Soy milk may be a healthy alternative to cow's milk for young children, but don't confuse soy milk with soy-based infant formulas. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants under 6 months old be exclusively fed breast milk. If that's not possible, the AAP guidelines suggest soy-based formula only for babies who are lactose intolerant, come from a vegan family or have a rare condition known as galactosemia. If your child has a dairy allergy, it's quite possible that he will also have a soy allergy -- and he should be given hydrolyzed protein formula instead of a cow's milk or soy-based formula.
Step 1
Refrain from giving any baby under 6 months of age soy milk. Infants can not process the high levels of manganese in soy milk and manganese may be a neurotoxin to babies younger than 6 months. Some soy milks carry on warning on the packaging stating that soymilk may be detrimental to infants under 6 months of age because it contains manganese at levels important to human nutrition but over 50 times the level found in mother's breast milk.
Step 2
Choose a full-fat organic soy milk -- not a low-fat product. Children should drink full fat milk, cow or soy, until they are at least 2 years old. Fat is critical for growth and development. Look for soy milk that contains 4 g of fat per 8-oz. serving. Choose an organic soy milk to limit pesticide exposure and make sure the soy was not genetically modified.
Step 3
Introduce soy milk early in the day, when you are at home with your child. Always introduce a potential allergen in the morning, so you can look for your child's reaction during the day. Symptoms of a soy allergy may be mild, but MayoClinic.com suggests you look for hives, eczema, skin rashes, swelling of the mouth or tongue, runny nose diarrhea or vomiting.
Step 4
Make soy milk part of a healthy diet that includes a variety of foods. Soy milk contains less calcium and protein than cow's milk -- ensure your child gets all the nutrients he needs by eating protein, fruits and vegetables and whole grains.
Tips and Warnings
- Look for a soy milk fortified with vitamins A and D.
- If there is a family history of soy allergies, speak to your pediatrician before introducing any soy product into your child's diet.
References
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Soy Protein-based Formulas: Recommendations for Use in Infant Feeding
- Food Navigator: Manganese in Soy Milk May Be Dangerous to Infants
- MayoClinic.com: Soy Allergy - Symptoms
- Wholesome Baby Food: Beware Rice Milk and Soy Milk For Babies, Infants and Toddlers
- MayoClinic.com: Infant Formula - Your Questions Answered
- National Institutes of Health: Since You Asked - Soy Infant Formula
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