Questions About Using Soy Formula for My 3 Month Old Baby

My son is 6 months and we have had him on soy formula and he is just fine. I wouldn't believe EVERYTHING you read. I did daycare and had infants who drank regular formular and some that drank soy formula. They were all just fine.

Hi V.,
My name is V. too! I have been a child care provider for 14 years and have cared for many babies in my time! I have a question, how long did you breast feed? Are you completely done with breast feeding, or is it possible to breast feed along with the soy formula?
The majority of the infants that I have cared for over the years do use the soy based, and have done very well. They have less stomach upset, and less allergy symptoms. When they do transition to milk at about a year old, I preferer to do it in warm weather. That way it is easier to tell if they have an allergic reaction to milk as opposed to a cold.
My daughter had the same issues, and we tried everything, and ended up using soy based. She is 20 now and very healthy!
I hope this helps a bit.

Nutramigen Lipil also contains soy. My sister feeds her daugther with Similac Advance and she's doing very well. Please visit this page where you will get lots of info about soy:
http://www.wholesoystory.com/index.php?pageID=Media

My best wishes to you,

Diana A. Martinez

The great thing about soy formula is that it does not contain any cows-milk in any form. Nutramagin and Alimentum both contain hydrogenized casein, which is dairy. Here is the link that I looked at (a little too late, but better late than never) after I had to start supplementing (through cereal and the powder in food) my son with Formula, and then had to feed him when he quit nursing at 10mos. http://askdrsears.com/html/0/T000100.asp You may have to enter your e-mail address, or you may be able to skip that...it's been awhile. Nevertheless, it was the most comprehensive comparison of the formulas available and of the make up of forumlas in general. I think the biggest 'con' of soy is that the lactose that is necessary for baby is replaced with some sort of corn syrup or the like because lactose in breastmilk is a sugar...and the formula companies will use the lactose from cows, but just put whatever sugar in the soy formula. The above link describes that all excellently, though.

One thing I learned that I want to stress: if you stick to soy based or even the nutramigen/alimentum route, as soon as she gets bigger feed her something with the lactobaccilus cultures in it...basically, plain yogurt (or mixed with a favorte baby fruit). The stomache has this culture naturally, and if a baby is 100% kept away from anything with lactose the amount there can become compromised. I learned the hard way and my son ended up in the hospital because his stomache no longer had the ability to "deal" with any slight irritant. Part of his treatment was to give him straight lactobaccilus because it would help get the stomache back in balance. Anyway, just something to remember!

Take care,
M. M.

Hi,
I'm no expert, but my Dr. told me not to use Carnation or Nestle formula. My sister-in-law had problems with Carnation just like you. Your baby may not need soy,but maybe just a different brand of milk-basaed formula. My duaghter was Similac soy with no problems. My son is now on Costco formula and doing great. Hope this helps at least a little.

K.

Imediately switch back to soy.

There are some children who cannot handle milk based formulas and damage can be done. Sometimes permanent. I have a cousin who will always have the mindset of an 8 year old (even though she is in her 20s) because her family did not recognize the problems she had with milk based formula.

If you are still concerned about soy being an issue (it can be for some--but not all), please contact your pediatrician and discuss other options with him/her. They are more apt to know some of the other options available and should be up on the studies. By all means, write down your concerns and take them with you. There is more than one formula type with soy, as well as milk based...but talk to the pediatrician.

I can relate to experiencing a diminished milk supply and having to switch to formula. Hang in there. You and your pediatrician will find something that works best for your daughter.

I have two girls, one will be 5 tomorrow, and the other is almost one and a half. I have raised both on soy -- first using soy formula (usually I used the Kirkland brand, but I also liked Enfamil) once I stopped nursing at 6 mo and then soy milk (also Kirkland brand from costco). Personally I prefer cows milk but my husband felt strongly about using soy so we did. Both girls are developing beautifully both physically, metally, socially, etc. I say if your daughter seems to respond better to soy milk and/or soy products let her have it. My basic principal with both of my girls has been if they seem to respond well leave it the way it is...if its not working find a new approach (those are just my two cents). Good luck!!

