Can Goat Milk Formula Help With Colic?
If you’ve experienced a baby with colic, you’ll know just how desperate parents with colicky babies are to Stop. The. Crying. That’s why we’re going to discuss whether you may be able to find some colic relief with goat’s milk formula.
Just like adults, babies have unique needs, preferences, and bodies. In some cases, switching to a more digestible formula like goat’s milk formula might help babies with colic. But it’s not a guarantee (sorry!).
Read on to learn more about what colic is, why it happens, and things you can try to help ease it, including trialing goat’s milk formula for colic.
What is colic?
Aside from a pain in the butt for YOU, colic is defined as crying and fussing for more than three hours at a time every day for no obvious physical reason. Some parents describe it as ‘the baby screaming bloody murder non-stop for hours’.
It’s most commonly reported in babies from 2–16 weeks old, and is often at its worst between 6pm and midnight. Yep, right when you’re zonked and need to rest yourself
Symptoms of colic
We’ve already mentioned the crying. Loud and long screaming fits may also be accompanied by symptoms like:
- A flushed face
- Baby pulling their legs up
- Loud tummy rumblings.
You might notice other things your baby does too.
Distinct features of colic include lots of inconsolable crying, often at the same time each day, with no obvious physical cause.
What causes colic?
Great question! We don’t really know what causes colic. Frustrating.
What we do know is that colic is sometimes associated with digestive sensitivities.
- Some studies have found that when a breastfeeding mother eats certain foods including cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, chocolate, onions and cow’s milk, it can cause an attack of colic in her breastfed infant. Caffeine consumption can also increase colic symptoms in breastfed babies.
- Formula fed babies can also get colic. Conditions like cow’s milk protein intolerance (CMPI) could be at play, and switching formula type may or may not help to ease colic.
It’s not a sure thing that a baby with colic has an intolerance. Some believe that excessive crying and swallowing of air actually causes digestive discomfort rather than the other way around. Even so, if your baby shows signs of colic, it’s a good idea to get them checked out by a paediatrician to rule out other causes like allergy or reflux.
Other theories about what causes colic include:
- Small babies experience digestive discomfort as their digestive systems get up to speed.
- Babies are simply adjusting to life outside the womb — it’s overwhelming out here!
Most babies with colic continue to eat and gain weight normally.
How do you get a colic diagnosis?
A doctor should examine your baby to rule out health issues like allergies, reflux, infections or skin conditions. If nothing is detected you’ll likely be told it’s ‘just colic’.
It’s always good to get it checked out, though, for your peace of mind. Plus, your doctor just might offer some handy tips to help you manage the colic symptoms.
Can goat’s milk formula help with colic?
Maybe!
While there’s no evidence that goat’s milk formula is the solution to colic, there are a few good reasons why it might help.
- Goat’s milk formula is easier to digest –Smaller fats and proteins form softer curds which may be easier for little tummies to process.
- Goat’s milk formula is naturally high in oligosaccharides –These natural prebiotics support healthy gut microbiome development, and goat’s milk has a HMO profile more similar to human breast milk than cow’s milk does.
- Goat’s milk formula has been tried and approved by many parents – At Oli6, we receive regular feedback from parents who say that switching to Oli6 Goat Milk Formula made a positive difference for their unsettled baby. Individual results vary.
If your little one is taking a standard cow’s milk formula, it can be worth considering the benefits of goat’s milk vs cow’s milk formula for sensitive tummies.
How to safely trial goat’s milk formula for your colicky baby
We get it — you’re desperate to stop your baby wailing for hours on end. But switching formulas shouldn’t be done lightly.
If you want to try a different type of formula for colic, follow these steps:
- See your GP to get your baby examined. Make sure it is ‘just colic’ and not something more serious. Explain your intention to try a new formula and discuss your different options, including the benefits of goat’s milk formula.
- Select a high quality formula that contains all essential nutrients. Look out for added sugar (we don’t want that), and select something with gut-supporting probiotics and prebiotics.
- Follow the new formula’s transition guide carefully and follow preparation instructions exactly.
- Unless you see an increase in symptoms (or other worse ones), try the new formula for a couple of weeks at least.
Other tips for managing colic
Changing formula isn’t necessarily the solution for a baby with colic. You might find colic relief with goat’s milk formula, or you might not. It’s up to you to try different techniques and find what your baby responds to.
Some things to try
- Different bottle feeding positions, and burping your baby thoroughly after every feed.
- Swaddling your baby up tight, rocking them gently, or using sound machines to soothe them.
- Dim lighting and a calm environment.
- Baby wearing.
- Taking your baby for a walk in the pram or a drive in the car (as daunting as that may seem!)
- Offering your baby a dummy to suck.
- Gentle massage techniques or a warm bath.
- Holding your baby curled in a ‘c’ position.
- Putting your baby down in a safe spot and seeing if they’ll settle themselves.
Over the counter medications
You can purchase colic remedies like ‘gripe water’ from many pharmacies, but there’s no scientific evidence to prove that they work. Just like goat’s milk formula and colic, it may be that these solutions help some babies.
Formulas for sensitive tummies
There are also different types of formula on the market specifically for babies with tummy sensitivities. Take a look at how Oli6 Goat Milk Formula compares to some of these formulas. Always trial a new formula with guidance from your doctor.
Look after yourself
We won’t lie — sometimes colic is a matter of waiting it out and looking after your mental health as best you can. Because it is HARD looking after a baby that screams all day. But this won’t last forever.
- Try to ‘take turns’ with the baby. Get your partner or a friend or family member to tap you out when you need a rest.
- Get fresh air and exercise when you can.
- Remember to eat and drink water.
If you’re able to stay calm, you’re more likely to be able to calm your baby.
Whether you choose to try Oli6 Goat Milk Formula for colic or you find another solution, we wish you the very best. Colic is tough work. But you’ve got this.
You can find Oli6 Goat Milk Formula at your local Coles, Woolworths, Chemist Warehouse, or shop online.
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Frequently Asked Questions
**Can goat milk formula help with colic?**
It might, for some babies. There’s no clinical evidence that goat’s milk formula is a treatment for colic, but its smaller protein molecules, softer curds, and natural oligosaccharides may make it easier for some babies to digest — which could reduce digestive discomfort. Always trial formula changes with guidance from your paediatrician.
**What causes colic in formula-fed babies?**
The exact cause of colic is not fully understood. It may be related to cow’s milk protein intolerance (CMPI), an immature digestive system, or simply the baby’s adjustment to life outside the womb. A paediatrician can help rule out medical causes.
**How do I know if my baby has colic?**
Colic is typically defined as inconsolable crying for more than three hours a day, more than three days a week, for more than three weeks — in an otherwise healthy, well-fed baby. It’s most common in babies aged 2–16 weeks. See your doctor to rule out other causes.
**How long does colic last in babies?**
Colic usually starts in the first few weeks of life and typically resolves by around 3–4 months of age. It can feel endless while it’s happening, but the good news is that it does pass.
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