Reviewed by Orna Villazan, ND (Naturopathic Doctor)
If you've chosen to formula-feed your baby, you're already thinking carefully about what goes into their little body. And if eczema runs in your family, or your newborn is already showing signs of sensitive skin, you may be wondering whether your formula choice could actually make a difference.
Many parents instinctively reach for a hypoallergenic formula as the safe bet, but hypoallergenic and goat milk formulas actually serve different purposes when it comes to baby eczema prevention and management. Understanding that difference could be one of the most meaningful choices you make in your baby's first year.
What Causes Baby Eczema?
Baby eczema (atopic dermatitis) is the most common inflammatory skin condition in infancy, affecting up to 30% of children worldwide, and with 80% of all cases appearing within the first year of life. Its causes are multifactorial:
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Genetics: The strongest risk factor; a family history of eczema, asthma, or allergies significantly raises a baby's risk.
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Skin barrier dysfunction: Many affected babies have a naturally impaired skin barrier that allows irritants to penetrate more easily.
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Immune development: The infant immune system is still maturing, making babies more reactive to environmental and dietary triggers.
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Early nutrition: What babies consume in their first year can influence immune development and inflammatory response.
That last point is where formula choice becomes relevant.
Hypoallergenic Formula vs. Whole Goat Milk Formula: Understanding the Difference
Hypoallergenic infant formulas are designed for babies diagnosed with a cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA). They use extensively hydrolyzed or amino acid-based proteins to minimize allergenic response. They are an infant eczema treatment tool, not a preventive strategy.
Goat milk formula is different. Capricare is a whole goat milk formula with a naturally distinct protein profile compared to cow's milk formula. It is not a hypoallergenic formula milk, but it has been clinically studied for its effect on eczema risk in healthy infants throughout their first year.
The GIraFFE Study™, the largest clinical trial ever conducted on goat milk formula, followed 2,132 healthy term infants through their first 12 months, comparing infants fed Whole Goat Milk Formula (WGF™) and those fed standard cow milk formula (CF). Results showed:
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A 34% lower risk* of doctor-diagnosed eczema in all infants fed Capricare WGF continuously throughout their first year
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A 64% lower risk in high-risk infants (at least one parent with eczema) who received Capricare WGF even occasionally
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A 79% lower risk in high-risk infants fed Capricare WGF continuously
For families with eczema in their history, the evidence suggests that when formula feeding, choosing a whole goat milk-based formula may be one of the most meaningful early decisions a parent can make.
*Note: similar eczema incidence between infants consuming WGF or CF when it was diagnosed by study personnel at the 3 study visits: primary endpoint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does baby eczema go away?
Many children see significant improvement between ages 3 and 5, though some continue managing flares into later life. Eczema in infants may also trigger a chain of other health challenges, commonly referred to as the “atopic march,” as the child grows into adolescence and adulthood. Early steps to reduce risk and severity, including nutrition choices in the first year, may influence long-term outcomes.
Can diet reduce eczema risk in babies?
Research increasingly supports early nutrition as a factor in immune development and inflammatory response. The GIraFFE Study found that feeding infants Capricare WGF in the first year was associated with a significantly lower risk of doctor-diagnosed eczema, particularly in babies with a family history of the condition.
Is Capricare a hypoallergenic formula?
No. Capricare is a whole goat milk formula and is not suitable for infants with a diagnosed cow's milk protein allergy. However, clinical evidence shows it may significantly reduce the risk of eczema in infants, including those at high risk due to family history.
Want to dig deeper?
Learn more about the GIraFFE Study, or explore Capricare Stage 1 and Stage 2 formulas to learn more about what whole goat milk formula may offer your baby in their first year.