features
quizzes experts
If you've chosen to bottlefeed, you'll want to choose
the best formula for your child--a regular formula or perhaps soy
or a hydrolysate variety. Learn what to look for and how to prepare
and use it safely.
experts
My
6-month-old is allergic to cow's milk and soy. What do you think about
goat's milk?
Q: My 6-month-old
is allergic to cow's milk and soy. What do you think about goat's
milk?
A: People used to say children that young don't have allergies, but
clearly they do. About 6 percent do, more than one in 20. Most of
these are allergic to only one allergen, but among those whose allergy
is to cow's milk, there is a higher chance that they will also be
allergic to soy and perhaps to goat's milk. The good news is that
these children are very likely to outgrow these allergies, most by
the first birthday and almost all by age 3.
Formulas like
Nutramigen or Alimentum are hydrolyzed so that there is very little
cow's milk protein and many babies will do well on them. Those who
are very allergic could use Neocate, which has none. I recommend that
babies get either breast milk or formula for the full first year.
Goat's milk is
closer to human milk than cow's milk is, and in many countries it
is used exclusively for infant feeding. The protein in goat's milk
is easier to digest than the protein in cow's milk. If you are going
to use goat's milk, the biggest things to be aware of are the vitamins,
especially vitamin B12 and folate. Children who do not get supplemented
with these can develop megaloblastic anemia. The other big thing to
be aware of is that a bacterium called brucellosis can occur in goat's
milk, so you should boil it before giving it to babies. For children
over 1 year old, goat's milk is probably better than cow's milk, just
not used so much in the U.S.
Your
should know:
The
information on this Web site is designed for educational purposes
only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical
advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose
or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your
pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any
questions or concerns you might have regarding your or your child's
condition.
Rebornne Baby. American Baby
