Why Are Some Parents Making The Switch To Sheep’s Milk Formula

Choosing what to feed your infant and toddler is a difficult decision. The abundance of information on the internet, some of which is of dubious quality, has led to a proliferation of opinion and debate on the topic. For example, debates concerning the optimal formula preparation to feed infants and toddlers fill many online forums. 

While cow’s milk is the most common variant of infant and toddler formulas, some parents are choosing to use sheep’s milk as an alternative. There are many reasons for this switch to sheep’s milk formula. To get to the bottom of this innovative and potentially beneficial new trend, here we will examine the evidence and take an objective look at the pros and cons. In doing so, you can make a better decision for the health and well-being of your child.

Let’s explore why some parents are making the switch to sheep’s milk by looking at some of the benefits.

Higher In Vitamins And Minerals

There is much evidence to support the claim that sheep’s milk formula is higher in nutritional value than conventional cow’s milk-derived formulas. With higher amounts of vitamins A, B, and E, as well as calcium, potassium, and magnesium, than cow’s milk, your infant or toddler can gain enhanced nutritional benefits if you make the switch. These micronutrients and minerals are essential for the everyday functioning and the healthy development of your child. 

Abundant amounts of all the above are necessary to facilitate the significant growth spurts that infants and toddlers go through. In fact, sheep’s milk in general, and not just the formula, has a superior nutritional profile to cow’s milk. Given this fact, it is surprising that more people, adults included, are not making the switch to sheep’s milk.

Higher In Good Quality Fats

Sheep’s milk and sheep’s milk formula is higher in fat than cow’s milk. This is an advantage for your baby because a large proportion of the fats in sheep’s milk are unsaturated. The omega fats are well-known for their excellent health benefits. These healthy fats are essential for proper brain development and the absorption of vitamins and minerals. These fats are also excellent for maintaining and promoting positive heart health. 

Although some of the fats in sheep’s milk formulas are saturated, a certain amount of these are also necessary for the overall health of your infant. By providing your baby or toddler with these high-quality fats, you are ensuring that their brains and bodies will be growing according to each of the expected developmental milestones.

Lactose Intolerance Assistance

In some cases, sheep’s milk formulas can be handled well by babies or toddlers who have lactose intolerance issues. While the research is still out on whether this benefit is universally the case, it is worth seeing if your child responds well to these preparations if their digestive system cannot handle traditional cow’s milk-based formulas. If they seem to enjoy it without any unwanted digestive distress, they too can gain the enhanced nutritional benefits.

Make The Switch

If you are interested in trying something new and highly beneficial for your infant or toddler, consider trying sheep’s milk. You can enjoy the benefits outlined above and rest assured that your child’s nutritional needs are being abundantly met. As always, consult with your family physician before making any significant changes to your child’s diet. You will want to be sure that your doctor is familiar with the use of sheep’s milk as an alternative formula base and get their informed medical opinion on the most up-to-date research.