Have you heard those terrible stories about babies who cry the whole night and are fussy the whole day because of belly cramps? Does your baby deprive you of a good night’s rest because of excessive gasses and vomits? Do you want to improve the situation and help your baby eat healthily without colics and indigestion? Goat milk formulas might be your solution.
Today, sensitive tummies benefit when eating goat milk formulas like Jovie, HiPP, Nanny Care, or Holle Goat Milk formula. Regarding the latest research, babies tolerate goat milk better than cow milk. Formulas from goat’s milk are full of macronutrients and micronutrients, including DHA and probiotics, that fit human organisms because they are similar to human breast milk.
What makes goat milk formulas so rewarding for sensitive tummies? Why are they exceeding most cow milk formulas? How to choose the best formula and what brands to prefer? You will find all the answers here.
The Dairy Revolution: Goat Milk vs. Cow Milk Formulas
At the beginning of the XX century, only conventional cow milk formulas were available in the market. Parents having no choice bought them and couldn’t understand the reason for their babies’ crying and suffering. Some mothers had to refuse formula feeding and dealt with “wet” feeding (when a breastfeeding mother breastfed their babies for a salary).
Fortunately, European chemists and health experts decided to go deeply into infant nutrition. They found out that cow milk could provoke severe allergic reactions and indigestion in babies with sensitive tummies. So, they decided to replace cow milk with goat milk. Moreover, they decided to create organic goat milk formulas without harmful additives.
Clinical trials proved the positive effect of goat milk formulas on babies, even being made of full-cream milk. What is the difference between these two formulas?
| Things to compare | Goat milk infant formula | Cow’s milk formula |
| Preparation tips | There is no difference. Parents should read the instructions on a pack to guarantee the required nutrition. General rules include the following tips: – water must be boiled and cooled down or one can use special bottled water – cooking tools and hands must be clean – one should use measuring cups or scoops from the cow’s milk or goat’s milk brands if instruction mentions them because tablespoons may have different units of measurements Another thing to consider is the type of infant formula. Ready-to-feed formulas don’t require water, while liquid citrates and powdered milk do. | |
| Consistency | Most brands use whole goat milk due to its homogeneous composition that does not require extra heating, which can kill good bacteria and release harmful substances. Consequently, goat milk formula is 100% organic without artificial interference. | Brands usually have to skim and homogenize it synthetically because cow’s milk used to “separate” creams from milk in a couple of hours after animal milking. So, humans have to alter cow’s milk to adapt to the cow’s milk formula requirements. |
| Smell | Goat’s milk might have a bit stronger flavor. Besides, some brands use fish oil that is quite smelly when the formula is opened for the first time. | The smell of cow’s milk toddler formula is not strong, but some additives, like fish oil, can have a strong aroma. |
| Nutritional value | Goat milk has more vitamin A, calcium, and potassium. | Cow milk has more folic acid, B12, and selenium. |
Both formulas contain the required nutrients for infants and toddlers. Nevertheless, babies can positively or negatively react to either formula. Why does that happen? Let’s have a closer look at their macronutrients.
Fats
Goat milk infant formula prevails in MCF acids, including Omega 6, while cow’s milk is rich in LCF acids. The difference is that a baby’s organism absorbs medium-chain fatty acids faster than long-chain fatty acids. Consequently, goat milk-based formulas perfectly fit sensitive tummies.
Carbs
Goat milk toddler formula is less sugary because of the lower lactose (known as natural sugar) level of this milk type compared to cow’s milk. So, lactose-intolerant babies can tolerate goat milk baby formula while being allergic to traditional cow’s milk formula.
Proteins
Both formulas have a casein and whey protein blend. 80% of cow’s milk makes casein, which is more complex for the little ones. Depending on a baby’s age, human breast milk has from 20:80 to 50:50 whey-casein proportion. That’s why the manufacturer of a cow milk based formula must alter its structure to adjust it to an infant’s needs.
Besides, casein can be A1 and A2 types. The second one fits better vulnerable bellies of newborns, which makes goat milk based formula a better solution for gassy babies. A1 usually causes inflammation in the body that leads to gastrointestinal problems. That’s why many organic brands don’t deal with cow-rising farmers, whose milk is rich in A1 casein.
Goats don’t produce A1 casein at all, which makes their milk closer to human breast milk. Such milk doesn’t trigger the creation of BCM-7, which negatively impacts the neurological, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems.
Allergens
Another disadvantage of cow’s milk proteins is that they belong to top-list allergens in infant formulas. The common symptoms of cow’s milk protein intolerance are:
- Colitis.
- Diarrhea.
- Skin redness and rash.
- Sickness and vomiting.
- Belly cramps.
