Before this moment, you probably never imagined you’d spend hours researching every milk on the market to find your baby’s perfect fit. From traditional cow’s milk to plant-based alternatives — such as soy, almond, and pea — goat’s milk hops in as another animal-derived option.
In fact, goat’s milk or goat’s milk-based formulas may be a healthy and nutritious option for babies with cow milk sensitivities, or for those with other health concerns about cow milk. On the flip side, goat’s milk products may not be for everyone.
If you’re considering moo-ving over to goat milk, we know you don’t want to make the decision feeling, well, meh. And because you’re passionate about providing your baby with the best possible nutrition, we’ll explain when it might — or might not — be a good choice.
What you choose for your baby’s source of nutrition is likely driven by several factors. All these may come into play:
- your personal health beliefs
- conditions affecting your baby’s health (such as eczema, allergies, or sensitivities to cow’s milk)
- availability of resources
But regardless of these drivers, safety is always first.
Hooves down, goat’s milk is generally deemed a safe cow’s milk alternative, but only when following the appropriate timeline to introduce it to your baby.
Goat’s milk-based formulas are safe from birth to 12 months, but fresh goat’s milk — and any other type of pure milk that’s not considered an infant formula and isn’t breast milk — should be avoided entirely in the first 12 months of your little one’s life, as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
This is because goat’s milk alone doesn’t provide adequate nutrition for infants. It’s been associated with serious health and developmental consequences if consumed as an alternative to infant formula or breast milk.
Further, infants’ digestive systems are not mature enough to digest the large amounts of proteins in animal-derived milks.
Once a baby reaches age 1, however, it’s safe to introduce pure goat’s milk as long as it’s pasteurized. (Raw, unpasteurized goat milk may contain bacteria that can cause serious illness in infants and young children.)
One of the top reasons parents consider goat’s milk is a cow’s milk allergy or intolerance. Cow’s milk allergy affects up to
Symptoms of a cow’s milk allergy range from diarrhea and coughing to more serious and potentially life threatening symptoms like shortness of breath and anaphylaxis.
Cow’s milk allergy vs. cow’s milk protein intolerance
Note that a cow’s milk allergy is not the same as cow’s milk protein intolerance, which impacts up to 5 percent of infants within the first 1 to 3 months of life. Unlike an allergy to milk, an intolerance doesn’t involve the immune system. Signs of cow’s milk protein intolerance include bloating, gas, and diarrhea.
Interestingly, many people with cow’s milk allergies (between 40 and 100 percent) don’t experience the same allergy to goat’s milk — perhaps because goat’s milk is higher in protein and has other properties that make it easier to digest. (Contrary to popular belief, goat’s milk does contain lactose —
Even so, replacing cow’s milk formulas or pure cow’s milk with goat’s milk products should always be discussed and supervised by your child’s pediatrician — especially if they have an allergy.
Nutritionally, pure
But where goat’s milk ranks higher in some vitamins and minerals, it’s lower in others. For example,
Goat milk’s potential edge might be its ability to enhance the body’s absorption of certain nutrients like iron, as shown in
Another key nutritional difference is in lactose (the natural sugar found in all animal milks). Even without a true allergy, many people have a hard time digesting this milk protein, which often erupts as tummy troubles.
Goat’s milk contains less lactose, and this is a big reason why those with cow milk sensitivities may tolerate goat milk much better.
Some new mamas can’t or choose not to breastfeed (and that’s perfectly OK). If you fall into this group, you may be searching for the next best thing — and eyeing goat’s milk-based formulas as a real possibility.
This 2014 study showed comparable healthy infant development between those fed goat’s milk formulas and those fed cow’s milk formulas.
More studies on goat’s milk are needed to expand upon nutritional advantages of using it for infants. But a 2019 study suggest goat’s milk-based formulas may more closely mimic human breast milk when it comes to a handful of protective prebiotics called oligosaccharides, which help promote gut health and even immune development.
One thing to note: The nutritional content of goat’s milk-based formulas will differ by brand, so review your formula choice with your pediatrician before feeding it to your baby. Then, you can feel confident it meets standard nutritional and safety requirements.
While reading up on goat’s milk, you might come across some anecdotal claims that it can help reduce the severity of eczema or reflux in infants, but solid research surrounding these direct benefits is lacking.
