Has anyone used goats milk as infant formula? Has anyone used rice milk as infant formula? I know the rice milk is more questionable than the goats milk. I know you would have to add vitamins but I am wonder what kind of sucess you had with it if you did use it.

I know that Roni has info. about the goat's milk. I've sent her an e-mail to alert her to your question.

I have no personal knowledge of rice milk being used as infant formula. Hopefully this will answer your question about the goat's milk though:

http://www.infantrefluxdisease.com/faqs.htm#goatmilk

Thanks that information was really helpful. I now have more information that I can think about.

I tried goat milk formula and I found that it was really strong and that my son (non refluxer) just wouldn't drink it and was starting to just stop drinking milk. When he went to milk he had a bad reaction to cow milk so now I use Goat milk- he loves it and now both my boys are on it, in my opinion it was the best thing that I could have done.

I'm just curious as to why you would? If it's b/c of milk sensitivities, goat's milk is not reccomended as only about 5% or less of those w/ milk allergies, can handle goat's milk. Rice milk is out of the question as it's practically fat and protein free. It's closer to flavored water than anything. We use it for my 2.5 yo b/c he can't have milk or soy. My youngest is on Neocate b/c he has milk/soy issues along w/ many other things. It's completely dairy/soy protein free. If hypo formulas fail, this is the next step.

thepeach80,
I am very aware of rice milk low in fat and protein. The question was has anyone tried and if so what was your experience. We are on Neocate but as my son has a intolerance and not a true allergy I know that we will soon trial some form of milk. With the help of my doctor who I consult for any change I make he recommended trying goat's milk. There is enough studies that state that some children who don't do good with cow's milk will do fine on goat's milk. Goat's milk does have alot of the same proteins as cows milk but they are broken down different. Many years ago before we had things like Alimentum, Nutramigen, and Neocate parents only had a few options. One of those options was goat's milk. With the knowledge that we have and what we have gained by asking others like those on this board we are able to put the information together and make the decsion on weather to go forward with it or not. There is a difference between intolerances and allergies. Most children outgrow intolerances. Allergies are sometimes something you have to deal with forever. So I think for you the question would be why not try goat's milk?

I'm glad Roni answered you about the goats milk. I know Shae was on it awhile and it seemed good for her, however, Roni was unable to keep her on it very long b/c of the reasons in the link, she explained her use of goats milk in our book.

When living in Canada and breeding horses, our mare refused to nurse her foal so we supplemented with goats milk. Picture city girl me trying to milk the goat to get the milk to feed the foal...LOL!

I know all about the differences between allergies and intolerances. I guess I just don't see the point in trying goat's milk when there are other options that are less likely to cause problems for one. Plus, you were asking about using these as formula and IMO neither of these are suitable for a child under 1 (not sure how old your child is). Like I mentioned, AJ is on rice milk and has been since 13 mos. We had to add rice protein powder and olive oil to it to make it more like whole milk. I would consult w/ a dietician and an allergist, not just your regular DR.

kattmc3,
Is there a reason that you can'/dont want normal cow milk. Rachel