Soy milk is a non-dairy beverage made from plant-based ingredients, often served as an alternative to milk. It is made from soybeans, and some brands add vitamins and minerals, like calcium and vitamin D, to make it healthier.
In the same way that almond milk contains monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, soy-based milk does too. A cow milk contains saturated fats that are linked to high cholesterol and heart problems.
In addition to offering a similar amount of protein as cow’s milk, soy-based milk also contains healthy fats. Soy-based milk has a comparable nutritional value to cow’s milk.
Soy-based milk also contains isoflavones, in addition to being cholesterol-free and vegan. Studies have shown that isoflavones are antioxidants, inhibit inflammation, and maybe anticancer.
Which is better soy or almond milk?
There are more heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats in soy-based milk. Compared to soy-based milk, almond milk contains fewer calories and more heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Both almond milk and soy-based milk do not contain lactose, but almond milk contains slightly more sodium than soy-based milk. Saturated fat is low in both kinds of milk. Almond milk can cause diaper rash.
Is soy milk healthy for babies?
For children over one-year-old with lactose intolerance or cow’s milk allergies, soy-based milk is a great choice. It has got a lot of proteins, iron, and vitamins that a baby needs for healthy development.
In addition to being low in fat, soy-based milk may also help maintain a healthy weight in toddlers. In little kids, it may further reduce their risk of heart issues and obesity. Toddlers consuming soy-based milk may experience fewer bowel disturbances and diarrhea due to its high fiber content.
When can babies have soy milk?
If your baby is under 1 year old, you should not add cow’s milk, soy-based milk, or any other plant-based milk to your baby’s diet. The diet of your baby should consist of breastfeeding or milk-based formula, with a little water after he starts solids.
Most plant-based milks don’t supply enough of the many nutrients babies need early on, and cow’s milk contains too many proteins and minerals for the digestive system of a baby or toddler.
Children between the ages of 1 and 5 should drink mostly cow’s milk and water. As an alternative to cow’s milk, fortified soy milk is considered an acceptable option since it’s nutritionally equivalent. In addition, it contains the necessary fats for your baby’s growth.
Make sure your child drinks fortified, unsweetened (no sugar) soy milk. One to three cups of whole milk per day are recommended for children aged 1 to 2.
Fortified soy-based milk can be used in place of cow’s milk in some situations. For example, if your child has a dairy allergy, if they are lactose intolerant, or if your family does not consume animal products.
It is important to discuss plant-based milks such as soy-based milk with your pediatrician or registered dietitian especially if your child has milk intolerance and you are looking for a safe alternative to cows milk.
Can babies have a milk allergy to soy milk?
Yes. Allergies to soy are common. It is more common for a baby and kids to have soy allergies than teens and adults, but it can occur at any age.
Beans, lentils, peas, and peanuts are legumes, as are soybeans. Allergies to foods from the legumes family can vary depending on the individual.
A food allergy to soy is caused by the immune system, which normally fights infections, overreacting to soy proteins. When a person consumes soy products, their immune system views them as harmful invaders and fights them off with great effort. This results in an allergic reaction.
Soy allergy reactions can vary. Individual reactions can vary over the course of time. In general, soy reactions are mild such as hives. In some cases, there is a more severe reaction involving more than one part of the body.
Here are a few signs and symptoms to watch out for:
- Wheezing, coughing and hoarseness
- Tightness in the throat and trouble breathing
- Vomiting, diarrhea, and localized pain in one site usually the stomach
- Red spots, eczema, swelling and hives
- Watery or swollen eyes
- Rash around the mouth of the baby
- A sudden drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness
After your baby or toddler is drinking soy-based milk or soy-based foods, see her pediatrician if she experiences allergic reactions.
When your baby develops signs or symptoms of anaphylaxis, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Does soy milk cause diaper rash?
Soy-based milk rarely causes diaper rash directly. However, it occasionally does so. A switch from one formula to another could cause a brief bright red diaper rash, but nothing more serious. Diaper rash might be caused, for example, by switching from soy-based milk to cow’s milk formula.
Diaper rash is a common problem. Most moms know a diaper rash when they see it. Even so, it is still a good idea to talk to a medical professional about your baby’s diaper rash. They should be able to provide professional advice and which factors cause diaper rash.
Anything can cause diaper rash. From friction between the bottom of your little one and baby’s stool or urine to allergies to certain foods like dairy products. So it is imperative for parents to keep track of what their children eat to know exactly what is causing the diaper rash.
Parents should be ready to discuss with a medical professional which brands of diapers, lotions, detergents, and other household items your baby comes into contact with. A food journal of what your kids eat can help you determine which foods tend to cause diaper rash. Cows milk can cause diaper rash.
Severe diaper rash is very uncommon too. But if it happens, contact your doctor right away.
Takeaway
So does soy-based milk cause diaper rash? Yes, but it is very rare for soy milk to cause a diaper rash. A baby or toddler with a tendency towards allergies can suffer from an allergic reaction when exposed to certain substances in the food or drink consumed during infancy and early childhood, in this case, soy-based milk and soy-based foods like tofu. Do not let them eat these foods.
These reactions are usually mild and disappear after some time without any specific treatment being required. However, sometimes they may require medical attention because of their severity like a rash spreading from one site to another(diaper region), diarrhea or anaphylaxis. In these cases, it is imperative that you consult the doctor of your little one immediately.