If you’re concerned that milk products are related to your child’s eczema or reflux, discuss this with their pediatrician for the best advice and guidance before changing their diet.
Goat’s milk is an animal product and shares similar allergens with cow’s milk. So it’s actually very likely that if your child has a true allergy to cow’s milk, they’ll also be allergic to goat’s milk. (This may vary based on the severity of the allergy.)
In fact,
So as we’ve previously stated, always talk to your child’s doctor about whether it’s safe to try goat’s milk — or any type of alternative milk product, for that matter.
Accessibility and cost are additional potential challenges to making goat’s milk a staple in your kiddo’s diet. You’re less likely to find goat’s milk on your favorite grocery store and pharmacy shelves. So, you could have to scout it out at health foods stores, special order it, or hunt for it online.
And lastly, if you’ve ever tried goat cheese, you know it has a distinct earthy flavor that differs from cheese made from cow’s milk. You can expect a similar taste with goat milk. Some little ones might snub it at first or entirely — especially if they’re used to cow’s milk products.
If you’re not sure where to start, ask your child’s pediatrician to recommend particular brands, or print out the nutritional information of a few options you’ve found and discuss what is best for your baby.
For babies under 12 months, you should only consider nutritionally appropriate formulas. Goat’s milk-based infant formulas should be fortified with vitamins and minerals. That said, it’s important to look at the nutritional label with your baby’s pediatrician to ensure it checks all the right boxes.
Your pediatrician may recommend supplementing with vitamin D if the formula doesn’t have it already. Others may recommend iron supplementation as well.
When it comes to pure goat milk for toddlers and children age 1 and up, the standards relax a bit because your kiddo should be getting their nutrition from a variety of foods.
While different brands will vary slightly on nutritional content, it’s very important to make sure your goat’s milk is pasteurized. The idea of farm-fresh goat’s milk seems like the fun and “organic” option, the
Compared to other countries around the world, goat milk’s is a less popular choice in the United States when it comes to infant formulas and pure animal-derived milk options after age 1. But that doesn’t mean it might not be the right fit for your little one.
In fact, if your baby is showing sensitivities to cow’s milk products or you have other health concerns, you might discuss the option of goat’s milk options with your baby’s pediatrician.
Studies show that goat’s milk-based infant formulas and pure, pasteurized goat milk after age 1 offer nutrition that’s comparable to cow milk — and may even pack a few additional health benefits.
But they do have some drawbacks, including being harder to find, different tasting, and coming with a higher price tag. If these reasons don’t count goat milk out, discuss it with your baby’s pediatrician to see if it’s a good fit.
FAQs
Is goat milk good for baby with eczema? ›
Goat's milk may help moisturize the skin, but it may not help treat eczema. Without treatment, eczema can lead to serious consequences. Some ingredients within goat's milk and goat's milk skin products can irritate the skin. Before using goat's milk for eczema, people should speak with a doctor or dermatologist.
Is goats milk better for eczema? ›The allergens in goat's milk or sheep's milk are so similar to cow's milk that they are not usually advised to be given as a cow's milk alternative for eczema. Occasionally older children with mild eczema will find their skin is better with sheep's or goat's milk rather than cow's milk.
Why is goat's milk good for eczema? ›If this is the first time you are hearing of the wonder ingredient then you are considerably behind as goat's milk has been used for centuries to soothe and treat eczema-prone skin. It's naturally occurring lactic acid gently sloughs off dead skin cells and maintain the skin's pH.
Is goat milk safe for infants? ›Goat milk is not a safe choice for infants
Others may use it as an alternative to cow's milk. However, just as with cow's milk, goat milk is inappropriate for infants and can be harmful. It has caused significant morbidity and even mortality in infants.
Use a mild cleanser and warm water. After a bath of no more than 15 minutes, rinse completely, gently pat your baby dry and apply a fragrance-free cream or ointment such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline), while the skin is still damp. Moisturize at least twice a day, perhaps at diaper changes.
How I cured my baby's eczema? ›Moisturize your baby's skin twice a day or as often as necessary to achieve relief. Consider topical corticosteroids. Commonly used to treat eczema, these medications help reduce inflammation and symptoms, such as itching. Topical corticosteroids come in many forms, including ointments, creams, sprays and lotions.
