Breastfeeding and COVID-19 Guidance:


If you are breastfeeding and have symptoms of or confirmed COVID-19, avoid spreading the virus to your baby:

  • Wash your hands well before touching your baby. Wash using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

  • Wear a face mask, if possible, while breastfeeding.

  • Wash your hands before touching a breast pump or bottle parts and clean all parts after each use.

If you have a newborn, you may need to be temporarily separated from your baby. You may need to pump your milk, washing your hands well before pumping. A healthy person can feed this milk to your baby. Talk with your healthcare provider about what is best for you and your baby.

Deeper Dive (Both LINKS WILL OPEN IN A NEW TAB)

Get more information on breastfeeding and COVID-19 from the CDC.

Get more information on breastfeeding from the National WIC Association. 


Formula Feeding and COVID-19 Guidance:


If you are feeding your baby formula and have symptoms of or confirmed COVID-19, avoid spreading the virus to your baby:

  • Wash your hands well before touching your baby. Wash using soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

  • Wear a face mask, if possible, while feeding your baby.

  • Wash your hands before touching bottle parts and clean all parts after each use.

Your WIC-approved formula is the best option for your baby. If you can’t find your WIC-approved formula at your grocery store, take a look at the information below. The list of do's and don'ts below can help you find your WIC-approved formula.

Do:

  • Do ask a store staff member. They may have WIC-approved formulas at their customer service desk.

  • Do try a different store.

  • Do talk with your WIC office.

  • Do talk with your baby’s doctor.

  • Do sign up for SNAP if you are eligible and not already enrolled.

  • Do check with your local food bank to see if they have infant formula.

Don’t: 

  • Don’t feed your baby a homemade formula. This is dangerous! Babies need very specific nutrition. Homemade formula does not have enough of some nutrients and has too much of others.

  • Don’t feed your baby cow’s milk or milk substitutes.

  • Don’t water down your baby’s formula. This can cause serious health problems for your baby.