All you need to know about goat's milk baby formula

If breastfeeding isn't going as planned, or if you've decided to bottle-feed your baby, goat's milk is the first option you'll offer him. It will be of the highest quality, specifically designed to mimic breast milk as closely as possible, and to meet the nutritional requirements of your baby's first months..^{1, 2}

Making the right choices

An infant's nutritional needs (from birth to around 12 months) are highly specific and evolve rapidly. Infant milk (or infant formula) is formulated to meet these needs when breast-feeding is not possible or chosen..^{1, 2}

Main nutritional needs met by breast milk or infant formula

1) Energy (calories)

• Around 100Kcal/kg/day in the first few months.
• Milk provides the energy needed for rapid growth, temperature regulation and brain development..^{1, 2}

2) Protein

• Essential for muscle, organ and brain growth
• Infant milk often contains whey and casein proteins suited to immature kidneys.
• Average content: 1.2 to 2 g/100 ml^{1, 2}

3) Lipids (fats)

• Provides around 50% of calories
• Rich in essential fatty acids such as DHA and ARA, and important for brain and vision development, etc..^{1, 2}

4) Carbohydrates

• Mainly lactose, which promotes calcium absorption and helps the intestinal microbiota.
• Content: 7-8 g/100 ml^{1, 2}

5) Vitamins and minerals

• Vitamins: A, C, D, E, B: For healthy bones, immune system, growth, skin, vision, etc.
• Minerals: Calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, iodine, potassium, magnesium, etc. Minerals: bones, teeth, prevention of anemia, etc..^{1, 2}

6) A few tips

Avoid overly sweet formulas

• A good preparation contains no added sugar, maltodextrin or corn syrup (avoid overly sweet formulas)..^{1, 2}

High-quality vegetable oil

• Prefer formulas containing oils (sunflower, rapeseed, coconut) and avoid palm oil, if possible..^{1, 2}

Particularities of infants at this age

• Their digestive systems are immature, hence the specific formulation of infant milk.
• They need highly bioavailable nutrients that are easy to absorb
• Infant milk must comply with a strictly regulated composition (standards set by WHO, Health Canada, EFSA in Europe)..^{1, 2}

To consider

• Always choose a milk adapted to the baby's age (e.g. "1st age" up to 6 months, then "2nd age" up to 12 months).
• Do not dilute or enrich milk yourself.
• From 6 months, the gradual introduction of solid foods complements (not replaces) milk..^{1, 2}

What are the benefits and advantages of choosing a goat's milk formula?

Choosing an infant formula based on goat's milk can offer certain advantages over conventional cow's milk formulas, especially in special cases. Here's an overview of potential benefits and advantages.^{3, 4}

Easier-to-digest proteins

Goat's milk contains finer, more soluble proteins than cow's milk. It forms a softer, more porous curd that is easier for digestive enzymes to break down. For some babies, particularly those with immature digestive systems, digestion can be problematic..^{3, 4}

Fewer potential allergens (but not hypoallergenic)

Goat's milk contains less alpha S1 casein (one of the most allergenic proteins in cow's milk). This may be suitable for sensitive babies (but not necessarily those with a confirmed allergy to cow's milk proteins; the risk of cross-reaction remains high)..^{3, 4}

Better intestinal tolerance in some babies

Some infants who suffer from colic, reflux, bloating or hard stools may tolerate goat's milk better thanks to its composition of medium-chain fatty acids and its smaller, more easily absorbed fat globules..^{3, 4}

Nutritional richness of goat's milk

• Oligosaccharides (natural prebiotics), similar to those found in breast milk, promote a healthy microbiota.
• A more alkaline pH, which is gentler on the stomach.
• A higher concentration of certain minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium)..^{3, 4}

Less processed in some formulas

Some goat's milk formulas are less modified than cow's milk formulas, as their basic composition is already closer to that of breast milk. This may mean fewer added or modified ingredients (but this depends on the brand and local regulations)..^{3, 4}

To consider

• Never give unmodified goat's milk to an infant. It must be a commercial infant formula, enriched with essential nutrients (iron, fatty acids, vitamins).
• If in doubt about an allergy or intolerance, it is important to consult a health professional before changing formula.
• It's not a treatment for colic or allergies, but a choice that can help in certain cases of sensitivity..^{3, 4}

Goat's milk infant formula can be a good alternative for babies who have difficulty digesting cow's milk without suffering from a severe allergy. It is often better tolerated from a digestive point of view, with ingredients that are naturally closer to breast milk..^{3, 4}

Capricare goat's milk infant formula

The product Capricare is produced by a cooperative of 71 goat breeders in New Zealand's Waikato region, which means "flowing water". This is a natural farming region where the grass is excellent, with a perfect alternation between sun and rain and mild temperatures all year round. This is where the company raises its goats.

