My Personal Suggestion: GOAT FORMULA
Compared to cow milk, goat milk forms a smaller, softer, and looser curd in the stomach which makes digestion quicker and easier.
The fats in goat milk are also easier to digest, because they are smaller than cow milk fats.
Goat milk also contains more gut-supportive prebiotic oligosaccharides, and has superior mineral bioavailability.
Goat milk is a great option for all babies, but especially those suffering from stomach issues, eczema, recurrent ear infections, reflux, and chronic nasal congestion.
What We Use: KABRITA TODDLER (yes, we use toddler formula for infants)
They do also make infant formula, it's just a bit more expensive.
The FDA has strict guidelines on the minimum nutritional requirements for infant formula (and a few maximum requirements). MOST toddler formulas do not meet these requirements - they either have too much, or are missing key nutrients.
However, there is one Netherland based toddler formula sold in the US that does meet all the requirements - Kabrita.
Kabrita is partnered with third-party US companies, but because it is manufactured in Europe it is not FDA approved, and therefore cannot technically be marketed for infants.
Other Goat Options
HIPP
Kendamil
Holle
Little Oak
Safer Cow Options
Holle
Kendamil
Bimbosan
Loulouka
Bobbie
Dairy Free Formula
True Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance is caused by the inability to breakdown lactose, which is the form of sugar found in milk (including breastmilk). Typically a true lactose intolerance is due to a genetic condition where a person does not produce the lactase enzyme needed to breakdown lactose. A baby who is truly lactose intolerant would fail to thrive right off the bat, and show other signs of malabsorption and dehydration from birth. It is extremely uncommon for someone without this genetic condition to be lactose intolerant.
Secondary Lactose Intolerance
There is such thing as “secondary lactose intolerance.” This is when irritation or damage to the gut lining can impair the production of lactase. In these cases avoiding lactose is not going to solve the underlying problem, in fact it could make it worse. Lactose free formulas must use an alternative form of sugar, typically sucrose, corn syrup, brown rice syrup, or maltodextrin, all of which can cause gut inflammation - so just feeding the fire! In these cases, the health of the gut must be addressed first.
Milk Allergy
A milk allergy is the reaction to the protein in milk. In these cases the immune system reacts as though the protein is a dangerous invader to the body. Because of the rarity of true lactose intolerance, a milk allergy is most likely going to be the cause of symptoms if either/or are the true causes (typically they’re not). The problem is that many pediatricians will automatically suggest a dairy-free/plant-based formula. These formulas are typically lactose free and use a different form of sugar like sucrose, corn syrup, brown rice syrup, or maltodextrin - all of which can cause inflammation in the gut.
What most parents don’t realize is that not all animal milk protein is the same. If a baby truly has an allergy to cow milk protein, they typically have no problems with goat milk - which is easier on the digestive system as it is, and a much better option than anything lactose free.
The other issue is that conventional milk (especially cow milk in the US) is commonly full of junk, and depleted of beneficial enzymes and vitamins. This can cause inflammation in the gut, ear/respiratory infections, asthma, allergies, eczema, and more.
What commonly happens is a baby may be breast-feeding and/or drinking cow milk formula and having symptoms that are due to the above. Mom may cut dairy out of her diet or switch to a dairy free formula, baby’s symptoms get better, therefore being diagnosed with a “dairy allergy” when it’s really not the true dairy causing the problem, but the over-processed and junk-filled dairy widely available.
How to Test for Lactose Intolerance
Genetic Testing - This test uses DNA from blood samples amplified and digested with restriction enzymes. The pattern of DNA fragments is then used to indicate if a person is lactose intolerant or not. This test is typically done as part of the routine newborn screening.
Hydrogen Breath Test - You will drink a liquid that contains a certain amount of lactose, and every 30 minutes over the course of a few hours you breathe into a balloon-like container that measures the amount of hydrogen in your breath. If your breath hydrogen levels rise AND symptoms get worse during the test, you may be diagnosed as lactose intolerant.
Stool Acidity Test - It is very difficult to perform a hydrogen breath test on a baby, so often times a stool acidity test will be done to measure the lactic acid, glucose, and other fatty acids.
How to Test for a Milk Allergy
Skin Test - This is when the skin is pricked and exposed to small amounts of protein found in milk. If an allergy is present, a raised bump (hive) will appear. However, this test isn’t completely accurate.
Blood Test - This test measures the immune system’s response to milk by measuring the amount of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies in the blood. This test, also, isn’t completely accurate.
Oral Challenge - The medical professional will provide different foods that may or may not contain milk in increasing amounts. They will then observe if you react to the ones that contain milk.
Elimination Diet - This is when the provider will advise the elimination of all dairy from your diet to see if symptoms subside.
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