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Move Aside, Cows: The Rise of Camel Milk Is Here, and It’s Wild
When I was expecting my son, a fellow mom took me to a baby store to help me figure out what to put on our baby gift registry. As a first-time parent, I was overwhelmed by the sheer amount of baby gear available. There were wipe warmers, bottle warmers, bouncy seats for shower time, and even “exersaucers” designed to entertain babies while you cooked. Organic baby food? Check. Cloth diapers made from bamboo? Absolutely. Creams made from sheep wool for sore nipples? You bet!
I left that store feeling dizzy and convinced my baby would be at a disadvantage if I didn’t select the perfect breastfeeding pillow. Our generation is eager to embrace trendy new products that promise to make parenting more exciting and, let’s face it, a bit hipster. We’re all about things labeled “organic,” “free-range,” or even “crafted with unicorn sweat.” The internet has certainly fueled our tendency to overthink every parenting decision.
Remember the iPotty? Yeah, #shameonus.
Recently, however, I discovered a new trend that’s shaking up the age-old debate over breastmilk versus formula: camel colostrum. Yes, you read that right. For only $395, you can have the first milk from a lactating camel shipped to your door! I can’t even begin to comprehend who actually drinks camel milk. Companies like Desert Farms in California are selling out of this product, suggesting that some parents are truly lost in the wilderness of modern parenting.
Now, no shade to the camels, but I’m struggling to get on board with this idea. Is this really the direction we’re headed? I’m all for healthy eating and trying new foods, but camel milk just seems excessive. I refuse to shell out $20 for 16 ounces of milk that came from a camel which likely endured less effort than April the Giraffe during her infamous pregnancy. I don’t need camel milk powder for my smoothies, and I definitely don’t need soap made from camel milk. If I wanted to smell like a zoo, I’d just grab my teenage son’s old washcloth!
It’s not that I’m against different sources of milk; we all know where our cereal milk typically comes from. I understand that camels have a bad reputation for being associated with uncomfortable moments, but I think it’s time to draw the line at this overpriced trend. And just so you know, I’m also skipping the “Nomadic Secret Face Mask” because I’m pretty sure that “nomadic secret” involves some kind of camel waste. So let’s declare today “Nope to Camel Milk Day.”
Feeding camel’s milk to infants isn’t just absurd; it’s unsafe as well. The FDA has expressed serious concerns in a stern letter to Desert Farms, which should serve as a clear warning against this nonsense. In my research, I found that there are no reputable studies validating the health benefits of camel milk. Claims of its benefits for conditions like diabetes or autism are misleading and lack scientific backing. The only safe and effective ways to feed infants are breast milk or formula, not unregulated raw camel milk.
So please, do not feed your baby camel’s milk. If you want to drink it, that’s your choice, but I don’t see the appeal. Save your money for something that will truly help you survive those sleepless nights—like a good macchiato.
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In summary, camel milk is an overpriced and unnecessary trend that poses risks to infants and should be avoided. Stick with proven options for your baby’s nutrition and save your money for the things that truly matter.