Is Goat Milk Safe for Babies? – Cleveland Clinic

Only when you become a parent do you understand what Hot Topic Milk is. From babies who have stomach problems with regular infant formula to recent shortages of infant formula, feeding babies can be difficult. You may have heard of goat milk as a possible alternative, but I’m wondering if it’s safe.

Simply put, goat milk is not an option for babies under the age of one. Some formulas made from goat’s milk may be viable alternatives, but they are difficult to obtain in the United States.

Pediatrician Matthew Badgett, MD, helps to fully explain the difference between goat milk and goat milk formulas, and other questions about how to choose a formula that is safe for your baby.

Is goat milk safe for babies?

Never beat the bushes.Goat milk baahh-d News for babies.

The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that pure goat milk is not safe for babies under the age of one and can be life-threatening in some cases. This means that babies within 12 months of age do not have goat milk. The same rules generally apply to pure cow milk. This is because your newborn baby has a delicate digestive system that cannot process the proteins found in animal-derived milk.

“Traditional milk powder is specifically designed to balance micronutrients with a variety of fats, carbohydrates and proteins,” explains Dr. Budget. “And the biggest concern is the proper mixing of salt, especially sodium and water.”

Consumption of goat’s milk in babies can cause health problems such as:

• Hyponatremia. Babies can develop hyponatremia by ingesting goat milk. This condition occurs when there is not enough sodium in the blood.
• Megaloblastic anemia. Not all the proteins your baby needs are added to goat’s milk, which can lead to a deficiency of folic acid (vitamin B9).
• Allergic reaction. Like milk, babies can have severe allergies to goat milk. Be sure to talk to your pediatrician or health care provider about your child’s specific needs, as this can vary from child to child.
• Infection and sepsis. In the first year of life, babies are at much higher risk of infection and sepsis. Especially if the milk your baby is consuming is not properly stored or pasteurized. “For all these reasons, goat milk is not recommended for babies under the age of one,” says Dr. Badgett.

Rest assured, goat milk can still be a good choice later in life. After your child is one year old, you make it clear that you will introduce it into their diet if you wish. Make sure the milk is pasteurized and that your child mixes folic acid well in the diet (because goat milk is low in this essential vitamin).

“As a child grows older, goat’s milk is okay, especially if it’s part of a complete and balanced diet,” says Dr. Budget.

Is goat milk formula a good alternative?

Formulated milk made from goat milk is a completely different argument. Although not available in the United States, goat milk formulas can be a safe alternative to regular formulas. It can be used as an alternative to powdered milk made from milk, as long as it is obtained from a reliable source.

When it comes to formulating goat milk for babies, consider the following:

Advantages and disadvantages of using goat formula

Pro: May be an alternative to milk formula

According to Dr. Budget, many parents are tinkering with the idea of ​​goat milk-based infant formula for milk-sensitive babies. If your child is allergic to milk, they may experience symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and in some extreme cases anaphylaxis.

That’s where goat milk formula comes in. Some studies have shown that it is low in lactose and is gentle on the stomach.

Cons: Not regulated in the US

Currently, goat infant formula is approved in countries such as Australia, but not in the United States. This doesn’t mean you can’t get it, but importing formulas from abroad carries new risks.

“We need to make sure we don’t have an expired product, or we have a product that we should actually get,” Dr. Badgett warns.

However, if you’re traveling abroad and you’re in a pinch because you don’t have access to regular milk powder, it’s safe to try goat milk powder.

How about the homemade method?

Goat milk formulas are not readily available in the United States, so you may be hunting for recipes to make your own batch at home. Dr. Budget warns against making homemade milk powder, whether from goat’s milk or cow’s milk.

“If you mess up your chocolate chip cookie recipe and it’s sticky or too dry, it’s okay to eat it, but the same isn’t true for babies,” explains Dr. Budget. “Rubbing the production of infant formula produces results. It is very important for babies that the formula is made in a controlled and sterile environment, as their ability to withstand certain things is different. . “

What is the conclusion? Making infant formula at home is never OK. Stick to buying and preparing over-the-counter prescriptions.

Other prescription options

Not sure if a goat milk based formula is right for you? The good news is that there are other options you can try. Breast milk is recommended, but traditional prescriptions are a healthy alternative because they are formulated to be as similar as possible to breast milk. However, if for some reason your baby isn’t working with traditional formula and isn’t breastfeeding, you can use other formulas.

“Some babies suffer from lactose intolerance in cows, while others don’t work with traditional formulas. If that’s a problem, many other formula options we can consider. There is, “says Dr. Budget.

If your baby can’t handle common formulas, you can try other options such as soy-based formulas and hypoallergenic formulas.

Compared to other countries, goat formula is less popular in the United States. However, it may be an option if it is available in your area. The important thing to remember is that goat milk is not the same as goat milk formula. Do not feed your baby pure goat milk before the age of one. Always talk to your child’s pediatrician about the need for allergies or questions about your baby. Choose the formula that suits them best.