In this case, goat’s milk products fit better for newborns and toddlers. If babies still experience negative reactions, one should deal either with exclusive breastfeeding or vegan formulas made from vegetable or plant milk, such as hemp, coconut, oat, etc.
Why Goat Milk Baby Formula Formula? Exploring the Nitty-Gritties
European online stores such as Organic’s Best and BabyMilkBar delivered a lot of organic formulas made of goat’s milk and cow’s milk during the pandemic. However, the percentage of goat’s milk formulas was three times higher despite its higher price. What made it so desired among American and European customers? Let’s have a closer look at its components.
All goat’s milk baby formulas are safe for infants because their nutritional composition meets international and EFSA standards. Consequently, they have the required number of fats, carbs, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Organic brands replicate human breast milk composition. That’s why whey protein prevails in stage 1 or Pre. Moreover, you will not find artificial and harmful ingredients, such as corn syrup, GMOs, flavors, pesticides, preservatives, and more. What is usually found in an organic infant formula? The traditional components are:
- Goat’s milk is a source of good-quality goat whey protein, fats, carbs, and some vitamins and minerals like calcium, potassium, and vitamin A;
- Organic vegetable oils and plant oils (sunflower oil, coconut oil, rapeseed oil, algae oil, safflower oil, palm oil) as the source of healthy fats.
- Fish oil is the source of DHA or Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Vitamins and minerals, such as sodium selenite, vitamin K, pantothenic acid, zinc sulfate, B-group vitamins, calcium carbonate, sodium chloride, potassium iodide, vitamin E, calcium hydroxide, vitamin C, iron, sodium citrate, magnesium chloride, folic acid, L-carnitine, and more).
Of course, the choice and the number of macronutrients and micronutrients depend on a baby’s age and health condition. An average European goat milk formula meets the needs of babies with sensitive tummies who poorly tolerate cow’s milk and suffer from colitis, indigestion, and abdominal pains.
Goat milk-based formula is better for gassy newborns because its ingredients are easier to digest. As it has been said, it has A2 goat milk protein, less milk sugar, and zero A1 proteins. Together, they make favorable meals for newborns and toddlers with allergic reactions to cow’s milk formulas.
Shining the Spotlight: The Digestive Perks of Goat Milk Formulas
The common reason for the popularity of goat milk infant formulas is their safety. Besides, parents highlight their positive influence on a baby’s digestive system because their infants don’t experience “traditional” colics, bloating, and belly cramps.
What makes goat milk based formula easy to digest?
Unique Structure of Lipid Fats
Cow’s milk is rich in long-chain fatty acids that are hard to digest. Moreover, they cause inflammation in the digestive tract. Goat milk infant formula has medium-chain fatty acids that the baby’s organism digests quickly and without adverse effects.
Fat Globule Size
The size of fat globules in a formula matters. The bigger they are, the more time it takes to digest them. Cow’s milk fat globules are bigger than the ones of goat’s milk. That’s where goat milk infant formulas win.
The Chemical Nature of Milk
Have you ever seen how milk changes under the influence of acid and warmth? It becomes sour and turns into small and big curds. Curds of cow’s milk are hard and big, so a baby’s organism spends a lot of energy to process them. An infant’s organism becomes vulnerable and suffers from inflammation that causes abdominal pains.
Curds of goat’s milk are small and soft. So, babies don’t suffer when digesting them. As a result, their bodies absorb the needed nutrients quickly and softly, without side effects.
Some convincing facts to share
We have read many scientific journals and magazines about goat’s milk and its effect on a baby’s gastrointestinal system. These are some facts to prove the positive effect of goat’s milk on a baby’s digestion.
- 3% of babies worldwide suffer from cow’s milk intolerance, according to NCBI research.
- Journal of Nutrition and Health Sciences published the results proving that 40% of babies intolerant to cow’s milk digested goat milk based formula without health complications.
- Casein A1 is highly allergic and causes indigestion, skin rash and itching, runny nose, and constipation. European goat milk formula contains only casein A2 which is similar to the casein in human breast milk.
- ScienceDaily highlighted the positive impact of oligosaccharides found in goat’s milk. They are similar to human breast milk and serve as prebiotics that feed healthy bacteria in a baby’s gut. These bacteria are essential for the proper immune system development and the organism’s ability to resist most bacteria infections.
Tackling Allergies and Sensitivities: How Goat Milk Formula Steps Up
Parents can make mistakes when choosing baby formula without a health expert. The best advisor is your pediatrician who knows what your baby needs to thrive. Unfortunately, the wrong choice can have negative effects on a baby. It can suffer from intolerance and severe allergic reactions, which can be skin rash, skin redness, indigestion, and itching.
