What are the benefits of sheep milk for babies?

Is sheep milk good for babies?

Not as a replacement for breast milk or formula. The CDC advises waiting until 12 months to introduce pasteurized whole cow’s milk, because before then it may cause intestinal bleeding, has too much protein and minerals for a baby’s kidneys, and lacks needed nutrients. The CDC page does not address sheep milk directly, but sheep milk is a similar whole animal milk with high protein and mineral levels, so the same caution is the sensible reading. Check this with a pediatrician.

What about the benefits people mention?

Parents and sellers often describe sheep milk as creamy or easy on the stomach. We did not find strong evidence from health authorities that it is better for babies than other milks. A child with a cow’s milk protein allergy may also react to sheep milk, so do not switch without medical advice.

Rules that apply to any animal milk

• Under 12 months: breast milk or infant formula is the main drink.
• Pasteurized only: the CDC says not to give a child raw or unpasteurized milk, which can carry germs that are life-threatening for young children.
• After 12 months: small amounts as part of a varied diet may be possible; ask your pediatrician about sheep or goat milk and vitamin D.
• Too much milk: the CDC notes it can reduce appetite for other foods and may affect iron.

Formula versus plain milk

Only a product sold as infant formula is designed to replace breast milk. A carton of plain sheep milk, goat milk or a plant milk is not a formula.

Common mistakes

• Treating natural or organic as meaning suitable for infants.
• Buying raw sheep milk from a farm for a small child.
• Diluting animal milk at home to make formula.

This is general information, not medical advice. Talk to your pediatrician.