Feeding FAQ: 6-9 months – Other

Question – Goats’ milk formula

I think my baby’s eczema might be due to an allergy to his cows’ milk formula. I think I remember people using goats’ milk formula when I had my older daughter and I’d like to see if it will help, but I can’t seem to find it anywhere. Where can I get it?

Answer:

You’re correct that eczema can sometimes be related to food allergy or intolerance. However, if your baby’s eczema is caused by a cows’ milk allergy or intolerance, switching to goats’ milk is unlikely to help. This is because the protein in goats’ milk is extremely similar to that found in cows’ milk, and can trigger the same reaction in susceptible people. In the past, people have also tried goats’ milk formula for babies suffering from lactose intolerance on cows’ milk formula, but goats’ and cows’ milk also contain similar amounts of lactose, so again there is no clear benefit. This is one of the reasons why the European Commission no longer allows goats’ milk formula to be sold within the EU.

Depending on how severe the eczema is, you could discuss with your GP a referral to a paediatric dietitian or trialling the use of a ‘hydrolysed’ baby formula to see if it helps. These formulas are only available on prescription and contain protein that has already been broken down and will not cause an allergic reaction (see first question).

Do note that, just as with cows’ milk, goats’ milk itself is not a suitable substitute for a baby formula.