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(CNN) --
Misinformation about how families can overcome infant formula shortages fuels the concern of pediatricians like Dr. Tanya Altmann.
The Californian doctor has received phone calls, emails and messages on social media, not only from her patients, but from families across the United States, along with photos of empty store shelves that once contained 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 are correct.
"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 formula shortages across the country.
As of early April, seven states reported that 40% to 50% of infant formula products were out of stock.
Manufacturers have said they are producing at full capacity to make as much as they can, but this week 43% of infant formula was out of stock, according to a new report from Datasembly.
Baby formula is getting harder to find.
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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 formulas, 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 distributed to stores again, according to a company statement.
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Some people turn to online communities of caregivers to get 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 the questions about what is safe and what is not.
Baby formula is displayed on the shelves of a grocery store in Carmel, Ind., on Tuesday.
Can I make homemade infant formula?
Do not.
"There's a lot of discussion about making formula at home and things like that, and I really want to discourage that 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's very difficult to repeat it in the kitchen," 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 make my formula supply last longer?
Do not.
Adding other food sources or adding more water to formula milk is tempting when you're nearing the end of the last container of 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 make your formula last longer can dilute essential nutrients and cause serious health problems and interfere with proper growth and development, she 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 it's not what we want people to do."
Can I use infant formula or cow's milk?
Can be.
It really depends on the age of your baby and what your pediatrician says.
For at least the first six months it's really important to use a product formulated for babies, 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.
She recommends buying from trusted pharmacies in the country where the formula comes from and comparing the components of each formula with the nutrients of one approved by the FDA.
"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 infant formula over the Internet because it could be counterfeit, according to a spokesman.
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Can I change the brand of formula?
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 has allowed 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.
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Can I resume the supply of breast milk?
It's complicated.
There have been cases where mothers are able to 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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