1) http://www.mercola.com/article/soy/index.htm

2) http://www.soyonlineservice.co.nz/

3) http://www.soyonlineservice.co.nz/03summary.htm

4) http://www.westonaprice.org/soy/index.html

5) http://creativehealth.farvista.net/poison/soyindex.shtml

6) http://thyroid.about.com/cs/soyinfo/a/soy.htm

7) http://www.nexusmagazine.com/articles/Soy%20Allergens.html

8) http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/whole_soy_story.htm?gcl...

9) http://www.motherin g.com/articles/ growing_child/ food/soy_ story.html

I have 2 autistic boys both fed with SOY formula... if I had know this back then... I would have avoided it!!! Look for other alternatives or if you can find one that is not Genetically modified... that is the only soy that is good for you or your child!!!

Love, G.. :0)

Hi Vicky
I hope this helps. Basically I was told to supplement formula on the outset of birth due to poor weight gain. The real prob was poor latch on. I determined to fix it and did. they never told me to stop supplementing. When you supplement your supply goes down I have researched this to agony and spoke with a lactation consultation(whom was very talkative, I now know the history of breastfeeding). I went through him crying for 3 weeks straight (no joke) due to alllergy to milk protein. Everyone said this was normal. think again! Soy made it worse. Your right I had my concerns about soy too. Well I finally pushed back at the doctors for tests and it turns out we discovered the allergy. Well we got that handled with the nutramigen after every nursing. Once I got my sanity back I stopped and asked the Doc. why did you tell me to supplement with formula after every nursing as opposed to more frequent feedings? His weight gain then was excessive! He said I didn't want you to feel like he was always nursing! What??? Long story short. I supplemented with more pumping and nursing and then I was fine. Better than fine I had an oversupply. Basically unless there is some rare (seriously rare) fluke of a reason why you can't produce enough milk you will be able to meet your childs supply and demand needs.Fenugreek and lots of water drinking helps. Hope this helps
A.

My daughter is allergic to milk, so we use soy milk, but I breastfed her until she was 13 months (I had to eliminate dairy during this time), so I don't have formula experience. I would ask your pedi to do an allergy test (it's a simple blood test) on her to see if she is allergic to milk.

The only negatives I have heard about introducing soy early is that it can cause allergies. Some alternatives for my daughter include almond milk, rice milk, and soy milk. I do not know if they have rice based formulas, might be worth a check.

I ddon't know if I'm of any help, but I personally breast fed my first son 'til he was 15 months and am doing the same for mysecond. So when they both turned about 13 months i introduced them to Soy Milk instead of Cows Milk. It was a choice I made because what I had read and been educated by other moms. What I was told was that it is gentlier on their systems when going from moms milk to other. Now my 2nd son had to be supplemented for his first 4 months, so along with my milk I gave him soy formula. He was fine with that and able to go back to my milk soley after about his 4-5th month.

My older son just this year started drinking cows milk. He's five and healthy and strong. I don't know what you read but you have to do what your baby NEEDS. And it sounds like she NEEDs her soy formula.

Good lick I hope it all works out well for her and you!

I have used soy formula with both of my daughters (9 yr and 1 yr). I never experienced any problems with it. My oldest was allergic to regular formula so I had to use soy. When my youngest was having problems with being constipated around 2 months of age I switched and have not had any problems since. I have never heard anything negative about it. Good luck.

Patty

Hi Vicky,
I have a 5 1/2 month old baby girl. We too had problems with breast feeding and then with milk based formula. Soy (Similac) has been wonderful for us (except the consipation factor), we also used gripe water to calm her belly. We stopped using that about 1 month ago, but were using it in every feeding. It was costly, but well worth it in the long run. I'm not sure what you are referring to with the negative comments about soy. If you need some remidies for consitpation from the soy, let me know. That can be very frustrating and unconfortable too.
M.

Hi Vicky, My daughter was also very sensitive to milk and so I too put her on soy formula. I would have breast feed her if it were not for some scar tissue I have on my breast from a childhood injury. She will be ten this year and although I have not noticed anything out of the ordinary I have also come to learn about the side effects of soy on children specifically girls due to the hormones. I guess I won't really know until she starts her period. I have read that soy formula can onset it earlier. Too soon to tell I guess. Today my daughter drinks almond milk and she is a happy and bright little girl who keeps me on my toes. Try talking to a health practitioner and explain your situation. Doctors are limited to what type of information they share with you, but health practitioners can provide a wide range of healthy choices for your little girl. I'm sure she will be just fine. You sound like a very loving mom and that's the best formula and baby can have. D.

