Types of Infant Formula: Goat Milk, A2, Comfort and More

Standing in front of a shelf of formula tins can feel like a test you didn't study for. Every label promises something — gentler, closer to nature, better for tummies — and when you are tired and want to do right by your baby, those promises are hard to ignore.

The short answer: most formula-fed babies do well on a standard first infant formula based on cow's milk. In the EU, the UK and the US, every infant formula sold must meet legal nutrition requirements, so the real differences between types are smaller than the packaging suggests. Specialist formulas exist for specific medical needs, and those are best started together with a midwife, health visitor or doctor.

This guide explains what each type actually is, and what the NHS, the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) say about it — including goat milk and A2 formulas, which are among the most-asked-about options.

Formula Types at a Glance

Why the Differences Are Smaller Than the Labels Suggest

Infant formula is one of the most tightly regulated foods there is.

• In the EU, Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/127 sets the composition every infant formula must meet, and it bans nutrition and health claims on infant formula altogether. That is why tins for young babies cannot say "supports immunity" or "for better digestion" — and why marketing language often appears on follow-on and toddler milks instead.
• In the US, the AAP notes that the FDA requires infant formula to contain 30 nutrients a growing baby needs.
• In the UK, the NHS states that there's no evidence that switching to a different formula does any good or harm.

In practice, this means a more expensive tin is not a more complete food. Price tends to reflect branding, packaging or optional extras, not a better level of nutrition.

Goat Milk Formula

Goat milk formula is a real, regulated infant formula — not to be confused with plain goat's milk, which is not suitable for babies.

What the evidence says:

• In 2012, EFSA concluded that goat milk protein is a suitable protein source for infant and follow-on formula, provided the finished product meets the same composition rules as any other formula. The EU allowed goat milk formulas on that basis.
• The EFSA review included a study of 200 infants that found no significant or clinically relevant differences in weight, length or head growth between babies fed goat milk formula and those fed cow's milk formula.
• The NHS is clear that goat milk formula is not less likely to cause allergies than cow's milk formula, and it is not suitable for babies with cows' milk protein allergy. The AAP gives the same warning: babies with a cow's milk allergy should not be given products made with goat's milk or milk from other mammals.
• The AAP adds that goat milk formula may be tolerated better by some babies, "but that's not certain".

In short: goat milk formula is a reasonable choice if you prefer it, and it supports normal growth. It is not a treatment for allergy, colic or reflux, and it is not nutritionally superior.

A2 Formula

Cow's milk contains a protein called beta-casein, which comes in two common forms: A1 and A2. "A2" milk comes from cows bred to produce only the A2 form. A2 infant formula is still a cow's milk formula that meets the same legal standards as other formulas.

What the evidence says:

• The interest in A2 comes from a peptide (BCM-7) that is released more readily when A1 beta-casein is digested. In 2009, EFSA reviewed the research and concluded that a cause-and-effect relationship between BCM-7 and any of the suggested diseases could not be established.
• Some small studies in adults suggest A2 milk may feel easier on digestion for some people, but the results are preliminary, and there is no strong evidence in babies that A2 formula reduces colic, wind or fussiness.
• Because health claims are banned on infant formula in the EU, an A2 infant formula cannot claim to be better for digestion.
• A2 formula still contains cow's milk protein, so it is not an option for babies with cows' milk protein allergy.

In short: A2 formula is a safe, regulated cow's milk formula. If you prefer it, that's fine — but it is not required, and it has not been shown to offer a health advantage for babies.

Comfort, Hungrier-Baby and Anti-Reflux Formulas

These are the formulas most often reached for in a hard week, when a baby is unsettled and anything feels worth trying. The NHS guidance is calm and direct:

• Comfort formula contains cow's milk proteins that are partially broken down. There is no evidence it prevents digestive problems, and it is not suitable for babies with cows' milk allergy.
• Hungrier baby formula contains more casein than whey. Casein is harder for babies to digest, and there is no evidence it helps babies settle or sleep longer.
• Anti-reflux formula is thickened to try to reduce reflux. It is suitable from birth only under medical supervision, and it needs extra care when you make it up.

If your baby is unsettled, feeding technique often makes as much difference as formula type. Paced bottle feeding, a slower nipple flow and burping during feeds are worth trying first — and a health visitor or paediatrician can help you look at the whole picture before you switch.

Lactose-Free, Hypoallergenic and Soya Formulas

These are medical formulas, chosen for a specific reason:

• Lactose-free formula is for babies who are lactose intolerant. The NHS says it is suitable from birth, but only under medical supervision.
• Hypoallergenic formula uses fully broken-down (hydrolysed) proteins. For babies with cows' milk protein allergy, the NHS says a GP will prescribe the appropriate one.
• Soya formula is suitable from 6 months, and only under medical supervision, according to the NHS. The AAP says there are few circumstances in which soya formula should be chosen.