The Capricare cooperative was the first to develop infant formulas based on goat's milk, and is dedicated exclusively to the creation of infant formulas, overseeing the entire production process from milking the goats on the farm to packaging them in cans..^{5, 6, 7, 8}

New Zealand, the first land to receive the sun's rays every day, is also a veritable agricultural Eden, with no shortage of grass to feed the goats all year round..^{5, 6, 7, 8}

Capricare composition and nutritional benefits

First and foremost, Capricare adopts a distinctive method for manufacturing infant milk, using fresh, whole goat's milk that has been very lightly processed to provide a mild, pleasant taste reminiscent of cow's milk..^{5, 6, 7, 8}

• It contains medium-chain fatty acids, high levels of nucleotides and polyamines, and an amino acid profile close to that of breast milk.
• This infant milk is enriched with vitamins (A, C, D, E, B12, folates) and minerals (iron, zinc, etc.) to meet the requirements of the latest standards.
• It contains 38% goat's milk on a dry matter basis for enhanced natural intake, which means that a large proportion of the infant formula's solid nutrients come directly from goat's milk, and not from separate components (such as isolated proteins or vegetable oils)..^{5, 6, 7, 8}

Available formulas

• Capricare 1 Infants 0-6 months, gradually mixed with previous milk

• Capricare 2 Babies aged 6-12 months, with an adjusted composition (DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), a long-chain omega-3 fatty acid, essential for the proper development of the brain, eyes and central nervous system, and ARA or arachidonic acid (Omega 6), a polyunsaturated fatty acid naturally present in breast milk that is an essential nutrient for the development of the baby's brain, eyes and immune system)..^{5, 6, 7, 8}

What parents say about Capricare

• Its mild taste and pleasant scent are appreciated by babies.
• Good digestive tolerance, less constipation or reflux problems: parents report "more joyful, more regular bowel movements and less bloating"..^{5, 6, 7, 8}

Capricare, born in New Zealand, "from our family to yours!

As a cooperative, Capricare relies on family and collaborative principles for a fair distribution of labor benefits. As such, great importance is attached to safeguarding land and herds, as well as establishing a sustainable world and business to secure the future for generations to come. These principles are part of our aim to be a leader in the production of safe, natural baby food products worldwide..^{5, 6, 7, 8}

Kabrita, a rigorous formula of baby goat's milk

Kabrita is goat's milk from family farms in the Netherlands. The farmers use only VLOG-certified (in German) GMO-free feed and adhere to the Dutch Kwaligeit program, which guarantees animal welfare and food safety.

This Dutch brand offers infantile milks based on goat's milk for babies and young children. It is often used as an alternative for babies who are sensitive to cow's milk (but not severely allergic)..^{9, 10, 11}

Kabrita's strengths

• Gentle on the digestive tract: often better tolerated by babies suffering from colic, reflux or constipation.
• Rich in nutrients: Essential fatty acids (DHA, ARA), added vitamins and minerals (iron, calcium, etc.).
• Prebiotics (GOS or Galacto-OligoSaccharides): these are complex sugars made from lactose (the natural milk sugar).
• Promotes healthy intestinal flora: nourishes the bifidobacteria essential for digestion and immunity.
• Strengthens the immune system: A balanced flora supports the body's natural defense against infection.
• Improves intestinal transit: Helps reduce constipation, colic and gas.
• Indirect protective effect: Helps good bacteria, and limits the growth of bad ones.^{9, 10, 11}

Worth considering

• Kabrita is not hypoallergenic, i.e. it is not recommended for babies with a confirmed allergy to cow's milk, as there is a risk of cross-reactivity between cow's and goat's milk proteins.
• Contains lactose, so it's not an option for lactose-intolerant babies..^{9, 10, 11}

Kabrita, what health professionals have to say

• Many pediatricians and nutritionists recommend it as an alternative when the child has a non-allergic sensitivity to cow's milk.
• However, any transition should be discussed with a health professional, especially before 6 months of age..^{9, 10, 11}

In short, Kabrita stands out for its scientific and transparent approach to approximating breast milk: a blend of goat's milk rich in whey, optimized fats, prebiotic fibers, and rigorous European quality. Its taste is highly appreciated, and many parents have noted improved digestive tolerance in their babies..^{9, 10, 11}

Kabrita places animal health and welfare, energy efficiency and environmental protection at the top of its priorities. 94% of operations are run on renewable energy, containers are recyclable and the new facility is 100% carbon and nitrogen free..^{9, 10, 11}

Goat's milk infant formulas, for your little ones to enjoy!

About the author

Marie Couture, Certified Naturopath

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References

1. https://www.passeportsante.net/fr/grossesse/Fiche.aspx?doc=lait-premier-age1.

https://naitreetgrandir.com/fr/chroniques/les-preparations-pour-nourrissons/

2. https://naitreetgrandir.com/fr/etape/1_3_ans/alimentation/bg-naitre-grandir-enfant-lait/

3. https://www.parents.fr/bebe/alimentation/lait-pour-bebe/lait-de-chevre-pour-bebe-bienfaits-gout-digestion-differences-avec-le-lait-de-vache-898653#:~:text=%C2%AB%20La%20composition%20d

4. https://www.inspq.qc.ca/mieux-vivre/alimentation/lait/autres-laits

5. https://laboiteagrains.com/products/preparation-pour-nourrissons-lait-de-chevre-0-mois-capricare

6. https://laboiteagrains.com/products/preparation-pour-nourrissons-lait-de-chevre-6-mois-capricare

7. https://www.capricare.fr/

8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cLp3TSxVeI

9. https://laboiteagrains.com/products/alimentation-des-tout-petits-a-base-de-lait-de-chevre-kabrita

10. https://kabrita.ca/pages/about-us

11. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cLp3TSxVeI