Your baby is the most wonderful thing in this world, isn’t she! And obviously, giving her the best care would be something that tops your priority list. Best care involves the best nutrition. But here is where most of us get confused.
Take soy milk, for example. Is soy milk safe? Would it be beneficial to your baby? Why only soy milk when there are other types of milk available?
There is this ambiguity about soy milk that has been troubling many mothers. But guess what? This post would erase all your doubts!
What Is Soy Milk:
What Does Soy milk Contain:
One cup of unfortified soymilk contains the following:
The upside is that it doesn’t contain any cholesterol. The downside is it doesn’t contain a significant amount of calcium or vitamin B 12 (though it does provide some B vitamins).
What Are The Benefits Of Soy Milk for My Baby?
Once your toddler has moved on from breast milk, there will be a vast array of milk options before you. This includes soy milk. So how can soy milk be beneficial to your baby?Technically speaking, soy milk is not exactly milk. It is the liquid that is left behind after the soybeans are soaked, finely ground and strained. Basically, soy milk is a beverage made from soybeans.
Soy milk is very high in protein, which is essential for your child’s physical development. It is low in saturated fats and cholesterol. Soy milk contains no dairy or lactose. This would be beneficial for infants who are lactose intolerant (cow milk contains lactose).
Soy milk contains very less lactose compared to cow’s milk. So, for babies who are lactose intolerant, soy milk is a much better option. Soy milk is also comparatively sweeter than cow’s milk. Now that’s something your toddler would love!
Soy milk can also complement cow’s milk because it diversifies your baby’s protein sources.
How Is Soymilk Different From Cow’s Milk?
Soy milk contains phytates, which are naturally occurring substances found in whole grain foods. But cow’s milk is an excellent source of calcium. Also, cow’s milk is a good source of vitamin D, which is good for skin.
How To Select The Right Soy Milk?
With the vast array of milk options before you, selecting the right kind of soy milk might be a daunting task. It is always best to select a full-fat soy milk variety. Fat is vital for brain development in small children. Unlike cow’s milk, soy does not come naturally packed with too many nutrients. So selecting soy milk fortified with vitamins A, B, D and folate and calcium would be the apt way to go.
Are There Any Potential Dangers Of Soy Milk To My Child?
Yes, there are. Firstly soy milk contains ‘phytoestrogens’, which are estrogen-like hormones found in plants. Although there is no substantial evidence to show that phytoestrogens as harmful to toddlers, it is best you consult your doctor before going ahead with soy milk.
It is very important for you to understand the difference between soy milk and soy infant formula. Soy milk is fine. But the formula is not. The high manganese content found in soy-based baby formula can lead to brain damage in infants and altered behaviors in the case of adolescents.
Just like cow or goat milk, soy milk too does have its own share of benefits. But since it is plant based, there are certain precautions you might be required to take before feeding your baby with it.
Whatever you do, make sure you consult your doctor first. Because, your baby is the most wonderful thing in this world, isn’t it!
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