BRADFORD Council is urging parents to only buy the amount of baby formula they need, following reports that some are finding it difficult to purchase infant formula.

Parents are being reassured that they can use a different brand to their usual formula, as all manufacturers make their products to the same standards and contain similar nutritional values.

Major supermarkets are limiting the sales of infant formula to ensure that there is fairer distribution.

Local stores, pharmacies and corner shops do not seem to be experiencing the same issues, but parents should check availability in these stores as well, Bradford Council says. Many pharmacies can also order products for their customers, if asked.

Parents are also being asked to make sure they prepare bottles normally, as instructed, because diluting the formula could endanger your baby’s health.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for healthy people and places, said:

“These are concerning times for us all, and being a new parent brings enough worries even in normal times and we all need to play our part and be responsible.

“The Government advice is clear that there are enough stocks of all foods, including baby formula, if we just buy what we need.

“Anyone who takes more than they need might be denying another family, who will have the same concerns you do.

“Breast feeding your child, if at all possible, still remains the best option for your baby’s health, but if you can’t, for whatever reason, we all need to play our part in ensuring we are responsible when buying formula.”