregivers can also dunk the baby in a bathtub full of water and air them out before re-diapering. A paper towel, rag or tissue dunked in baby shampoo can also be used, Dr. Heard-Garris said. | Use a spray bottle with water to clean babies at diaper changes, and pat their bottoms dry with tissues or a clean rag, Dr. DiMaggio said. Parents and caregivers can also dunk the baby in a bathtub full of water and air them out before re-diapering. A paper towel, rag or tissue dunked in baby shampoo can also be used, Dr. Heard-Garris said. |
| Many experts and brands recommend checking for the WIC label first to make sure you do not buy those products if you have the ability to buy whatever is on the shelves. | Many experts and brands recommend checking for the WIC label first to make sure you do not buy those products if you have the ability to buy whatever is on the shelves. |
| “We know that this is one of the greatest frustrations of a WIC shopper — to show up at the store and find out that the specific allowable items are not available,” said Brian Dittmeier, senior public policy counsel at the National WIC Association. “Families may have additional benefits as a substitute for the school meals program,” with the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which provides additional funds for the WIC program, Mr. Dittmeier said. As those benefits become available to consumers at the beginning of April, he’s concerned about more panic buying. | “We know that this is one of the greatest frustrations of a WIC shopper — to show up at the store and find out that the specific allowable items are not available,” said Brian Dittmeier, senior public policy counsel at the National WIC Association. “Families may have additional benefits as a substitute for the school meals program,” with the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which provides additional funds for the WIC program, Mr. Dittmeier said. As those benefits become available to consumers at the beginning of April, he’s concerned about more panic buying. |
| The best way to support diaper banks is through financial donations, Ms. McDaniel said. | The best way to support diaper banks is through financial donations, Ms. McDaniel said. |
| Dani Blum contributed reporting. | Dani Blum contributed reporting. |