Kendamil Goat's Milk Formula for a 6-Month-Old Infant
If Kendamil goat's milk formula is iron-fortified and meets regulatory standards for infant formula, it is an acceptable primary nutrition source for a healthy 6-month-old infant, but only breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula (whether cow or goat milk-based) should be used before 12 months of age. 1
Critical Requirement: Iron Fortification
The CDC explicitly discourages use of low-iron milks (including goat's milk) until age 12 months, but this refers to plain goat's milk, not iron-fortified goat milk infant formula. 1
For infants under 12 months who are not breast-fed or partially breast-fed, only iron-fortified infant formula should be used as a substitute for breast milk. 1
Plain, unfortified goat's milk has similar composition to cow's milk and carries the same risk for iron deficiency, making it inappropriate for infants under 12 months. 1
Evidence Supporting Goat Milk Formula
Clinical trials have demonstrated that properly fortified goat milk infant formula provides adequate growth and nutritional outcomes comparable to standard cow milk formula. 2
A randomized controlled trial of 200 term infants found no differences in weight, length, head circumference, or nutritional biomarkers between goat milk formula-fed and cow milk formula-fed infants through 12 months of age. 2
All blood biomarkers (albumin, urea, creatinine, hemoglobin, ferritin, folate, and amino acids) remained within normal reference ranges in both groups. 2
The nutritional adequacy of fortified goat milk formula for newborn infants has been confirmed in clinical trials. 3
Complementary Foods at 6 Months
At 6 months, solid foods should be introduced alongside continued formula feeding, not as a replacement.
Introduce iron-fortified infant cereal at 4-6 months when the extrusion reflex disappears; two or more servings daily can meet iron requirements at this age. 1
By 6 months, offer vitamin C-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, juice) once daily with meals to enhance iron absorption. 1
Introduce plain, pureed meats after 6 months when developmentally ready. 1
Formula Volume Requirements
Formula should provide 24-32 ounces daily during months 6-12, with volume naturally decreasing as solid food intake increases but never falling below 24 ounces. 4
Formula remains the primary nutrition source until 12 months of age, with complementary foods supplementing (not replacing) formula intake. 5, 4
Critical Pitfall to Avoid
Never use plain, unfortified goat's milk (the type sold for drinking) as infant formula. 1
A case report documented severe hypertyrosinemia and metabolic derangement in a newborn fed undiluted goat's milk due to its very high protein content and inappropriate composition compared to human milk or infant formula. 6
Plain goat's milk lacks adequate iron, may cause occult gastrointestinal bleeding (similar to cow's milk), and has inappropriate protein and mineral content for infants. 1, 6
Monitoring Recommendations
Screen for anemia at 9-12 months of age, particularly if the infant has risk factors such as inadequate iron intake from complementary foods. 1
If iron-fortified formula intake is less than adequate or complementary foods provide insufficient iron (less than 1 mg/kg/day), consider 1 mg/kg/day iron drops. 1
Transition at 12 Months
At 12 months of age, transition from infant formula to whole cow's milk (or continued breastfeeding), limiting intake to 16-24 ounces daily to prevent displacement of other nutrient-dense foods and iron deficiency. 5, 4
Plain goat's milk may be used after 12 months but should be limited to no more than 24 ounces daily, similar to cow's milk. 1