My 6-month-old is allergic to cow's milk and soy. What do you think about goat's milk?

People used to say children that young don't have allergies, but clearly they do. About 6 percent have food allergies, more than one in 20. Most of these are allergic to only one type of food, 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 who haven’t 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.

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 thing to be aware of is that goat’s milk is low in iron and certain vitamins, especially vitamins B12 and folate. Infants fed unfortified goat’s milk who do not get supplemented with iron and vitamins can develop anemia. The other big thing to be aware of is that a bacterial disease called brucellosis can come from unpasteurized goat's milk, so goat’s milk should be boiled or pasteurized before giving it to babies.

I recommend that babies get either breast milk or formula for the full first year. I’d be pleased to see a goat’s milk formula. For children over 1 year old, goat's milk is as good as or better than cow's milk in some ways, just not used so much in the U.S.