Goat's Milk Baby Formula

Goats milk-based formula

In goat milk-based formula the proteins and sugars (lactose) come from goat’s milk. The ratio of casein to whey is 80:20, so, like hungry baby formulas they may satisfy your baby’s appetite more. The casein profile is different to that of cow’s milk and is thought to be more easily digestible, and some mums find their babies are more settled on goat’s milk. Nutritionally, goat-based milks are similar to cow’s-based formulas and have similar ingredients.

At the moment though, goat milk formula is not approved in Europe, which means it can’t be marketed as infant formula and you can’t be certain that what you buy meets the same high nutritional standards as cow- and soya-based formulas.

The main reason it’s not approved is that EU regulations state that formula must be based on cow’s milk or soya protein. The European Food Standards Agency reviewed the evidence for goats milk-based formula in 2004, but the main study submitted by the manufacturers was too small, so the regulation was not changed. Bigger studies are ongoing to look at whether goat’s milk is suitable for infants. Until there’s stronger evidence to support goat’s milk formula, the EU regulations will not be changed, and it cannot be marketed as formula or recommended by the department of health.

If your baby is allergic to cow’s milk, she will probably also be allergic to goat’s milk because the proteins are still similar. And if your baby is lactose intolerant, goat’s milk formula won’t help because it also contains lactose.   But discuss with your health visitor or GP if you would like to pursue this option.  Available brands are:

• NannyCare Goat Milk Nutrition
• Babynat Organic Goat Milk