What foods make eczema worse in babies? ›...
The common offenders are:
- Milk.
- Eggs.
- Peanuts.
- Tree nuts.
- Wheat.
- Fish.
- Shellfish.
- Soy.
If you're cutting out dairy altogether, some dairy-free and eczema-friendly foods would be: almond milk, nut cheese, hummus/guacamole (awesome on a wrap) or coconut yogurt.
Which foods make eczema worse? ›Since eczema is an inflammatory skin condition, you'll want to try and replace inflammatory foods to eliminate allergic reactions and eczema symptoms. Some common foods which can trigger eczema include: red meat, shellfish, citrus fruit, wheat or gluten, cow's milk and other dairy products.
What are the side effects of goat milk? ›Goat's milk, like cow's milk, contains a sugar called “lactose” that can be difficult for people to digest, resulting in symptoms such as cramps, gas, bloating, and vomiting.
What treats eczema best? ›
OTC hydrocortisone is often the first thing doctors recommend to treat mild eczema. You may need different strengths of these steroids, depending on where and how bad your rash is. For example, a doctor may prescribe a more potent one for thick, scaly skin.
Can goat's milk cause rash? ›While six had presented with atopic dermatitis, they had all developed a serious IgE-mediated allergy to goat milk products when orally ingested. The majority had symptoms such as rashes, urticaria, dyspnoea, throat tightness, and anaphylaxis.
Who should not drink goat milk? ›A study found about one in four babies who were allergic to cow milk weren't allergic to goat milk. If you have an allergy to dairy, you can ask your doctor to test if you can safely tolerate goat milk. If you know you have a dairy allergy, you shouldn't consume goat milk without asking your doctor.
Is goat milk formula FDA approved? ›Goat milk formulas (Holle, Kabrita, etc) are not FDA approved. This means that they have not been studied in the US and that the nutritional components are not necessarily adequate for growing infants. Homemade formulas are also not recommended as they will not meet the nutritional needs of your infant.
Is goat milk good for babies skin? ›The benefits of using goats milk skincare on your baby's skin: Suitable to use on delicate newborn skin. Soothes dry itchy skin and helps with improving the symptoms of inflammation due to eczema or psoriasis.
How I cured my baby's eczema naturally? ›- Cold pressed coconut oil. ...
- Cold pressed sunflower oil. ...
- Vitamin B12 cream. ...
- Calendula cream. ...
- Oatmeal baths. ...
- Salt. ...
- Evening Primrose Oil and Borage (Star Flower) Oil. ...
- Vitamin D.
Babies are pre-disposed to eczema because their skin barrier is more fragile than an adult's, leadingto dry skin as a consequence of a high water loss and an enhanced penetration of irritants and allergens into the skin.
What is the most common cause of eczema in babies? ›Cause of Eczema
Flare-ups are from skin contact with soap, shampoo, pollen or other irritating substances. About 30% of babies with severe eczema also have food allergies. The most common is cow's milk. Over 10% of children have eczema.
Natural substances, such as aloe vera gel and coconut oil, can moisturize dry, broken skin. They can also combat inflammation and harmful bacteria to reduce swelling and prevent infection. Natural remedies cannot cure eczema, but they can help manage the symptoms and prevent flares.
Is baby eczema for life? ›Does Baby Eczema Go Away by Itself? It often does. Most children outgrow it before they start school. It's not common, but some kids will have eczema into adulthood.
Is eczema serious in babies? ›
Eczema, especially atopic dermatitis, often appears in the first six months to five years of a child's life. Along with itchy skin, eczema can cause more severe allergies because it weakens the immune system, can cause blisters, and breaks down skin barriers that protect from skin disease.
What food clears eczema? ›Vegetables and fruits that are high in inflammation-fighting flavonoids: Apples, broccoli, cherries, blueberries, spinach, and kale. Flavonoids have been found to help improve the overall health of a person's skin and fight problems such as inflammation (which is associated with eczema).
What diet clears eczema? ›Anti-inflammatory diet for eczema
Anti-inflammatory diets limit dairy, whole grains, red meat, flour and sugar, but emphasize vegetables and fish. In fact, going vegan (or keeping nearly a fully plant-based diet) is also a good route to take.