Most pediatricians recommend buying goat’s milk infant formula to avoid allergic reactions and digestive problems. What makes whole goat milk powder safer for newborns? There are five “because”:
- A2 casein.
- Smaller fat globules and MCF that make only healthy fats.
- Lower lactose level.
- Calcium and iron are easier to digest and absorb.
- Goat milk whey protein is easier to digest and strengthens the muscles of babies.
Due to that, an infant’s tummy doesn’t spend much time and energy to digest goat’s milk formula. Moreover, a low sugar percentage doesn’t provoke bad bacteria to spread and multiply.
Nevertheless, babies with cow milk intolerance might also be allergic to goat’s milk, unless the allergy occurs because of A1 casein, which is only in cow’s milk.
Regarding the NCBI research, goat’s milk formula-fed babies experienced the same adverse effects from food as breast milk-fed babies, which means that goat’s milk is safe.
Moreover, researchers took notes on infants’ weight, growth, and digestive problems. Both groups showed almost the same results, so this formula is beneficial.
Finally, exclusively formula-fed infants didn’t have a blood-stained stool and the adverse effects of formula were less severe than in breastfed babies.
Testimonials Concerning Goat Milk Infant Formula
There are plenty of true stories from parents who feed their babies with goat’s milk-based formulas. They are full of appreciation for such infant formulas. Let’s read some of them:
“My little sis was very allergic to each cow milk formula my mom bought at stores and pharmacies. She lost her weight and suffered from dehydration. My mom couldn’t breastfeed because of the medicines she had to take, so it was a nightmare. Luckily, our neighbor suggested buying European goat milk formula, and a miracle happened. My sis tolerated it well. Now she is gaining normal weight and she feels much better”, J. Allsup
“I was born allergic to many products. My mom had a fever at a hospital, so her milk vanished, and she didn’t manage to restore breastfeeding. Luckily, my neighbor had goats. She gave me a little milk, and when I was ok, she recommended HiPP goat milk formula. Now, I’m 17 and I still drink a glass of goat’s milk daily because it’s healthy”, K. Chance.
“Doctors have been aware of the benefits of goat’s milk for many years. My friends were born in 1940, and their doctor prescribed goat’s milk for their lung disease when they were 7. My granddaughter poorly tolerate cow milk formula, even its organic alternative, so I remembered their story and bought Holle goat milk formula. She stopped having gasses and belly cramps. So, I’m very satisfied, and my son is in the 7th heaven because he can finally sleep at night”, Ch. Barker.
Goat Milk Formula: A Nutritional Powerhouse
Why is goat milk-based formula beneficial for a baby? What nutritional value does it have? Traditionally, each infant enjoys five benefits from eating goat milk baby formula.
- The composition of the best goat milk formulas is close to human breast milk. They have the same oligosaccharides which serve as the main source of healthy carbs and prebiotics. So, such formulas better fit a little vulnerable organism.
- Goat’s milk infant formula has more prebiotics than its cow’s milk alternative. Consequently, healthy gut bacteria have higher chances of survival and help a baby adapt to the new environment faster. In other words, it cares for a baby’s microflora.
- The lower level of lactose lets children avoid colics, bloating, and indigestion from the first days.
- It is a great source of minerals and vitamins, like Vitamin C, Ca, Vitamin B12, Vitamin A, magnesium, and more. Thanks to them, infants grow healthy and thrive without vitamin deficits.
- Goat’s milk formula is rich in selenium that supports the immune system, so a baby can better handle infections.
Navigating the Market: Choosing the Best Goat Milk Formula
What European goat milk formula to choose? The best option is to choose organic goat milk formula due to the following privileges:
- 95% of ingredients are safe and natural.
- Each goat milk infant formula doesn’t have pesticides, GMOs, chemicals, antibiotics, and growth hormones.
- Organic goat milk infant formula is eco-friendly. Farmers don’t involve pesticides, herbicides, and other chemicals to grow animals, plants, and vegetables required for organic baby foods.
- Organic goat milk infant formula doesn’t have artificial taste enhancers and stabilizers.
- You can choose goat formula with the preferable source of healthy fats, like palm oil, rapeseed oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, and more. Be sure, each ingredient is natural and safe for your baby.
Such brands as Nanny Care, Holle, HiPP, Premibio, Jovie, and Kendamil produce top-quality organic baby formulas full of natural macronutrients and micronutrients. Pay attention to their ingredient lists to ensure they are ok for your baby.
It’s better to consult your health expert before choosing a formula and ask for help if a baby turns out to be intolerant to some components. Usually, babies are allergic to the ingredients of conventional baby formulas, such as colorants, preservatives, stabilizers, etc.
Myths & Misconceptions: Busting Common Goat Milk Formula Myths
Many FAQ pages spread myths about goat milk formula. Let’s learn the truth.
