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Milk fat for brain development... what if they're allergic to milk??

Christine - posted on 09/30/2009 ( 8 moms have responded )

I currently breastfeed my 11 month old, but my milk production is quickly decreasing and I'm just plain tired of the pumping game. I'm okay with her having soy formula at daycare and nursing at home. When she turns one, though, should I continue with the soy formula, or will silk provide what she needs for brain development? Neither of my two older girls have food allergies and I was told to make sure and give them whole milk b/c the milk fat was needed for brain development.

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Onneke - posted on 06/24/2011

I can only talk from my own experience, but I would never again give a baby soy milk. My little girl had soy formula and developed a serious soy allergy because of it. I spoke to one of the leading allergy experts in the UK and she told me that soy is never a good thing for infants. A very high risk of allergy and as mentioned above high in oestrogen.
Best of luck.

Amanda - posted on 04/16/2011

383

Silk is ok to give instead of cow's milk but I would suggest something like almond milk instead. Soy is higher in estrogen compounds than cow milk, almond milk or rice milk.

Laura - posted on 05/02/2010

Consider fish oil supplement. Our allergy doc swears by high quality fish oil.

Jennifer - posted on 02/19/2010

My pediatircian said unless they are very malnourished then Silk Soy milk is comparable to 2% milk and will provide them with enough fat and nutrients. We bought the organic soy milk from Costco and found it to be comparable nutritionally and a much better value.

Roxana - posted on 11/09/2009

TNell: please do pass on some milk and egg free recipes that you have. My son has both allergies and I am always looking for new recipes for him. He is four. Thank you!

TNell - posted on 10/25/2009

My son is highly allergic to milk, he can't even have it in baked goods. What we have found is avacados, nuts, olive oil, peanut butter, salmon, ect. are what we use for his healthy fats. And actually it is healthier for your child than the fat in milk. Also, we have a friend who is a nutritionist and she said that too much soy for males especially is very bad (especially when they are young) because it raises their estrogen levels. (Ironically two of our children are allergic to soy as well...). I hope this helps you with ideas. If you want some of my recipies, leave me a message and I will gladly pass them along! Good luck!

Christy - posted on 10/07/2009

they don't need formula after 1 yr but you're right they do need the fat content for brain development. Silk probably doesn't have enough fat. Ask your pediatrician or allergist. There is a soy toddler formula but I can't remember the name right now. You can also try coconut milk. It tastes great and it is full of wonderful omega fatty acids.

Tiffany - posted on 10/01/2009

107

Good question....I still have my son on Soy Go and Grow formula but not sure what a good replacement would be. I'll try to do some research but will watch for what other moms post here too. I know there are some foods and juices that are fortified with DHA/ARA now so maybe those would be good.