Cows milk alternatives

[Babyboog]

Hi there

This is my first time using the bubhub forum. My DD is 11.5 months old, I'm still breastfeeding once a day and she's having two bottles of (cow based) formula. I want to get her off the formula but not necessarily onto cows milk. I've read that soy, rice or goats milk can be used (although I've also read soy may not be so good). She is having cheese and yoghurt now. I was just wondering if anyone has had advise about using rice, soy or goats milk as an alternative to cows milk.

Thanks
Sharne:)

[Chickadee]

Welcome to Bubhub Sharne.

I'm going to re-open this thread because I suspect you really wanted answers and didn't mean to close it after your post. Am I right? If you have any questions about using the forum don't hesitate to ask :) Also there is a ton of helpful info in the bubhub directory, you'll find links in the menu to the left.

I can't help with your question I'm afraid, my DD had no problems with milk or the regular formulas. Good luck.

[Babyboog]

Yep, thanks for the help! I didn't mean to close the thread.

Much appreciated.

Sharne

[draught]

I don't know huge amounts about it but am aware that soy is not recommended for little people but that goat's milk is meant to be a very good alternative to cow's milk. I am sure someone will come along and give you more info about the why's and wherefores of it all.

[jasminesmum]

Welcome

My dd is still on formula for her bottles but I make her custards and other things with goats milk. She also has it on her cereal. She is allergic to cows milk.

I have looked into soy and there are lots of different opinions on it.
One side effect is that it can bring on girls periods a lot earlier than normal.
Although it would be easier to use soy as their are alot more products around I prefer to stick with goats milk.
Goats milk is suppose to be the milk that is the closest in likeness to breastmilk.

Rice milk doesnt have enough calcium in it and is not recommended for children under the age of 2 as a main source of milk.

This is just my opinion and I'm sure that there are alot of people quite happy to use soy.

Hope this helps a little bit. Sorry to rant.

Michelle:)

[jarrahsmumma]

All milks have benefits and disadvantages, and at the end of the day, humans make milk for human babies and that is what we are meant to have!;) For othere milks though, cows milk can be very allergenic as the casein (milk protein) is EXTREMELY hard for humans' guts to break down. Soy is also quite allergenic, but obviously has not animal proteins, but has lots of phytoestrogen, which, as Michelle said, can have adverse reactions with hormonal imbalances. Rice milk os low allergenic, but as said aslo, has little calcium. Goats milk had less casein in it and it a bit more watry than cows milk.
Personally I would go with goats milk as far as non human milk goes. But tbh, you are probably better off keeping up the BF and formula, wait a while to start with any milks.:D

[Babyboog]

Thanks everyone.

I just spent about half an hour in the supermarket checking out the different milks available and decided on the safe side to buy another tin of formula and I think I'll have a chat to the BHC. Have you all seen paediatricians? I haven't been to one yet, and don't know if I should.

Sharne

[jarrahsmumma]

If your child had allergies, you probably should see a paed. The information I posted above is what my naturopath told me. She knows LOTS about milk, lol! If you stick with formula it mat be worthwhile getting an organic one, then you will know it won't have any chemical nasties in it, and won't be genetically modified. :D

[Babyboog]

Sophie hasn't had any allergies, I just have this thing about too much dairy and too much wheat, so maybe I'll go and talk to a naturopath

Thanks again
Sharne