Worried About Changing Daughter to Soy Formula..

Updated on December 01, 2010
H.N. asks from Saint Petersburg, FL
9 answers

I have a 4 month old (I just recently stopped nursing) she was on Similac Sensitive (the regular kind she would not keep down) seemed to work fine instead when she would have a bm (once or twice daily) it would be loose. She was still gaining weight, is healthy etc. Just loose bm's. She got a cold and now is on a antibiotic and dr worried about diahrrea and suggested she use Isomil (similac soy) and continue that in place of the Similac Sensitive-well I could tell she is constipated (just a little hard stool) and I am worried if I should stick with the soy or just go back to Sensitive-I admit, I am also concerned with all the information on soy products (phytoestrogens, etc) thought the ped says its completely safe I cant help but worry a little. As I know she doesnt have a true milk allergy-so I dont know if the soy is really the right formula-I know its sounds like Im talking in circles, but Ithink we always want to make the right decision for baby. Thanks girls!

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D.S.

answers from Tulsa on

my oldest was on soy formula when he was a baby and he is fine now. it made him have less colic and tummy troubles I would advise relax

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L.A.

answers from Austin on

Our daughter was on soy formula and she did great at 1 she went to whole milk and has never had any problems she is now 20..

1 mom found this helpful
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A.J.

answers from Portland on

I stopped nursing around the 4 month mark as well and switched to soy because of similar sensitivities with my son. We had him on soy for 2 weeks before deciding to switch back to regular milk-based formula due to his bowel movements seeming to be worse (constipation and diaper rash like we had never seen prior or since switching him back). Some babies thrive on soy and some don't depending on their individual digestive tract. I am glad we switched back because he's 9 months now and drinking regular milk-based Enfamil Premium and is doing great...no issues with constipation.

Our son also had gas issues (with both breastfeeding and formula) until he was around 5 months old so keep in mind gas is normal for young infants and switching formula too much might irritate that no matter what formula he's on. But if it seems worse on soy, soy might not be the right fit for your baby.

Best wishes and I'm sure you will find a formula that will be good for your little one soon!

1 mom found this helpful

J.E.

answers from Erie on

My son started on soy formula...starting at around 3 or 4 months. He was really fussy all the time and he had some BM issues. It worked great for us. He was on soy until he was 1...then switched to whole milk. Never any problems. He's (almost) 2 1/2 now and still loooves his milk :)

1 mom found this helpful
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S.S.

answers from Miami on

Most children allergic/sensitive to milk are cross allergic to soy. I do not eat anything with soy in it because in this country, it is all genetically modified. Not a good way to start your baby's immune system or hormone/endoctrine system. What do pediatricians know? They don't study half as much as we do about products and foods. Also get your kid on a probiotic if she is on an antibiotic. It will help digestive tract as well.

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D.M.

answers from Denver on

tough one. It depends what's causing the stools to be "irregular". I don't think it can hurt her to go to soy, but there are lots of variables at once. If it were by I would try to keep her on the Sensitive formula, and give her probiotics - to help balance her digestive system during the antibiotics (can get powder form to put right into her bottles). I use it w/ my kids when on anti biotics. Then after her antibiotics are over keep up the probiotics and see if it helps the BMs. There are many things that can cause loose stools, swallowing mucs from a cold, just and adjustment to new formula and devleloping digestive system. I wouldn't change too many variables at once. Good luck!

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N.J.

answers from Fort Walton Beach on

I breast feed my son for the first 6months, and then had to put on the hypoallergenic, and then then around 9 months put him on soy. When he was a yr old, i put him on silk soy milk. At about 2yrs old I started mixing his silk soy milk with rice milk, and then at about 2 1/2 i started mixing the soy with almond milk.

My son is almost 3 now and is perfectly fine, and has never had any side effects. You should do what feels right for you.

K.N.

answers from Austin on

FYI: There is a correlation between having both a cows milk protein allergy and a soy protein sensitivity. Some children have reactions to both soy and (cows) milk. I mention it so you can keep an eye out and evaluate. Google "milk, soy allergy, infant" for more info.

Have you tried the Nutrigumen (sp?) formula from Enfamil? It's designed for children with milk sensitivities, but i don't think it's soy based.

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R.A.

answers from Boca Raton on

any chance you can go back to nursing? It seems obvious she's suffering from the switch. Breast is best the rest is just imitation

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