Goat Milk vs Cow Milk Formula: What Parents Should Know

More and more parents are asking about goat milk formula. HiPP makes an organic goat milk range, and it's one of our most-asked-about products. Here's what you should know before deciding whether it's right for your baby.

What is goat milk formula?

Goat milk formula is an infant formula in which the protein comes from goat's milk instead of cow's milk. Apart from the protein source, it's built to the same strict EU rules as any other infant formula, with added vitamins, minerals and fats so it meets a baby's full nutritional needs. Goat milk protein has been approved as a protein source for infant and follow-on formula in the EU.

HiPP's goat milk formula is EU-organic certified and made with A2 goat milk protein. It also contains GOS, a prebiotic fibre from organic lactose.

Why do some parents choose it?

Parents choose goat milk formula for different reasons — some prefer its taste or simply like the idea of goat milk, and some find their baby gets on well with it. Experiences vary from baby to baby, and goat milk formula isn't a treatment for any condition. If your baby has a feeding problem, talk to your pediatrician before switching.

The most important thing to know

Goat milk formula is not suitable for babies with a diagnosed cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA). Goat and cow milk proteins are very similar, and most babies who react to cow's milk protein also react to goat's milk protein. Babies with CMPA need a special formula recommended by their doctor.

It's also not lactose-free — goat milk naturally contains lactose, just like cow's milk.

Goat vs cow milk formula at a glance

• Protein source: goat milk vs cow milk.
• Nutrition: both are made to the same EU composition rules for infant formula.
• Organic: HiPP offers EU-organic versions of both.
• Lactose: both contain lactose.
• Cow's milk allergy: neither is suitable — ask your doctor about a specialised formula.

Which HiPP goat milk formula?

• HiPP Goat Milk Stage 1 (400g, Dutch version) — from birth
• HiPP Goat Milk Stage 2 (400g, Dutch version) — from 6 months

Prefer cow's milk formula? See our guide to HiPP Bio Combiotik stages.

Switching to goat milk formula

If you and your pediatrician decide to try goat milk formula, switch gradually over a few days and prepare it exactly as the pack describes — scoop sizes can differ from your current formula. Questions about the Dutch-language tin? Email us at hello@tenderstage.com and we'll help.

This article is for general information only and isn't medical advice. Breastfeeding is best for babies. Always consult your pediatrician before starting or changing a formula.