- Myth 1. Goat milk is only for kids
Reality. Doctors have been prescribing goat’s milk to patients with cow’s milk intolerance and a number of different diseases for many years. If mothers cannot breastfeed, pediatricians recommend goat formula as the safest and the best-matching alternative.
For example, Holle goat stage 1 has a perfect blend of natural nutrients, including fatty acids, a perfect ratio of casein – whey protein, healthy carbs, vitamins, and minerals per serving to promise the best quality nutrition.
- Myth 2. Goat’s milk is smelly, so the formulas are
Reality. If farmers care for animals well, goats will never smell bad and goat’s milk will have a traditional taste and flavor. For example, cow’s milk might also have a bad smell when animals are treated wrongly, including the quality of their food and the rising environment. That’s why it is necessary to buy formulas only from reputable brands.
- Myth 3. Goat milk lacks nutrients
Reality. Nonsense. Organic brands choose goat’s milk because it’s full of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, calcium, potassium, selenium, vitamins B12 and C, magnesium, etc. All of them are essential for a healthy baby’s growth. Besides, goat milk has more proteins and healthy fats than cow’s milk.
- Myth 4. It doesn’t matter which goat milk formula to buy because they all are the same
Reality. Unlike conventional formulas, organic milk formulas can be hypoallergenic, anti-reflux, comfort, and all-purpose. Trustable European brands add only organic palm oil, sunflower oil, goat powder milk, and other needed ingredients to their products. Moreover, they control the amount of whey protein to guarantee the formula’s digestibility. Conventional formula brands can add harmful additives to cheapen the product. So, you should consult your health provider to make the right choice.
- The difference between organic and conventional goat formulas is only in pricing
Reality. Organic farming is costly and demanding. Farmers must rise everything without chemicals and harmful substances. Moreover, organic goods are regularly tested for lack of hormones, GMOs, and harmful chemicals. Goats eat grass and hay that wasn’t sprayed with chemicals. Eco-friendliness costs much, but it’s worth it because babies get the best-quality nutrition and develop healthy eating habits without added sugar, GMOs, hormones, and artificial stabilizers.
Conclusion
Goat milk formula is the only formula whose composition almost replicates the ingredients of breast milk. Goat milk formula is rich in minerals, vitamins, healthy carbs and prebiotics called oligosaccharides, healthy medium-chain fatty acids, and a perfect proportion of casein and whey protein. Due to that, newborns enjoy healthy meals without colics, allergies, bloating, belly cramps, and other typical “newborn” health disorders.
You can buy the best baby formula from leading European brands like Holle, HiPP, Jovie, Kendamil, Nanny Care, and more because all of them are organic. It means all ingredients are natural and grown in environmentally friendly surroundings.
Take the Leap: Discover the Remarkable Benefits of Goat Milk Formula for Your Baby
Baby formula made of goat’s milk is the meal your baby needs if you are unable to breastfeed because it is similar to human breast milk. Unlike cow’s milk, it doesn’t contain casein A1, which negatively affects the digestive system and causes allergic reactions.
Organic goat milk formula is the safest breast milk alternative because it is natural, and the quality of each ingredient, including goat’s milk, is proven by governmental laboratories and food control organizations.
You can look for additional information on the websites of stores that sell organic goat products. Moreover, there are many clinical trials on verified sites proving the safety of goat’s milk for babies, such as NCBI, ResearchGate, Academia.Edu, and others. You will be impressed how European goat milk formula can improve the life of parents and save babies from colitis, indigestion, and other painful side effects of the wrongly chosen formula.
FAQs
Is Goat Milk Formula OK for Babies?
100% yes. Every European goat milk formula is EFSA approved and contains the necessary nutrients to guarantee the best-quality meals daily.
Which Formula is Made of Goat Milk?
As a rule, European brands make the best goat milk formulas. You should entrust your baby to a formula from Holle, HiPP, Jovie, Kendamil and NannyCare. All of them are organic and full of the required nutrients to help a baby thrive.
Is Goat Milk Formula FDA Approved?
No, it is EFSA approved. The labeling of the FDA differs, that’s why it doesn’t approve European formulas. Moreover, American formulas have a higher level of iron, while European pediatricians don’t support that risk.
Why Switch to Goat Milk Formula?
The composition of goat’s milk infant formula is similar to human breast milk. Consequently, it causes fewer allergic reactions and is easier to digest and absorb the needed nutrients.
What Does Goat Milk Formula Taste Like?
A goat milk based formula is creamy and a bit sweeter than a cow’s milk variant. Some companies may use different oils, which may change their taste but not that much. It can also happen to cow’s milk infant formula.
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