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(CNN) --
Misinformation about how families can overcome baby formula shortages raises concerns for pediatricians like Dr. Tanya Altmann.
The Californian doctor has been receiving phone calls, emails and social media posts — not just from her patients, but from families across the United States — along with photos of empty store shelves that used to carry infant formula.
Parents say they've been to a dozen stores and searched hundreds of websites and can't find their baby's infant formula, and they want to know what to do and whether some of the so-called alternatives they're hearing about are legitimate.
"It's something that scares these mothers and their babies, and it's becoming a real problem," says Altmann.
Supply chain issues and product recalls have caused shortages of baby formula across the country.
As of early April, seven states reported that 40% to 50% of infant formula was out of stock.
Manufacturers said they are producing at full capacity to do as much as they can, but this week 43% of infant formulas were out of stock, according to a new report from Datasembly.
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What you can do about baby formula shortages, according to experts
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is working with Abbott Nutrition, the company implicated in the recent product recall, to safely resume production and find tools to support the supply of infant formula, according to an FDA spokesperson.
But its Michigan facility is likely still about two weeks away from being back up and running, pending FDA approval, and it will probably be another six to eight weeks before products are back on shelves, according to a company statement.
Some people are turning to online communities of caregivers for some ideas on what to do if they can't get their baby's source of nutrients.
However, pediatricians are concerned about the health impact of some of the ideas posted online, said Altmann and Dr. Steven Abrams, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Texas at Austin and former chair of the Academy's Committee on Nutrition. American Pediatrics.
Pediatricians said there are ways to overcome the shortage for many people, and it's important to work with your pediatrician to address your baby's particular needs.
Here are the answers to some of your questions about what is safe and what is not.
Baby formula is displayed on the shelves of a food store in Carmel, Ind., on Tuesday.
(Photo: AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Can I make baby formula at home?
Do not.
"There's a lot of discussion about making formula at home and things like that, and I want to discourage it as much as possible," Abrams said.
Formulas are complex, and researchers spent years developing the right ratio to give babies the nutrients they need, Altmann said.
Infant formulas should be dense in protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals, many of which cannot be purchased at the supermarket.
And the balance must be precise for babies' health and development, she added.
"It is very difficult to repeat it in the kitchen itself," he says.
Homemade formulas can result in the baby not receiving adequate nutrition or its electrolyte ratio being thrown off, which can be dangerous, Altmann said.
There have also been cases of bacterial contamination, which can make babies sick.
Can I extend my supply of formula milk?
Do not.
Adding other food sources or adding more water to formula is tempting when you're nearing the end of the last container of baby formula, but pediatricians say it's not a good idea.
Families can start introducing solid foods into a baby's diet when the baby is 4 to 6 months old, Altmann said.
But these foods are not a nutritional substitute for formula milk at that age.
"Even when solids are started, breast milk or infant formula is still the main source of nutrition for the baby," Altmann said.
And adding extra water to lengthen the formula you have can dilute the essential nutrient profile and cause serious health problems and interfere with proper growth and development, he added.
"We're not irrational. If there's nothing you can put in the baby's mouth except cow's milk, we'll do it," Abrams said.
"But that's not what we want people to do."
Can I use infant formula or cow's milk instead?
Can be.
It really depends on the age of your baby and what your pediatrician says.
At least for the first six months, formula specified for babies is really important, says Altmann.
But the closer they are to the year, there can be more flexibility.
"You can actually choose a toddler formula right then, when you would normally want to wait until they are exactly one year old," Altmann said.
"Talk to your pediatrician, always, first."
"We advise against using cow's milk until one year of age, but it's true that when the baby gets closer to one year of age, especially if you just can't find a formula, you could use that or a toddler formula. Abram said.
"Neither one is ideal, but the closer it is to the year, especially in the short term, they are alternatives."
Can you buy international formulas online?
Perhaps.
Altmann said there are some high-quality products made in Europe and Australia that he likes that are available online.
But it is important to make sure that they are purchased from reputable stores.
He recommends buying from reputable pharmacies in the country the formula comes from and checking how the nutrition of the formula compares to the FDA-approved one.
"Not all international formulas are the same, so you want to make sure you know what you're buying and that it's a high-quality product," he says.
But Abrams warns against imports, reminding families that imported formulas are not reviewed by the FDA.
"It's a less than ideal alternative, but if it's what they have to do, then it's what they have to do," he said.
The FDA advises against importing formula milk over the Internet because it could be counterfeit, a spokesman said.
Can I change the brand of formula milk?
Yes.
"What we want people to do, if possible, is be as flexible as possible and make formula changes," Abrams said.
It may take a few days for a baby to get used to a new brand of formula, but in most cases, the switch is fine, Altmann said.
You can find good formula options for your baby here.
However, things get complicated in cases where the child takes a certain formula due to an allergy or sensitivity.
"If your child has an allergy or sensitivity and has had previous reactions to formulas, check with your pediatrician before switching, because not all formulas are created equal," Altmann said.
"But in most cases, there are other options available that we can help direct you to."
The FDA is allowing Abbott Nutrition to release the product on a case-by-case basis for some families who urgently need special and metabolic formulas, according to the agency.
Can I resume breast milk production?
It's complicated.
There have been cases where parents can induce lactation for the first time or restart lactation after they have decided not to breastfeed, Altmann said.
However, the process is complicated and will likely require the help of a lactation consultant.
There are also banks where you can buy breast milk donated by other families.
You can find milk banks near you through the Human Milk Bank Association of North America.
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