With so many milk formulas available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one. Parents, especially those who have just embraced parenthood, often tend to get confused between choosing goat milk formula vs regular formula.
Although regular cow milk formulas still remain popular, parents are slowly switching to goat milk alternatives for their young ones, and that too for a good reason. Go through this guide to see why so many Canadian parents are making this switch:
What Regular Formula Offers
A regular formula is generally made from cow's milk. It is processed in order to mimic breast milk as much as possible. It is packed with essential vitamins and minerals that are required for your baby's healthy and strong body. It also works well with most of the babies without inducing discomfort or any kind of allergic reactions.
But for some babies, that protein inside cow's milk just doesn't sit well. Such babies show various signs of discomfort: Gas comes, bloating follows, and, of course, there will be fussiness. It is important to recognize that your baby is not comfortable and try to think of another alternative that shall be both gentle and nourishing.
Why Goat Milk Stands Out
When you compare goat milk formula vs regular formula, the biggest difference is found in the way each milk is structured and digested. The goat milk formula is naturally easier to digest and tolerate because:
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It is produced in the goat's udder by apocrine secretion. This is similar to how breast milk is formed. At the same time, cow's milk is formed via a merocrine secretion process.
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Goat milk contains smaller fat globules and more short and medium-chain fatty acids. It is easier for enzymes to break down and absorb them than the long-chain fats found in cow's milk. Hence, goat milk is better digested than cow's milk.
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The proteins, such as αS1 casein and β-lactoglobulin, are known to cause allergic reactions. Goat milk has a significantly lower amount of such proteins.
The Canadian Paediatric Society mentions that around 1.9 to 4.9 per cent of young children in Canada are affected by cow's milk protein allergy, and so it is one major food-related problem in the first few years of life. This is just one of the reasons why sensitive baby parents often look for alternative options, such as Goat milk formula.
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Goat milk contains six of the ten essential amino acids that are acquired by humans through the intake of food.
These factors do imply that goat milk is relatively more digestible in comparison to cow's milk. This automatically makes it milder and acceptable for babies. This is why it is slowly becoming the trusted choice among many parents, especially those who have sensitive infants.
What You'll Find at Formuland Canada
At Formuland Canada, parents can choose from a wide variety of high-quality goat milk formulas. This collection includes goat milk formulas from trusted European brands such as:
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Holle (Goat Stage PRE, 1, 2, 3, 4)
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Kabrita (Stages 1, 2, 3)
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Jovie (Goat Milk Infant Formula Stages 1, 2, 3)
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Nannycare (Stages 1, 2, 3)
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LittleOak (Natural Goat Milk Stages 1, 2, 3)
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HiPP(Stages 1 and 2)
You can get these products in various sizes, including 400g, 800g, and 900g tins. Other than that, you can buy them in single-use 30g sachets as well. Such options are great if you want to try out the formula before making a switch.
Why Parents Are Making the Switch
The most common reasons why Canadian parents are switching to goat milk baby formula are given as follows:
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Easier Digestion: The smaller fat globules and the more digestible fatty acids of the goat milk make it easier to digest. Relief from fussiness, gas, and constipation is also offered by it.
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Healthy Organic Nutrient Supplies: Goat milk is very rich in calcium, potassium (vitamin A), and magnesium. These are essential for bone strength, eyesight, and overall development.
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Closer to Breast Milk: Since it is produced via apocrine secretion, it is closer to breast milk than cow milk is.
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Tailored Stages for Growth: There are goat milk formulas that are designed to suit every stage. For example, Holle Goat Stage PRE is recommended from birth onwards, and Stage 4 is recommended for toddlers above 12 months.
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Convenient Options in Canada: Canadian parents can conveniently obtain these milk formulas through Formuland Canada, with all pricing clear in CAD and reliable shipping to your door.
Suggestions to Make the Transition Smooth
If you are transitioning from cow milk formula to goat milk formula, you may want to consider the following suggestions:
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Mix the goat milk formula with whatever formula your baby is currently taking. Slow increase over a week.
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Watch your baby's reaction carefully, from the consistency of the baby's stool to the baby's attitude.
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Always choose according to the stage suitable for the age of the baby.
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In case of any allergies or other health disorders, you must consult your pediatrician.
Conclusion
Like any other child-rearing issue, the debate on goat milk formula vs regular formula has gained even greater importance with Canadian parents plumping for options that are gentle yet nutritious. For babies who are easy on sensitive tummies, goat milk formula is a perfect alternative. It also gets fewer allergenic proteins with easier digestion and nourishing benefits.
FAQs
1. Is goat milk formula safe for newborns?
Goat milk formula is intended for infants and will provide adequate nutrition. Just ensure that you are purchasing the proper stage (ie, Stage PRE or Stage 1). Also, it is always good practice to discuss switching formula with your pediatrician.
2. Can goat milk formula help with cow's milk protein allergy?
Goat milk has fewer allergenic proteins, but it does not substitute treatment for severe cow's milk protein allergy.
3. How do I transition my baby from cow milk to goat milk formula?
You may want to start introducing the goat milk formula slowly, by mixing it with the milk formula your baby is currently drinking. Change the ratio gradually over one week while keeping an eye out for either digestive issues or discomfort on the part of the infant.
Ready to Try Goat Milk Formula?
Shop the whole range of goat milk baby formula available at Formuland Canada and choose whichever stage suits your child best today!