When I was expecting my daughter, a fellow mom, Sarah, took me to a baby supply store to help me figure out what I should include on our baby registry. I was a new parent-to-be and overwhelmed by everything related to infants and motherhood. When we arrived at the store, I was instantly thrown into a state of panic.
The sheer volume of baby products was staggering. Wipe warmers. Bottle warmers. Seats designed for bouncing while you shower. Seats to help babies sit up for feeding. Contraptions known as “exersaucers” that served as both entertainment and safety nets for those moments when dinner needed to be cooked. Organic baby food. Cloth diapers that were organic, free-range, made from bamboo, and sourced from recycled materials. Creams made from sheep wool meant to soothe sore breasts from breastfeeding.
It was dizzying. I left that store feeling completely frazzled, convinced that I was going to fail as a parent if I didn’t select the perfect breastfeeding pillow for maximum milk-enhancing capabilities.
Our generation is undeniably eager to embrace new products and trends that promise to enhance the parenting experience, often with a touch of hipster flair. We gravitate toward labels that tout “free-range,” “organic,” or even more bizarre claims like “made with unicorn sweat and fairy tears.” The rise of the internet has made it all too easy to overthink and overprepare for parenthood.
Remember the iPotty? Yeah, #shameonus.
Recently, I stumbled upon a new product that is redefining the classic debate of breast milk versus formula: camel colostrum. Yes, you read that right!
For the price of $395, you can have the first milk, or colostrum, from a lactating camel, conveniently frozen and delivered to your doorstep. Apparently, parents are flocking to products from companies like Desert Farms in California, completely bewildered by this new trend in parenting.
Now, no disrespect to camels, but I find it hard to wrap my head around this concept. Is this what parenting has come to? I’m all for healthy eating and trying new foods, but camel milk? That’s where I draw the line. I refuse to spend $20 on 16 ounces of milk squeezed from a camel that probably didn’t work as hard as April the Giraffe. I certainly don’t need freeze-dried camel milk powder in my smoothies, nor do I want to bathe with soap made from camel milk. If I wanted to smell like a zoo, I’d just grab my teenage daughter’s washcloth, thank you very much.
It’s not so much about the animal itself; after all, we’re all aware that the milk we pour over our cereal comes from cows. But can we just agree to say no to this ludicrously overpriced trend? And for the record, I’m going to pass on the “Nomadic Secret Face Mask” because I’m convinced that “nomadic secret” involves camel dung. Mark your calendars: it’s officially “Nope to Camel Milk Day.”
Feeding camel milk to infants is not only nonsensical, but it’s potentially dangerous. The FDA has issued a stern letter to Desert Farms, which should be a clear signal that this is not a trend worth supporting.
In my research about the health benefits of camel milk, I found there are zero credible studies supporting its effects. Any claims to the contrary are simply false. The FDA has neither approved nor is pursuing studies on the benefits of camel milk for managing conditions like diabetes, autism, or hypertension. The only safe and effective ways to feed your infant are breast milk or formula—not raw, unregulated camel’s milk.
So, do not buy camel’s milk to feed your baby. That’s a firm no. You can drink it if you wish, but I can’t fathom why you would. Save your money for what truly matters: macchiatos. That’s the real fuel you need to survive the sleep-deprived journey of motherhood.
In summary, camel milk is an absurd trend that lacks scientific backing and poses potential risks to infants. Parents should prioritize safe and proven options like breast milk and formula.