Goats Milk

[*Becky*]

DH and I drink goats milk rather than cows. I have been giving Henry cows milk since he was one (now 22 months)
Is it ok for me to give him goats now? It would be great if we could all drink the same. I was thinking of switching him but keeping him on full fat at least until he is 2.
Does anyone know if goats is ok in terms of nutrition?
Thanks
BX

[Mashi]

I have always read that goat's milk is far superior to cow's milk for nutrition, and it is preferrable for children and toddlers over cow's milk. It has more calcium than cow's milk and contains many other nutrients that are found in human breast milk that are not in cow's milk. 

[*Becky*]

thanks mashi x

[Colin Macs Mom]

I would discuss with LO's doctor before you make a final decision.

[Mom to M&M]

ITA with Mashi. In fact, at one point, our old Ped (who was quite conservative) had us try DD on goat's milk to try to help with chronic constipation (sadly it didn't help). She was right about two.

[Mashi]

I would discuss with LO's doctor before you make a final decision.

Just out of curiosty Jess, why would you see a doctor about it?

[Colin Macs Mom]

Just my opinion but I wouldn't feel comfortable deviating from the normal recommendation of cow's milk without discussing it with the doc.

[*Becky*]

thanks for all the replies. Jess, I only just saw your response today and we actually started him on goats this am but I had always planned to run it past my health visitor when I get him weighed on thursday. I have done a bit of research and there do not seem to be any reasons at his age why he cannot have goats milk and from what I know it is easier on the digestive system than cows so is easier to break down. I will check though.

[Colin Macs Mom]

Don't mean to dissuade you exactly, I just always think it's best to check with the experts when making a change is all.

[*Becky*]

well I asked the HV and it was as good as asking a random person off the street. She told me she used to keep goats (!) and that she 'thought' it was fine. Will keep asking!

[Mashi]

I think the only reason cow's milk is what we are told to put our LOs in is because it is the "default" milk - goat's milk seems strange to those who don't drink it but not to those who DO drink it!

[MLK]

I think goats' milk is lower in folic acid and B12 than cows' milk -  but if he is eating a range of other food then it shouldn't be a problem for a toddler. It's babies on restricted diets who might have problems.