You might know that there are various options available for baby food items. However, when it comes to your baby’s health, you have to be extra careful. In this case, choosing baby formula can be a tough decision, especially when it’s your first baby.
Many new parents make some common mistakes by choosing the wrong product. However, you can prevent it by following the right steps. Before you purchase Hipp Dutch Combiotic stage 2 or a similar product, make sure you double-check all ingredients.
You see, most parents go for cow milk-based baby formula as it’s the most popular one. However, many newborn babies can have milk allergies. In this case, there are some alternatives that can be as nutritious as cow-milk products.
Here comes soy-based formula. This is the best alternative for cow or goat milk-based baby formulas. If you are looking for this alternative, you have to know all the details. In this article, we will share all the essential details you need to know before purchasing. So, make sure you read each point carefully.
What is Soy-Based Formula?
Before we dig deeper, you have to know the basics of soy-based formulas. As the name suggests, soy formulas are made from soy protein. And it can be a good substitute for breast milk and cow milk formula. Soy protein formula can be given to babies under 12 months.
As per a report, this type of baby formula product accounts for 12% of the market right now. Many parents are choosing this one over milk-based formulas. Besides being non-allergenic, the soy-based formula has so many health benefits.
Why is it Used?
As we noted before, soy-based formula is used as an alternative to cow milk-based formula. That’s why it’s still not that popular among people. On the other hand, babies can get benefits from soy-based products when breast milk isn’t available.
Besides these things, soy-based formula is a good choice for babies who are living in a vegan or vegetarian family. In fact, the demand for this product is increasing as going vegan is a new trend. Soy-based formulas can be very helpful in certain conditions:
- Primary lactase deficiency, it’s a rare condition for babies. That means a baby is born without the enzyme lactase. That’s why milk products are not good for them.
- Secondary lactase deficiency, it’s a common condition among babies. It happens because of an infection or similar issues.
- Galactosemia, is a common condition when the baby’s digestive system doesn’t help to break down galactose.
Types of Soy-Based Formula
Many people have no idea about the types of soy-based formulas. If the pediatrician suggested soy-based formula for your baby, you have to ensure the type as well. Make sure the product is as good as other formulas.
All baby products must follow strict safety standards. There are some soy-based options available in the market:
- Similac Soy Isomil
- Gerber Good Start Soy
- Enfamil ProSobee
Is Soy-Based Formula Safe?
Now, the most important point. Is soy-based formula safe? If the question is bugging you, let us clear everything up. You see, soy-based products are approved by the FDA and contain essential nutrients. However, you have to keep some concerns in mind.
In this case, you can also discuss this with a pediatrician. Phytoestrogens are plant chemicals that can be found in soy and they can harm the human body. According to some reports, it can affect the development of the immune system. However, these plant chemicals can be very helpful for heart disease and cancer.
On the other hand, soy-based products contain aluminum compared to breast milk. Well, it’s not a big issue but some reports say that high aluminum can be the cause of reduced bone mineralization. In this case, get help from an expert before you purchase a product.
Tips for Switching Baby Formula
If you want to switch your baby’s formula, don’t take a quick decision. In this case, you have to follow some tips:
- Contact your baby’s doctor if your baby is ready for the transition.
- Before you purchase a product, make sure you check the label and read about all the ingredients.
- Check the new product doesn’t contain any ingredient that your baby is allergic to.
- Make sure you check the expiry date before buying the product.
Top Reasons to Choose Soy-Based Formula
Now, you know the importance of soy-based baby formula. If you still have second thoughts, you have to know the top reasons to choose this product. That’s why we will share the top reasons to choose soy-based formulas in the following list. Keep reading:
- Source of Dietary Protein
One of the top reasons to choose soy-based formula is it is a full source of dietary protein. Soy products have very low saturated fat and are cholesterol-free. And it can be very helpful for overall growth.
- Lactose-Free
Another good thing about the soy-based formula is it’s completely lactose-free. If your baby is milk allergic, it’s the best alternative. With this product, you can prevent your baby’s certain issues like diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pains, gas, breathing difficulties, and constipation.
- Free From Cow Milk’s Protein
Besides being lactose-free, soy-based baby formula is free from cow milk’s protein. So, it can avoid allergic reactions. Cow milk’s protein has the most common issues. In this case, you have to check the ingredients carefully.
- A Healthy Alternative
As you can see, this is one of the best alternatives in the market. In fact, many people use this product as an alternative to breast milk. If you don’t have enough time for breastfeeding, you can go for soy-based formula.
Conclusion
You see, the soy-based formula can be the best one for your baby. Still, you have to check all the ingredients before purchasing. Both organic and regular types of soy-based baby formula are available in the market. On the other hand, make sure you do some research beforehand. Hence, you can also ask your baby’s pediatrician for suggestions.
