When I was expecting my first child, my friend Lisa, who was already a mom, took me on a shopping trip to a baby store to help me navigate the overwhelming world of baby products. As a first-time parent, I was completely lost and welcomed her guidance. However, upon entering the store, I was instantly bombarded by the sheer volume of baby gear.
Wipe warmers. Bottle warmers. Bouncy seats for those precious moments when you’re in the shower. Seats that assist babies in sitting up for feedings. And then there were the exersaucers—those colorful contraptions that promise safety and entertainment while you attempt to whip up dinner. Organic baby food. Organic, cloth, eco-friendly, and bamboo diapers. Creams made from sheep’s wool to soothe sore spots while breastfeeding.
The options were dizzying, and I left that store convinced my child would somehow be at a disadvantage if I didn’t find the perfect breastfeeding pillow for optimum milk flow.
Our generation seems all too eager to embrace the latest trends in parenting, whether it’s the newest gadget or the latest “must-have” food. We’re drawn to anything labeled “organic” or “artisanal,” and thanks to the internet, overthinking every parenting decision is just a click away.
Remember the infamous iPotty? Yeah, that happened.
Recently, I discovered a new product that has taken the age-old debate of breast milk vs. formula to a whole new level: camel colostrum. Yes, you read that right. For a staggering $395, you can have the first milk from a lactating camel shipped directly to your home. Isn’t it wild?
Companies like Desert Farms in California are selling out of camel colostrum, apparently catering to parents who have lost their way in the vast desert of parenthood. I mean, who actually drinks camel milk?
While I respect the camels producing this milk, I can’t help but raise an eyebrow. Is this really where we are as parents? I’m all for healthy eating and introducing new foods into my family’s diet, but consuming milk from a camel is where I draw the line.
I have no desire to spend $20 on a tiny bottle of milk that came from a camel. I don’t need camel milk powder for smoothies, nor do I need to bathe in soap made from camel milk. If I wanted to smell like a zoo, I could just grab my son’s dirty washcloth, thank you very much.
It’s not about the camel itself; after all, we all know that what we pour over our cereal usually comes from cows. But can we collectively agree to say no to this overpriced trend?
Furthermore, feeding infants camel milk is not only absurd; it’s also unsafe. The FDA has expressed serious concerns about this trend in a strongly worded letter to Desert Farms, making it clear that we should avoid this nonsense.
Upon researching the health benefits of camel milk, I found there are no credible studies supporting its use. Claims about its benefits for conditions like diabetes or autism are simply unfounded. The only safe and recommended options for feeding infants are breast milk or formula—not unregulated camel milk.
So, do yourself a favor: don’t buy camel milk for your baby. If you want to drink it, that’s your choice, but I don’t see why you would. Save your hard-earned cash for something more important: like macchiatos to help you power through those sleepless nights of motherhood.
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In summary, camel milk may be the latest trend in parenting, but it’s neither practical nor safe. Stick with what you know works—breast milk or formula—and save your money for something that will truly help you through the challenges of parenthood.