By Zane Josie
Approximately 86% of all children under the age of two have gastrointestinal issues. If your child is experiencing digestive distress, they may be sensitive to the traditional formula. Finding a nutritionally balanced option that is agreeable to your child, whether you have just started using formula or have made the switch, is easier said than done. Cow’s milk formula is the industry standard and the go-to for many mothers, but there is an alternative that is gaining popularity – a formula made from the goodness of goat’s milk. We discuss the key benefits of goat milk formula and why mothers should switch their babies to goat milk.
- A Closer Alternative To Breast Milk
Breast milk is the best way to nourish your baby, but not all mothers are able to provide it. Complicating matters further, mothers frequently report difficulty obtaining credible, useful insight into the role of baby and toddler formulas and ways of improving their baby’s digestive health.
The use of goat’s milk-based formula has emerged in response to the growing body of knowledge about babies’ gut health, with the goal of developing a formula that more strongly resembles the nutritional quality of human breast milk. The ‘oligosaccharides’ in goat’s milk formula are the same as those found in the mother’s milk. Oligosaccharides, or ‘oligos,’ are responsible for gut health, which brings us to goat’s milk’s prebiotic power.
- Contains More Prebiotics Than Regular Formula
Oligosaccharides are a type of ‘prebiotic,’ which is essentially a form of fibre that feeds the healthy bacteria in your baby’s stomach while preserving it against harmful bacteria. The first two years of your baby’s life are critical in establishing this gut ‘microflora,’ which can significantly influence their long-term immunity as they grow. Furthermore, oligosaccharides promote water absorption, resulting in softer, easier-to-pass stool and welcome relief for your baby. Human milk contains a lot of oligosaccharides, but the amounts in different infant formulas can be confusing. Goat’s milk contains 14 naturally occurring prebiotics, six of which are identical to those found in breast milk.
- May Alleviate Digestive Problems
The digestive system of an infant is still maturing, and finding solutions to digestive problems associated with standard formula feeding adds another layer of parenting stress. In fact, nearly half of mothers with children aged 12 to 24 months have switched to milk drinks in an attempt to resolve their child’s digestive issues. As your baby grows accustomed to the dietary intake, goat milk formula may be the answer to restoring balance to their digestion.
Goat milk has less lactose, which is beneficial to babies. Lactose is a carbohydrate found naturally in dairy, and young babies frequently do not produce sufficient enzymes to digest it. Lactose-free milk is gentler on the stomach as babies develop their digestive systems. Another reason why individuals with dairy sensitivities may be able to tolerate goat’s milk is its unique composition in terms of fat molecule size. Since the fat molecules in goat’s milk are much smaller, your baby will be able to digest them more easily.
- Rich In Vitamins And Minerals
Milk and milk products contain a good balance of proteins, essential fats and carbohydrates, as well as vitamins and minerals, all of which are necessary for brain development, enzyme function, and bone and tissue formation during infancy. Baby formulas are intended to maximise the number of nutrients found naturally in breast milk, but they are not all created equal. There are several advantages to using goat’s milk as a base for formula preparation.
- Children Enjoy The Taste
The nutritional value of any drink is meaningless when your child won’t drink it. Infants enjoy the taste of goat’s milk, which can be attributed to the smaller fat and protein molecules that make it a better match for human breast milk. It’s good for their stomach and taste buds!
To Conclude
What you feed your child is entirely up to you. Breast milk has no universally “best” or “healthiest” substitute. In this regard, whether goat’s milk is appropriate for your baby is entirely dependent on the baby. Take the time to consider your options, and before making a decision, consult with your child’s paediatrician to ensure they receive the proper nutrition during their first years of life.
