Goat Milk for Toddlers: What Parents Should Know

Is goat milk safe for toddlers?

Yes, whole goat milk is a suitable milk for most toddlers 12 months and older. Like cow milk, it provides protein, fat, and calcium, which growing bodies need.

It's not for babies under 12 months. Before their first birthday, babies need breast milk or infant formula, not any kind of regular milk.

It's also not a solution for milk allergy. If your child has a cow's milk protein allergy, goat milk is very likely to cause a reaction too, because the proteins are similar. The UK Food Standards Agency has warned that most children with cow's milk allergy also react to goat milk, and those reactions can be serious. If you suspect an allergy, talk to your pediatrician before trying goat milk.

How is goat milk different from cow milk?

The two are more alike than different, but a few differences matter for toddlers:

•         Protein type. Goat milk's main protein, beta-casein, is naturally the A2 type. Most cow milk contains a mix of A1 and A2. Some research suggests A2 protein is easier on digestion for some people. You can read more in our post What Is A2 Milk? Why Goat Milk Is Naturally A2.

•         Slightly less lactose. A cup of goat milk has about 11 grams of sugar (lactose), compared with about 12 grams in whole cow milk. That's a small difference, so goat milk is not a fix for lactose intolerance.

•         A bit more protein and fat. Goat milk has about 9 grams of protein and 10 grams of fat per cup, compared with 8 and 8 in whole cow milk.

•         Less folate and B12. Cow milk is naturally higher in folate and vitamin B12. If your toddler drinks goat milk, a varied diet with leafy greens, beans, eggs, and fortified grains helps fill the gap.

For a full side-by-side, see Goat Milk vs. Cow Milk for Toddlers.

How much milk does a toddler need?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends about 2 cups (16 ounces) of whole milk a day for children 12 to 24 months old. More isn't better. Too much milk can fill little tummies and crowd out the solid foods that provide iron and other nutrients. After age two, recommendations change, so check with your pediatrician about what's right for your child.

What to look for in a goat milk

Not all goat milk products are the same. When you're comparing, look for:

•         Whole milk, not a "toddler formula." Many products for toddlers add sugars, oils, and fillers. Plain whole goat milk is all a healthy toddler needs.

•         A short ingredient list. You should recognize every ingredient.

•         No added sugar.

•         Third-party testing for heavy metals and other contaminants.

How Voyager goat milk fits in

We made Voyager goat milk with just three ingredients: whole goat milk, vitamin D, and calcium. There's no added sugar, no palm oil, and no corn syrup. Every batch is tested for heavy metals, and Voyager has earned the Clean Label Project Purity Award.

It comes in single-serve sachets, so it's easy at home and even easier on the go. Just tear, pour into 4 ounces of water, shake, and serve. No refrigeration needed until it's mixed.

Ready to try it? Shop Voyager Goat Milk, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.