Soy formula does not have the fat content that babies need, especially one as young as 3 months, that is so important for brain development. I was scolded by a dr. for doing it with my 15 mo. old. We were successful with Alimentum, but there are other hypo-allergenic formulas out there. Maybe something else would work better. Good luck

I understand your concerns. My son is highly allergic to cows milk. We have therefore had to give him soy or rice milk since he turned one. I too started reading all the negative information on soy. After talking to my mom about the issue, I found out that she raised me on soy formula! I was always a healthy child and am now a healthy adult with 2 beautiful children of my own. I figured, if I (and my brother who was also raised on soy formula) have turned out fine, then I'm not going to worry about it with my kids. I know this may not be enough reassurance for your own decision but hopefully it will help some.

Sincerely,
A.

Hi Vicky,

I have a baby girl and when she was about 1 month old, her formula was giving her a lot of problems with digesting it. She was getting gas and was constantly crying. So, I asked her Pediatrician if we could use Soy formula. Since then, she never once had any problems and has she been extremely healthy. She just turned 1 and has never been sick. So, I would highly recommend using Soy. We use Similac Soy Formula. Good luck.

I had to give my son Soy Formula because he was always spitting. I never really heard any negative things about it (other than the smell). I actually thought it was better than the regular formula. Can you give your baby both, a little of the breast milk and soy formula? Just so that baby can be full and not drink as much soy.

Hi vicky....

In my opinion, keeping your litle one comforatable is the most important thing you can do for her. Plus she needs to get the nutrion, and if she is uncomfortable, I would be more concerned about her body not processing what she is getting with the formule that she is having reactions to. Both of kids were lact-intolerant. I remember those soy days (more expesive formula and wonderfuls soys smells :). My kids are VERY healty and are now 7 and 10 (both have no alleriges to anything, hardly ever sick, have very good appetites and are both one of the largest in thier class's). I know it made them happier once I switched them to soy, and I was in turn happier too. There are so many articles out there, and no matter what we choose there is always someone who can come up with a negative. If Soy was that bad, Doctors wouldn't be recommending it, The FDA wouldn't allow it to be produced, and there would thousands of cases to prove that point. As a Mom... go with your instinct, as the more you read the more confused and afraid you might get. If you trust your doctor and your Mommy instincts...you can't go wrong!

Hi Vicky,
I have 4 year old boy/girl twins and when they were newborns, I had the same problem. They were on formula from the get-go, however, my son had no problems with the milk based formula, but my daughter had to go to soy. We had no problems with it at all, I never heard anything negative about it. I trusted my pediatrician. WHen she was 1 year old we started her on whole milk and hoped that she was over the milk allergy. She had no issues after that. I recommend you listen to your ped. and go with what your daughter is telling you! Good luck!

All three of my daughters exclusively used soy formula and soy milk after I finished breast feeding them. Two were extremely lactose intolerant (their dad is Asian), and then I developed Type 1 diabetes before my third daughter was born, and there is an 3 times higher association of development of Type 1 diabetes for children of diabetic mothers when they are exposed to cow milk before age 2, so it was more of a preventative measure. We used Prosobee each time, and never had any problems with it. My daughters are now almost 20, 16 and 5. The only "con" from my perspective is I thought it tasted terrible.

I gave my daughter (now 3 yrs.) soy as well because she indicated the same "allergies" to regular milk. I also had the same worries as you, and switched back and forth between formulas which seemed to cause her poor body much unnecessary trouble. I don't have advice for you exactly...I wanted to tell you that after being on soy formula for quite some time (and then soy milk rather than whole milk) my daughter turned out just fine. Her mental abilities are a bit ahead of her peers, she's tall and strong. Physically and mentally, she is just fine! So, I'd say, don't worry about giving her soy formula over milk formula. If the soy makes her more comfortable overall then that is what she needs. There are always going to be studies proving both sides of the issue (soy vs. milk), so give her what seems to suit her best. BTW - I always bought Horizon Organic soy formula from Whole Foods.
Take care, S.