If you suspect an allergy or intolerance — for example persistent, inconsolable crying, blood or mucus in stools, or a rash alongside digestive symptoms — speak to your GP or paediatrician rather than switching formula on your own.

Follow-On Formula and Toddler Milks

• Follow-on formula should never be given to babies under 6 months. The NHS also says research shows that switching to follow-on formula at 6 months has no benefits for your baby. A first infant formula can be used for the whole first year.
• Growing-up and toddler milks are marketed for children over 1 year. The NHS says children aged 1 to 5 years do not need them, and the AAP describes them as not a necessary part of a healthy child's diet.

Drinks That Are Not Formula

Some products look like alternatives, but are not suitable as a baby's main drink before 12 months:

• Plant drinks sold as "milks" — oat, almond, rice or soya drinks. These are different products from soya formula, and the NHS lists them among the drinks to avoid for babies under 1 year.
• Cow's, goat's or sheep's milk as a main drink before 12 months.
• Homemade formula of any kind. Infant formula is regulated precisely because the balance of nutrients is hard to get right.

The Benefits of Formula — An Honest Picture

Whether formula is your plan from the start, a decision you came to along the way, or one part of combination feeding, it helps to know what formula does well and what it doesn't.

What formula offers:

• Complete nutrition. Made up correctly, a regulated first infant formula gives a baby the nutrients they need in the first months of life.
• Shared feeding. A partner, grandparent or other caregiver can take a feed, including at night.
• Visible amounts. You can see exactly how much milk was taken, which some parents find reassuring — see the formula amounts guide.
• Flexibility. Formula works on its own or alongside breastfeeding or pumped milk.

What formula can't replicate:

• Breast milk contains antibodies and living cells that help protect against infection. Formula does not. This is why the WHO recommends breastfeeding where it is possible.

Neither of these facts is a judgement. Families feed their babies in many ways for many good reasons, and a well-fed baby is the goal. What matters most with formula is preparing it safely and feeding responsively.

Choosing, and When to Switch

• Start with a first infant formula unless a health professional advises otherwise.
• Choose the one that suits your family. Price, availability, and whether you prefer goat milk or A2 are all reasonable deciding factors.
• Give it time. Unsettled evenings, wind and some spit-up are common in young babies on any formula. The NHS notes there is no evidence that switching does good or harm — if a formula seems to disagree with your baby, talk to your midwife or health visitor before changing.
• Follow the tin. Different brands use different scoops and ratios. When you change formula, read the new instructions and use the new scoop.

When to Talk to a Health Professional

Speak to your midwife, health visitor, GP or paediatrician if:

• You think your baby may have an allergy or intolerance
• Feeds often end in forceful vomiting or ongoing distress
• Your baby is not gaining weight as expected, or has fewer wet nappies
• You are considering a specialist formula (anti-reflux, lactose-free, hypoallergenic or soya)
• Your baby was born prematurely or has a medical condition that affects feeding

Keep a Calm Record with Flaske

Whichever formula you choose, the day-to-day rhythm is the same: making bottles, noticing how much was taken, and remembering when the last feed was. Flaske holds that information quietly, so you don't have to.

With Flaske, you can:

• Log each bottle and the amount in a few taps
• See the last feed at a glance, at any hour
• Share the record with another caregiver through private iCloud sync
• Notice patterns over the week — useful if you ever discuss a formula change with your health visitor

Flaske uses private iCloud sync, so your records stay in your own iCloud account, visible only to the caregivers you choose.

Learn more about Flaske

Related Reading

• Preparing Formula Safely — water temperature, step-by-step mixing and storage times
• How Much Formula Does My Baby Need? — amounts per feed and per day, by age
• Combination Feeding — using formula alongside breastfeeding
• Bottle Feeding and Reflux — what helps before considering a specialist formula
• Paced Bottle Feeding — a calmer feed that can ease wind and spit-up

References and Further Reading

• NHS: Types of formula — every formula type, who it is for, and which need medical supervision
• AAP / HealthyChildren.org: Choosing a Baby Formula — American Academy of Pediatrics guidance on cow's milk, soy, hydrolysed, goat milk and toddler formulas
• EFSA: Suitability of goat milk protein in infant and follow-on formulae (2012) — the scientific opinion behind EU approval of goat milk formula
• EFSA: Review of the potential health impact of β-casomorphins and related peptides (2009) — the review relevant to A1 and A2 milk
• EUR-Lex: Infant and follow-on formula — composition and information — summary of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/127, including the ban on health claims
• WHO: Breastfeeding — World Health Organization recommendations on breastfeeding

This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalised guidance.