Whole Milk Or Soy Milk For Babies

Cow s milk contains too many proteins and minerals for babies stomachs to handle and most plant based milks aren t adequate sources of the many nutrients.

Whole milk or soy milk for babies.

Babies under the age of 1 shouldn t drink cow s milk soy milk or any other plant based milks and stick to only breast milk or formula with a little water after they start solids. Now cow s milk comes in all sorts of varieties. Some babies can be allergic to a protein found in soy milk. Consumption of soy milk can result in goitre abnormal enlargement of thyroid gland by causing an imbalance in thyroid levels.

Even babies who were exclusively breastfed for the first year can usually handle regular cow s milk because they ve been exposed to cow s milk protein in breast milk unless you avoided all dairy. As per the studies soy milk consists of phytoestrogens that can trigger oestrogen like effects in infants further causing an increased risk of certain health conditions like breast cancer or prostate. For people with dietary or allergy concerns there are also. Remember to always talk with your pediatrician before making any changes to your child s diet.

Almond milk is a healthy milk substitute but it isn t a good source of calcium unless it s fortified. If you still wish to offer soy milk to your baby do supplement his nutrition from other dietary sources for his healthy development. Avoid the added sugar commonly found in yogurt marketed to babies and toddlers. Although you should fortify their diet with the proper nutrients for healthy growth and development.

Soy milk can be a sufficient substitution for whole cow s milk after your baby s first year. Whole milk 2 percent 1 percent skim fat free and even lactose free milk. Feeding only soy milk to your baby can result in serious nutritional deficiencies in your baby. It s especially important for children and teens to get enough calcium since bones.

If your child drank soy formula because your doctor recommended it though check with your doctor before introducing cow s milk. When you transition baby to milk. According to the mayo clinic allergic reactions to cow s milk can range from mild to severe and can include wheezing vomiting hives and digestive problems. Plain whole fat or whole greek yogurt is a good first form of cow s milk protein for babies to try.

You may like to use soy milk more as a supplement rather than a replacement for breast milk or whole cow s milk.