Switching to goat milk for babies
Are you considering switching your baby from cow's milk-based formula to goat milk-based formula? Since 2014, goat milk has been officially approved as a basis for baby food according to European legislation. For many parents, this offers a refreshing change in the nutritional options for their little ones. In this blog, we will explore why switching to goat milk for your baby can be a good alternative and provide you with helpful tips on how to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Legislation and nutritional value
Cow's milk-based formula has been the standard for years. Since 2014, however, there has been a new option: goat milk! This is great news for parents looking for an alternative to cow milk products. Of course, all formula products you can buy in drugstores, supermarkets, or online are good. They all comply with strict regulations for infant formula and contain the legally required amount of nutrients.
Switching to goat milk
Some parents want to switch to goat milk because their children do not tolerate cow's milk well. Others are looking for a conscious alternative and switch to goat milk for their baby. Whether you choose cow's milk-based or goat milk-based formula, your child will receive the necessary nutrients such as iron and calcium, which are essential for normal growth and healthy development.
At Pure Goat, we use whole milk for our products and supplement it with extra lactose, vegetable oils, and GOS fibers, all naturally organic. Additionally, we add the usual nutrients like DHA (from algae), iron, and other vitamins and minerals.*
*as stipulated in the legislation for infant formula
Goat milk and cow milk protein
Allergy It is a common misconception that goat milk is a suitable alternative for children with a confirmed cow milk protein allergy. The main allergen in cow's milk is casein, a protein that is about 90 percent similar to the casein in goat milk. Therefore, children with a cow's milk allergy often also react allergically to goat milk.
Formula based on goat milk is therefore not suitable for children with a confirmed cow's milk protein allergy in many cases. Be mindful of this if you are considering switching to goat milk for your baby. If in doubt, always consult your midwife or pediatrician. Please find more information about protein allergy in our blog
Easy transition
Goat milk has a mild and creamy taste, which makes it very appealing to babies. This ensures that the transition from cow's milk to goat milk usually goes smoothly. Of course, every child is different, so we would like to give you a few tips for the transition (should you need them).
Tips for a smooth transition to goat milk
If you are considering switching to goat milk for your baby, here are some useful tips to make the transition as smooth as possible:
-
Gradual Introduction: Start by mixing a small amount of goat milk with the current formula. Gradually increase the amount of goat milk while reducing the amount of the previous formula.
-
Observe Reactions: Pay attention to how your baby reacts to the new milk. Most babies handle the transition without any issues, but it's always good to watch for changes in behavior or digestion.
If you have any questions about switching from cow's milk to goat milk, you can always ask your midwife or send us a message at info@puregoatcompany.com.