Peanuts, milk, soy, wheat, fish, and eggs are the most common culprits. Because kids need a well-rounded diet, don't stop giving them foods you think might cause eczema flares. Talk to a pediatrician or dermatologist first. They can do tests for problem foods.
What milk doesnt cause eczema? ›Researchers in Turkey found that children living with a cow's milk allergy and atopic dermatitis were also sensitive to goat and sheep's milk but had no reaction to camel's milk. A Polish study showed that drinking mare's milk could be beneficial for a range of chronic conditions, such as eczema.
What fruits can trigger eczema? ›...
Examples of flavonoid-containing foods include:
- tomatoes.
- red peppers.
- tea.
- soybeans.
- berries.
- citrus fruits.
Some foods which can support eczema-prone skin include: Apples. Avocados. Bananas.
Are eggs good for eczema? ›More than 70% of eczema sufferers react to eggs so avoid them for at least a month and then test them to see if your body/skin reacts. Note if you have arthritis or gout, then eggs could worsen your pain/symptoms.
Does goat milk cause inflammation in the body? ›Fortunately, goat milk is easily digestible by the body, making it a great option for those with gastrointestinal problems. Goat milk is also better tolerated by those with lactose issues and doesn't cause inflammation the way cow milk can.
Is goat milk safer than cow milk? ›Both goat and cow milk offer myriad nutrition benefits, but goat milk may be easier on the digestive system. That's because the levels of micro-proteins that make it hard for some people to digest are lower in goat milk than in cow milk.
Is goat milk inflammatory? ›
Goat milk (GM), as compared to cow milk (CM), is easier for humans to digest. It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and can improve minor digestive disorders and prevent allergic diseases in infants.
What cures eczema permanently? ›No, there isn't a cure for eczema. There are treatments available, but no treatment can eliminate your symptoms 100% of the time. Eczema is a chronic condition, which means it can go away and come back unexpectedly. Treatments are very effective in reducing the symptoms of itchy, dry skin.
What keeps eczema away? ›The best way to prevent eczema flare-ups is to become familiar with your personal triggers so you can avoid any products, foods, or conditions that may cause eczema symptoms to flare up. Some general tips include using mild, unscented soaps and developing a consistent bathing and moisturizing schedule.
How do you completely cure eczema? ›There is currently no cure for eczema. Treatment for the condition aims to heal the affected skin and prevent flares of symptoms. Doctors will suggest a treatment plan based on an individual's age, symptoms, and current state of health. For some people, eczema goes away over time.
Is goat milk good for skin problems? ›In addition to lactic acid, “goat milk contains fatty acids that help repair the skin barrier, probiotics to encourage the growth of normal skin flora, and vitamin A to help gently exfoliate,” says Dr. Purvisha Patel, a board certified dermatologist. Those fatty acids also contribute to noticeably softer skin.
Can goat milk cause allergies? ›Cow's milk is the usual cause of milk allergy, but milk from sheep, goats, buffalo and other mammals also can cause a reaction.
Is goat milk good for itchy skin? ›Goat's Milk Soaps and Lotions
And moisture can help with some of the itching and flaking that come with psoriasis. But there are lots of goat's milk skin products, made in many different ways. So make sure any you choose are gentle as well as moisturizing.
Raw milk is milk from cows, sheep, and goats — or any other animal — that has not been pasteurized to kill harmful bacteria. Raw milk can carry dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, Campylobacter, and others that cause foodborne illness, often called “food poisoning.”
Does goat milk affect hormones? ›Eating goat dairy results in a much lower intake of estrogens in our diet than consuming cow dairy. Yes, compared to hormone replacement and contraception, the estrogen levels of both cow and goat milk are relatively low.
How common is goat milk allergy? ›Goat's milk (GM) allergy not associated with allergy to cow's milk (CM) is a rare condition.
Is goat's milk better than formula? ›
Answer: No. For all its hype, goat's milk is actually an unsafe choice for infants under 1 year of age. This is why: It's not nutritionally appropriate for your baby. Goat's milk is extremely high in protein when compared to human milk or a similar infant formula.
