Baby nearly drowned by watered-down formula

The tough economy forced a young mother to stretch her infant formula supply by watering it down, nearly killing her baby.

The 5-month-old boy was rushed to the pediatric intensive care unit at University Community Hospital over the weekend after his mother diluted his infant formula, causing "water intoxication" that could have drowned the child. Sodium treatments and drugs saved the child's life, UCH hospital officials said.

The baby was moved to the recovery floor of the hospital's pediatric care center today, and his prognosis is good. UCH Chief of Pediatrics James Orlowski reminded parents to never dilute formula with water, because babies can literally drown from the water intake.

UCH officials didn't release the mother's name until a 3 p.m. press conference, where she is expected to speak publicly and warn parents about watering down formulas. She told hospital officials the cost of formula, at up to $15 per can, combined with her personal economic situation, caused her
to dilute the liquid without knowing how harmful water can be to newborns.

Tampabay.com will post more details as they come.

Justin George, Times Staff Writer

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