The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends breastfeeding as the best source of nutrition for your baby; however, most infants are introduced to formula by two months of age in the United States. Choosing a formula that best meets the needs of your baby can be a challenge with the variety of formulas available. The AAP states there are only a few indications for using soy-based formula. These include infants with galactosemia and hereditary lactase deficiency, which are both rare, or families who prefer a vegetarian diet. The AAP also states that although lactose-free cow milk protein-based formulas are readily available and popular, no studies have documented that these formulas have any clinical impact on infant outcome measures including colic, growth or development.
Nutrients
All formulas manufactured in the United States must meet federal guidelines. They all provide adequate nutrients for normal growth and development of infants. All soy protein-based formulas are lactose-free. Cow milk-based formulas that are lactose-free are also available. Discuss which formula is best for your baby with your pediatrician.
Lactose Intolerance
The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) suggests using lactose-free formulas as an alternative to soy-based formulas if you want to avoid lactose. However, the AAFP states that lactose intolerance is over-diagnosed. Most children do not develop lactose intolerance until after 12 months of age. According to the AAP, soy-based and lactose-free formulas have been shown to shorten the duration of diarrhea in infants. Check with your pediatrician before changing formula if your baby has diarrhea.
Allergies
Only a small minority of infants have a true milk-protein allergy. The AAFP lists possible symptoms of milk allergy can include a rash or skin irritation, respiratory or gastrointestinal complaints and blood in the stool. If your child does have a milk-protein allergy, the AAFP and the AAP recommend giving your baby a hydrolyzed protein formula instead of lactose-free or soy-based formula because 10 to 14 percent of infants with a milk allergy are also sensitive to soy.
Colic
Many parents try switching formulas if their baby is colicky, assuming their baby is intolerant of the formula they are drinking. The AAP states there are no studies to indicate that soy or lactose-free formulas help relieve the symptoms of colic. Most babies outgrow colic between four and six months of age.
Premature Infants
The AAP does not recommend soy-based formulas for pre-term infants. Pre-term infants who are fed soy-based formula are at increased risk for osteopenia, or low bone density. Cow milk-based formulas specially formulated for preemies are recommended.
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