No, a 6-month-old infant should NOT be transitioned from breast milk to goat's milk
Goat's milk is not appropriate for infants under 12 months of age and should be actively discouraged as a primary milk source. The American Academy of Pediatrics explicitly recommends against using cow's milk, goat's milk, or soy milk before 12 months of age 1.
Why Goat's Milk is Dangerous for 6-Month-Old Infants
Nutritional Inadequacy and Health Risks
Unmodified goat's milk does not meet the nutritional requirements of infants and poses serious health risks including severe hypertyrosinemia, elevated methionine and phenylalanine levels, and potential liver impairment due to its very high protein content 2, 3.
Goat's milk has dangerously low folate content and excessive protein and mineral concentrations that are inappropriate for infant kidneys and metabolism 3, 4.
Iron deficiency is a major concern, as goat's milk lacks adequate iron and can contribute to poor iron status when introduced early 1, 4.
Even modified goat's milk (pasteurized, diluted, and fortified) does not produce an ideal infant feed and only minimizes—but does not eliminate—the risks 4.
What Should Happen Instead at 6 Months
Continue exclusive or primary breastfeeding while introducing complementary solid foods 1.
At approximately 6 months, introduce iron-fortified infant cereal as the first complementary food, with two or more servings per day to meet iron requirements 1.
Begin introducing pureed, mashed, and semisolid foods including meat, poultry, fish, or eggs daily or as often as possible, along with vitamin A-rich fruits and vegetables 1.
Breast milk should remain the major component of the infant's diet as complementary foods are gradually introduced 1.
Introduce vitamin C-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, or juice) with meals to enhance iron absorption from complementary foods 1.
When Can Dairy Be Introduced?
Dairy products like yogurt and cheese can be introduced before 12 months as complementary foods, but not as a primary milk source 1.
Whole cow's milk (not goat's milk) can be introduced at 12 months of age, with a maximum intake of 16-17 ounces (approximately 500 mL) per day 5, 6.
Critical Pitfall to Avoid
Parents may turn to goat's milk due to cultural beliefs, misinformation about it being "less allergenic," or lack of awareness about infant formulas 2, 4. This represents a potentially dangerous dietetic practice that requires proactive counseling. If breastfeeding is not possible or insufficient, iron-fortified infant formula is the only safe alternative—not goat's milk 1.