Reasons Why Choosing a Soy-Free Formula May Be Right for Your Baby
While soy-based formula is popular in the infant milk industry, it is not the right choice for every family. That’s why it’s crucial to be well-informed.
Formulas provide infants with the nutrients they need for development. However, some babies develop allergies or intolerance to formula ingredients, such as dairy and soy. If you want to know more options for your kid’s formula, visit MotherhoodCommunity.com.
Meanwhile, why is soy milk not recommended for all babies? If your baby is allergic to it, what are the alternatives to soy-based formula? How long should your baby drink infant milk?
This article discusses why soy-free formula may be the right choice for your baby. It also includes alternatives to soy-based formula and other information on infant milk.
Reasons for Choosing a Soy-Free Formula
Breastmilk contains all the nutrients babies need for their development. However, not all moms can or choose to breastfeed their babies.
Some mothers have problems producing breastmilk, while others struggle to get a good latch. Other reasons for not breastfeeding include lack of support from the family, unsupportive policies at work, and the mother’s worry about breastfeeding while taking medications.
Even breastfeeding moms use infant milk as a practical alternative.
Soy-based milk has become a common choice for infant formula, but this is not always the best option. Soy infant milk comes with risks making it not a safe feeding option for all babies.
A 2018 study suggested that infants fed soy-based formula may have differences in reproductive system tissues compared to breastfed babies and those who consumed cow-milk formula.
That’s why it’s vital to do your research and consult a doctor before trying soy-based milk for your baby. In this section, however, we will discuss why soy-free formula may be the right option for your little one.
Good for Babies With Soy Allergy or Intolerance
Intolerance and allergy are vital factors in choosing your baby’s formula.
If your baby cannot tolerate soy milk or is allergic to soy milk, choosing a soy-free formula like HiPP HA PRE may be the best option.
Watch out for the symptoms to know if your baby is allergic or intolerant to soy formula. Soy allergy and intolerance include fussiness, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, and rash.
Less Exposure to GMOs
The majority of the soy crops grown in the U.S. are genetically engineered or also known as genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
A GMO is a plant, animal, or microorganism whose genetic material was altered through genetic engineering to achieve desired characteristics. Manufacturers use genetic engineering in farming to increase crop production, improve taste, and promote faster plant growth.
Parents avoid incorporating their baby’s diet with GMOs to avoid possible harmful effects.
Some soy formulas are certified non-GMO, but to ensure that you avoid GMOs, you may choose a soy-free formula.
Beneficial for Babies With Congenital Hypothyroidism
Babies with congenital hypothyroidism were born with insufficient thyroid hormone. You may not see the symptoms immediately. It shows in babies as prolonged jaundice, difficulty eating, and sleeping more than usual.
It may be beneficial to your infant if you choose a soy-free formula once they are diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism. The increase in thyroid-stimulating hormone extends when babies are fed soy formula, which affects the treatment of the condition.
Soy Formula’s Low Calcium Content
Calcium is important for the growth of strong bones and healthy teeth of your baby. An essential reason to choose a soy-free formula is that soy-based formula has low calcium content and may deprive your baby of nutrients.
Other Formula Options for Your Baby
The best choice for your baby’s infant formula depends on your baby’s needs, budget, and desire for convenience.
Infant milk comes in powdered, concentrated liquid, and ready-to-use formula.
Powdered infant milk is the cheapest among the three forms. Like powdered milk, the concentrated liquid needs to be mixed with water before feeding your baby.
The most convenient format type is ready-to-use milk, but it is also the most expensive formula.
Types of Infant Formula
Most of the soy crops grown in the U.S. are genetically engineered or genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
Nearly all babies can take cow’s milk as their formula. However, some infants are allergic and cannot tolerate this type of formula.
Soy-based formulas can benefit your baby if you do not want to incorporate animal protein into your baby’s diet.
Soy-based formulas may be an alternative if your infant is allergic to cow’s milk. Still, there are cases where babies are allergic to both soy-based and cow’s milk.
Protein hydrolysate formulas have protein divided into smaller portions than soy-based formulas and cow’s milk.
A protein hydrolysate formula may be the right option for babies who are allergic to protein or cannot take cow’s milk and soy-based formulas.
How Long Should a Child Drink Infant Formula?
Formula milk is recommended for babies for their first year and whole milk until two years old. It would be best to consult your child’s doctor for specific guidance.
When buying a formula, check the milk’s label. Do not buy or use expired formulas. You cannot be sure of your baby’s safety if the infant milk is passed its expiration date.
References
- Key Breastfeeding Indicators
https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/facts.html
- Genetically modified foods: safety, risks and public concerns—a review
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3791249/#
- Beans and Biotech: Why Soybeans Are the Stars of Genetically Modified Foods
https://foodinsight.org/soybeans-are-the-stars-of-genetically-modified-foods/
- Infant formula: Your questions answered
- Babies Fed Soy-based Formula Have Changes in Reproductive System Tissues
https://www.chop.edu/news/babies-fed-soy-based-formula-have-changes-reproductive-system-tissues