Soy formula for infants
Breastfeeding is the perfect nutritional choice to nurture your baby. However, in some cases or for some babies, supplemental or alternative nutrition formulas are necessary. A soy formula for babies is a food product that is designed to meet the nutritional needs of an infant that is under one years of age. Soy formula for babies can be found in powders, concentrated liquids and ready to use forms. A soy formula is one that uses soy proteins. There is no lactose in a soy formula. Some infants are allergic to lactose which is found in cow’s milk and may develop colic. However, some infants who take a soy formula may also be allergic to soy milk and be gassy too. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends this type of infant formula for parents who do not want to give animal products to their infant. Certain health problems require that the infant takes soy formula as well. These health problems include galactosemia, which is a congenital lactase deficiency.
Feeding your baby a soy formula will help ensure your baby is eating a balanced diet if they can not eat a cow’s milk formula. Soy formulas have the soy protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals that your baby needs to grow. A soy formula is easier for some infants to digest. That is because there is a type of sugar in it that is easier to digest than lactose. Some times a soy formula for babies is used if the infant has diarrhea as well.
It is estimated that about 25% of all babies in the United States are fed soy formulas. Soy formulas are now considered safe for consumption by infants. In the past, the Genistein found in soy beans was a concern since it was believed that it could cause a development problem for some infants. Genestein is an estrogen-like substance found in soy beans. A government panel concluded that Genestein was not a threat for infants and it is now considered safe by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Soy formula has been safely used for over forty years now. Many mothers turn to a soy formula when their baby is suffering from colic and can not tolerate the formulas made from cow’s milk. There are no soy formulas that have sucrose in them. That means there are no sugars that a baby’s digestive system may have a hard time breaking down. Soy formula is specially formulated for the needs of an infant and should not be confused with soy milk. You should not feed an infant soy milk.
If you are a mother who decides to change the formula you are feeding your baby over to a soy formula you should first find out if your baby is allergic to milk proteins. Many times an infant who is allergic to milk proteins will also be allergic to soy protein. Infants can be allergic to soy proteins and the American Academy of Pediatric does not recommending changing to a soy formula based on your child having a milk protein allergy. However, a baby that has colic or who spits up a lot after eating may do better on a soy formula. You should always consult with your pediatrician before switching formulas. If you want to raise your child on a vegan lifestyle you should talk to your pediatrician about it before your baby is brought home from the hospital.
Not all babies will like being fed a soy formula. Some may even show signs of allergy to the soy formula. In fact, as much as 50% of all infants may be allergic to soy formula. Your pediatrician will monitor how well your baby is doing on the soy formula for babies. Symptoms of an allergy to soy formula are vomiting, diarrhea, fussiness while being bottle fed and excessive gassiness. Some pediatricians believe that feeding an infant soy formula can lead to an early allergy to soy. A soy formula may be superior for some infants but the majority is better off being fed formulas that use cow’s milk.
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