Update: 2/24/23
Changes to the alternate formula options available are starting March 1. As formula production has increased and shortages are ending, PA WIC will begin rolling back alternate formula options. These changes are outlined below, and will also be available in the WICshopper app.
Questions can be directed to the PA State Bureau of WIC at 717-783-1289 or DH-RAWICformula@pa.gov.
Similac Formula Substitution Flyers
Click the images below to view some helpful infographics that you can save to your phone for easy access when shopping for formula.
Available Substitutions
If you have one of the following Similac formulas on your eWIC card, you can substitute it with the products listed. This does not require a WIC visit or a food package change. You can simply go into a grocery store that takes WIC and use your eWIC card as normal. Please note – these substitutions are now winding down, many will stop on March 1st and all substitutions will end on May 1st, 2023.
Similac Advance Powder
If you have Similac Advance Powder currently on your eWIC card, starting on March 1, 2023, you can only buy the type and size of formula that is listed on your eWIC card. Alternate formulas are no longer available on WIC.
Similac Sensitive Powder
If you have Similac Sensitive Powder currently on your eWIC card, starting on March 1, 2023, you can only buy 12.5oz and 29.8oz Similac Sensitive Powder. Starting on May 1, you can only buy the type and size of formula that is listed on your eWIC card. Alternate formulas are no longer available on WIC.
Similac Total Comfort
If you have Similac Total Comfort currently on your eWIC card, you can purchase the following alternate product until April 30, 2023:
- Similac Pro Total Comfort 20.1 oz
Starting May 1, you can only buy the type and size of formula that is listed on your eWIC card. Alternate formulas are no longer available on WIC.
Similac Pro Total Comfort
If you have Similac Pro Total Comfort currently on your eWIC card, you can purchase the following alternate products until April 30, 2023:
- Similac Total Comfort Stage 1, 820gm
Similac Pro Total Comfort and Similac Total Comfort Stage 1 will no longer be available on WIC starting May 1. Contact WIC to change your benefits.
If you have Similac For Spit-Up on your eWIC card, you can purchase the following alternate products through April 30, 2023:
- Enfamil A.R. 12.7 oz or 19.5 oz or 27.4oz or 30.4oz
- Parent’s Choice Added Rice Starch 21.5 oz 32.2oz
- Tippy Toes for Spit Up 21.5 oz
If your eWIC card does not say “Enfamil AR 12.9oz” for May, you must contact your WIC office to change benefits.
If you have had Similac Isomil on your eWIC card, starting March 1, 2023, it will no longer be available. You can only buy the type and size of formula that is listed on your WIC benefit balance. Alternate formulas are no longer available on WIC.
If you have Similac Sensitive Ready to Use (RTU) on your eWIC card, you can purchase the following on your products through April 30, 2023:
- Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive RTU 6 pack 8 oz bottles
- Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive 32 oz
Starting on May 1, 2023, you can only buy the type and size of formula that is listed on your eWIC card and no alternate options will be available.
If you have Similac Advance Ready to Use (RTU) on your eWIC card, you can purchase the following on your products through April 30, 2023:
- Similac 360 Total Care RTU 6 pack 8 oz bottles
- Similac 360 Total Care 32 oz
Starting May 1, 2023, you can only buy the type and size of formula that is listed on your eWIC card and no alternate options will be available.
Please be sure to carefully check the labels for the substitute formulas. Some brands have very similar packaging for different types of formula. Only the specific brands, types, and sizes listed above are WIC approved.
Questions about Homemade and Diluted Formula
As the infant shortage continues, we are getting more questions about diluting baby formula or making your own homemade baby formula. MFHS reminds our participants that both practices are dangerous and should not be attempted. Watering down formula to stretch is out is not safe. It can cause nutritional imbalances in your baby and lead to serious health problems. Always mix formula as directed by the manufacturer. And while recipes for homemade formulas are circulating online and may seem healthy or less expensive, they are not safe and do not meet your baby’s nutritional needs. Infant deaths have been reported from some use of homemade formula.
You can learn more about both practices and why they shouldn’t be attempted at this American Academy of Pediatrics website. Please contact your WIC office with questions and review all of the substitute formulas available below to find an option for your child.
WIC participants can visit www.similacrecall.com or call 1-800-986-8540 to find out if your formula has been recalled.
Recalled infant formula can be returned to the grocery store.