What did babies drink before formula? ›Although artificial or formula-feeding of infants is presently much safer than it has been in decades, breastmilk is still considered the best source of infant nutrition (Leung & Sauve, 2005). Throughout the ages and until the end of the 19th century, animal's milk was the most common source of artificial feeding.
Can I give goat milk to my 4 month old baby? ›While goat milk alone is not safe for your child, some medical practitioners recommend goat milk-based formulas. These can be safe from your child's birth to when they are a year old. However, you should avoid fresh goat milk and any other pure animal milk during your child's first 12 months.
Is goat's milk closest to breastmilk? ›Goat's milk, by nature, is closer to human breast milk than cow's milk or soy, which means less processing and more natural goodness. It is high in oligosaccharides, similar in protein levels to human breastmilk, and is low in lactose, which makes it perfect for babies and toddlers with sensitive tummies.
› feeding-infants-toddlers › g... ›Goat Milk Benefits
Goat Milk For Babies: When To Give And What Are Its Benefits
Goat Milk Considerations
If you're cutting out dairy altogether, some dairy-free and eczema-friendly foods would be: almond milk, nut cheese, hummus/guacamole (awesome on a wrap) or coconut yogurt.
Is goat milk good for babies with allergies? ›In fact, goat's milk or goat's milk-based formulas may be a healthy and nutritious option for babies with cow milk sensitivities, or for those with other health concerns about cow milk.
What foods make eczema worse in babies? ›...
The common offenders are:
- Milk.
- Eggs.
- Peanuts.
- Tree nuts.
- Wheat.
- Fish.
- Shellfish.
- Soy.
Researchers in Turkey found that children living with a cow's milk allergy and atopic dermatitis were also sensitive to goat and sheep's milk but had no reaction to camel's milk. A Polish study showed that drinking mare's milk could be beneficial for a range of chronic conditions, such as eczema.
What naturally clears up eczema? ›Natural substances, such as aloe vera gel and coconut oil, can moisturize dry, broken skin. They can also combat inflammation and harmful bacteria to reduce swelling and prevent infection.
What are the side effects of goat milk? ›
Goat's milk, like cow's milk, contains a sugar called “lactose” that can be difficult for people to digest, resulting in symptoms such as cramps, gas, bloating, and vomiting.
Is goat milk formula FDA approved? ›Goat milk formulas (Holle, Kabrita, etc) are not FDA approved. This means that they have not been studied in the US and that the nutritional components are not necessarily adequate for growing infants. Homemade formulas are also not recommended as they will not meet the nutritional needs of your infant.
Is goat milk less allergenic than cow milk? ›Goat milk has been recommended as a substitute for patients allergic to cow milk. Between 40 to 100% of patients allergic to cow milk proteins tolerate goat milk.
Is goat milk high in histamine? › Provided it's fresh and kept refrigerated, goat milk is generally considered to be low histamine. It's likely best to test your individual tolerance of dairy ingredients like goat milk with a small portion and only when your symptoms are fully settled.
What fruits prevent eczema? ›...
Examples of flavonoid-containing foods include:
- tomatoes.
- red peppers.
- tea.
- soybeans.
- berries.
- citrus fruits.
Babies are pre-disposed to eczema because their skin barrier is more fragile than an adult's, leadingto dry skin as a consequence of a high water loss and an enhanced penetration of irritants and allergens into the skin.
What can trigger eczema in babies? ›Cause of Eczema
Flare-ups are from skin contact with soap, shampoo, pollen or other irritating substances. About 30% of babies with severe eczema also have food allergies. The most common is cow's milk. Over 10% of children have eczema.
Anti-inflammatory diet for eczema
Anti-inflammatory diets limit dairy, whole grains, red meat, flour and sugar, but emphasize vegetables and fish. In fact, going vegan (or keeping nearly a fully plant-based diet) is also a good route to take.
Peanuts, milk, soy, wheat, fish, and eggs are the most common culprits. Because kids need a well-rounded diet, don't stop giving them foods you think might cause eczema flares. Talk to a pediatrician or dermatologist first. They can do tests for problem foods.
Do eggs affect eczema? ›Eggs. Another example of a common food allergen that can contribute to an eczema flare-up includes eggs. Some people have had egg allergies in the past but think that they have outgrown them because they don't experience any other symptoms.