Dairy from a goat or a cow?

Have you considered changing or giving your children a different dairy source? I use both-  Yes, both.  Variety is key to a healthy balance.  We love our goat and cow dairy products.  However, I was very particular while weaning my children from breast to cup.

Source: Redwood Hill Farm Postcard

I made a personal choice to give my weaning children goat’s milk at the ages 14 months and 9 months with my doctor’s approval.  One of the greatest benefits of goat’s milk is it has a softer curd making in more digestible for infants and children.  The softer curd content has been linked to goat milk’s low casein content [i].

Goat’s milk is a very good source of calcium, tryptophan, protein, phosphorus, riboflavin and potassium.  It has been found to aid with the digestive and metabolic utilization of minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium[ii]  and has an excellent bioavailability absorption rate of minerals compared to cow’s milk [iii].  Not only did I give my children goat’s milk to drink during weaning but I used goat whole fat yogurt when making their baby food recipes.

Source: Redwood Hill Farm Postcard

My new favorite whole fat yogurt is the Redwood Hill Yogurt.  Not only does this yogurt taste great but the animals are treated humanely.   The latest treat I made my children was Honey, Flax and Coconut Enhanced Raspberry Yogurt Pop (recipe below)!   I have also used this yogurt in place of sour cream and it was wonderful.

 

5.0 from 3 reviews

Honey, Coconut and Flax Enhanced Raspberry Yogurt Pop
Author: 
Recipe type: Popsicle
Prep time: 
Total time: 

 

www.healthybabybeans.com
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Redwood Hill Farm Whole Fat Yogurt
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries
  • 1 tbsp flaxseed meal
  • 1 tbsp local honey
  • 1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions
  1. Blend ingredients and freeze up to four hours.
  2. Enjoy!

 

Of course my frozen pops are not complete unless I use my wonderful HopeFull Tray.  Please take the time to check out there mission to help cancer survivors!  They have a wonderful product with a great cause.

 

 

 

Disclaimer:  If goat milk is the sole source of nutrition (formula source) for an infant, I recommend a vitamin supplement and always consult your healthcare provider before using goat milk formula.


[i] Jasinka B (1995). The comparison of pepsin and trypsin action of goat, cow, mare and human caseins. Rocz Akad Med Bialymst 40:486-493.

[ii]University of Granada (2007, July 30). Goats’ Milk Is More Beneficial To Health Than Cows’ Milk, Study Suggests. Science Daily

[iii] Aliaga L, Alferez MJM, Barrionuevo M, Lisobnona F and Campos (2000), Influence of goat and cow milk on the digestive and metabolic utilization of calcium and iron. J Physiol Biochem 56:201-208.

 

If you love my Frozen Pineapple on a Stick and Frozen Peanut Butter and Chocolate Banana Bites, you will love this easy treat too!  Since I have introduced eating on stick, my children have go bonkers for this form of eating.  It is a great way to offer different foods in a fun way!

 

Frozen Mango on a Stick:  Just peel, slice, stick and freeze.  Freeze on a cookie sheet for 4 hours and store in a large zip lock bag.

 

Looking for an easy, fast and healthy treat that is not messy when your child eats it?  This is a popsicle without any added sugar, flavoring, colors and best of all- it does not stain clothes!  When pineapple freezes it actually has a creamy taste that melts in your mouth.  Not to mention, they make a great low calorie snack for adults and a tasty teething treat for a toddler!

Ingredients:

  • Popsicle sticks
  • Sliced pineapple

Directions:

  • Cut pineapple into sticks.  I recommend at least 1 inch wide and about 3-4 inches long.
  • Slide pineapple onto popsicle stick.
  • Freeze for 2 hours.
  • Enjoy!