2006-07-12 13:08:19 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
No, soy formula is *not* just as good as dairy (is that what you meant by "regular"?) formula. Which is your baby more closely related to--a cow or a soybean?
Soy formula is intended *only* for babies who cannot tolerate dairy formula because of an allergy to cow's milk protein. (A baby *cannot* be lactose intolerant--that develops usually in young adulthood and *never* before age 3-4.) The problem is that about half of all babies who are allergic to dairy are also allergic to soy. So, many babies end up on hypo-allergenic formula, which is of *still* lower quality nutritionally than soy (but *any* formula that baby actually digests is healthier than formula that baby vomits!!).
To avoid all of the above, nurse your baby. It's the normal food for babies and young children, and a baby *cannot* be allergic to her/his mother's milk.
2006-07-12 19:45:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It has all of the required vitamins, fats, proteins...that the FDA sets as a regulation. Most brands all have DHA and ARA now, but check the label to be sure. The only thing different is it's not a milk-based formula, it' soy-based.
My son is on soy. At 6 months I asked his Dr. about switching brands. He was on Enfamil...at $24 per can. I was told that everything is regulated by the FDA and it was fine. I checked the labels and com paired...Target has a soy brand that is the SAME as the Enfamil, and it's only $14 per can...for the same size can. My son is almost 1 now, and has been using the Target brand for almost 6 months with NO problems at all. It's not clumpy or anything! I just thought I'd pass along the info...it's a lot easier on the check book!! Good luck!
2006-07-13 03:18:23 · answer #2 · answered by Jacob's Mommy (Plus One) 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have an 11TH month old and they have changed her milk a thousand times. Her doctor said soy milk is fine it was for baby that had food allergies and just couldn't tolerate the regular formula, the soy milk that agreed with my baby has been good start supreme soy, they give the babies enough nutrients they need, and i dont think that it means they will be allergic to milk when they get older, but they may be a chance
2006-07-12 17:11:30 · answer #3 · answered by teardrop 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, Soy formula may actually be better in certain circumstances, depending on the digestive system of the child. Babies bodies were not meant to digest any form of cow's milk.
2006-07-12 13:11:30 · answer #4 · answered by Joy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Both of my kids were on soy because they were intolerant to regular formula. I would ask the pediatricians recommendation on which formula is best.
2006-07-12 13:13:41 · answer #5 · answered by cyndi71mom 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO!!!
Stay away from soy. Soy formula is NOT safe for babies. Soy foods contain trypsin inhibitors that inhibit protein digestion and affect pancreatic function. In test animals, diets high in trypsin inhibitors led to stunted growth and pancreatic disorders. Soy foods increase the body's requirement for vitamin D, needed for strong bones and normal growth. Phytic acid in soy foods results in reduced bioavailabilty of iron and zinc which are required for the health and development of the brain and nervous system. Soy also lacks cholesterol, likewise essential for the development of the brain and nervous system. Megadoses of phytoestrogens in soy formula have been implicated in the current trend toward increasingly premature sexual development in girls and delayed or retarded sexual development in boys.
2006-07-13 07:11:24 · answer #6 · answered by Outdoors G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is typically given to children who are allergic to milk, and therefore cannot have regular formula. The best thing to do would be to check with your pediatrician if your child is having problems with the milk-based formula.
2006-07-12 13:18:08 · answer #7 · answered by Jeannie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless your child is lactose intolerant, then stick with the real deal formula...it will benefit him or her in the long run. Babies need the milk fats and other nutrients for brain development. Check with your pediatrician though first.
2006-07-12 13:13:05 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Almost, but the protein quality isn't the same that our body requires. The difference is that a lot of the protein won't be digested because it doesn't have the correct molecular structure as dairy protein.
2006-07-12 13:12:16 · answer #9 · answered by nicole 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
all formulas ingredients are regulated by the federal govt, so they are all supposed to be up to par
some babies can't handle some brands or types, but they are all supposed to be just as good
2006-07-12 13:13:53 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