Hi Vicky,
Kukos for being concerned about formula. My son's pediatrician suggested soy formula in order to prevent a dairy allergy (my son is adopted and I never got any breast milk). He had severe colic (random, so probably diet-related), which did not go away until I switched him to half soy, half dairy formula. I tried goat's milk, but he threw up all the time and it smelled nasty. However, he developed ADD and learning disabilities, and I read an article that pointed to manganese poisoning as the probable culprit with soy-formula fed babies. It appears the manganese content is 80 TIMES what is normal, and the toxicity causes behavioral and learning problems. We had him tested at age 10 and he was at the high end of normal. Then we had him treated with an ion foot bath and applied kinesiology for a multitude of food-related allergies by a Chiropractor in Santa Rosa named Cindy Zafis. It worked amazingly well and he has few hyperactive outbursts any more. However, he is twelve now, and puberty is busting out all over. Need I say more? Good luck with the formula situation. See if you can have the soy formula analyzed for manganese content. Maybe some are better than others. BTW, soy is one of the most common allergens, and my son has no problems with cow's milk at this time. Plus his learning and behavior problems could have a different etiology. Who knows?
Buena suerte!
E. Black

if your child is happy and eating I would keep your child on the soy. You want the best for your child and there is nothing wrong with soy...both my kids were on soy formula and they turned out fine.

I have read some bad things about so as well. My chiropractor (whom I trust) also does not like soy for people. The only exception being fermented soy, like soy sauce. Have you thought of using goats milk? That has been a preferred choice for mothers for many years.

Hi, My name is A. and my son is now 3 1/2, but he was a preemee and was put on soy formula because of a metabolic disorder. The specialist said that soy formula is very safe and effective. My son rarely spit up, and was a very happy baby. Talk to your pediatrician, but it sure was great for my son. He only weighed 4lbs. at birth, but now is a normal happy, healthy boy. I hope that helps a little.

Both of my children drank soy formula (usually Kirkland brand). Both are healthy and thriving.

Here's my story:

My daughter, now nearly five, wouldn't keep any milk based formula down from birth on but would tolerate soy formula. At age one she switched to cow's milk with no problems. She suffers from seasonal allergies as do most of us in my family. Other than that, she's healthy.

My son, now nearly three, seems more like your daughter. He was fussy and so uncomfortable until we switched to soy formula. We tried milk when he turned one and again he became fussy and grumpy and had constant runny poop. We switched to lactose-free milk and within days he was fine and back to his happy self. He is lactose intolerant (as is my brother) and gets cramps and diarrhea if he eats any cheese, milk, yogurt etc without chewing up a lactaid pill before eating.

Some other responses mentioned milk allergies. I just wanted to clarify that milk allergies and lactose-intolerance are two different things. I believe there is a test for milk allergy as someone mentioned. For lactose intolerance the test is to keep a journal of food eaten and the response.

The two bad things about soy formula: the smell and the stains from spit-up.

Good luck.

Hello, my favorite site for nutrition information is www.westonaprice.org. For soy information, see specifically http://www.westonaprice.org/soy/index.html. It must be confusing that your child is much happier on soy, yet soy (at least in the form of soy formula) has now been shown to be extremely harmful to infants. That site also has information on feeding infants, including a homemade formula made from raw milk. Many infants, and people in general, who cannot tolerate milk, thrive on raw milk. When I ran out of breastmilk pumping at work, I made the homemade raw milk infant formula for my son. He had a lot of stomach pains and spitting up as an infant, even on breastmilk, but he did fine with the homemade formula. I am very glad there are more people out there starting to question soy! Good luck!

I have 3 children 8, 5, and 10 months. My two oldest did fine with regular formula and I started my youngest on regular formula but at about 2 months we realized she was always constipated and she spit up at least half of her bottles. I switched her to soy and she started doing better right away. I read all kinds of stuff on the internet and got so scared that I spoke to my pediatrician about soy and she said none of the things there were saying have been proven and that babies have been using soy for over 30 years. I tried to switch my daughter back to regular formula at 6 months but she couldn't handle it. At 9 months I started trying the Good Start soy 2 for babies 9 to 24 months and she started spitting up again which she hadn't done for months so I went back to the regular Good Start soy. If it is working for your daughter then just stick with it.

N. J.