Best Soy Baby Formulas
There are many types of soy formulas
If you are advised by your pediatrician that soy-based formula is needed for your baby’s health, these formulas are as safe as any other baby formula and can be purchased wherever infant formula is sold. Food and Drug Administration regulations all formula brands and they must adhere to certain safety and nutritional standards.
Soy infant formula options are:
Parent’s Choice Soy (Walmart’s brand store)
Official Website of the Earth’s Most Organic Soy-Based Infant Formula
Common Sweeteners
They actually comprise a substantial part of our overall formula. The ingredients of Enfamil ProSobee Soy Recipe are listed below. Surprised? That’s what I think. Sweeteners make up more than half of Enfamil’s formula. Enfamil has the distinction of being one of most transparent soy formulas, stating the proportion of all the main ingredients. You might be left guessing by other brands of soy formulations, however it’s likely that their ratios will not differ. Only a small number of brands have made it a point to indicate the quantity of sugar per serving. And it was a whopping 4g per serve. It’s one teaspoon of sugar for each baby meal. You may wonder, now? It’s simple – Sweetener is added to improve the taste. Soy has a distinctive and pungent flavour. This is something that adults often find disgusting. Your infant will also find it disgusting. Sweet is the one thing babies and adults both like. So manufacturers of soy-based formula add a boatload of sweetener to reduce the chance of your baby rejecting the soy formula. There’s no other way. The best soy baby formulas are available. Here’s a list of some of the top and most loved. Please note that not all soy formulas will be suitable for your child. The ingredients of each brand can differ dramatically with many parents reporting that one brand worked better for their baby than another. YMMV.
Iron: The Earth’s Most Popular Plant-Based Powder Formula
Earth’s Best Plant-Based Powder Formula with Iron is the only organic and non-GMO soy option. Therefore, it automatically stands apart from other soy formulas because it offers the healthiest ingredients.
However, the formula is not perfect. Baby formula should not contain palm oil or corn syrup. They are both common ingredients but we would prefer a source that is not made from corn syrup or palm oil.
We still love Earth’s Best, because they use only organic and non GMO ingredients. It makes the product stand out. It’s high quality corn syrup, which provides the baby with energy from carbohydrates.
It is composed of carbohydrate first and protein second. Then comes fats and any other nutrients. As noted earlier, corn syrup solids are the main source of calories.
This formulation contains whole soy proteins, not isolates, as opposed to other options. It is simpler to digest soy protein isolated, however chemicals such as the hexane can be used in their manufacturing (source) It may also strip the soybean of some important nutrients. Earth’s Most ensures that every nutrient is available to your baby. Although it may be more difficult to digest for babies, this is still a better option.
The fats included in this formula are organic palm, soy, coconut, safflower and sunflower oils. The softness of baby’s stool is maintained by palm oil, which reduces calcium absorption. The palm oil will be removed or reduced by the company in the near future, we hope.
Additionally, the formula contains ARA and DHA to support brain health and immunity. It also includes a large number of vitamins. This is all to keep your baby healthy. Organic soy lecithin is used in the formulation as an emulsifier, and as a source for omega 3 and 6, fatty acids. Hexane might be used during the extraction of soylecithin. However, there are many other benefits.
Earth’s Best is now using non-GMO Soy in their plant-based formulation. All the ingredients used in this formula, however, come from organic farms. Since most soybeans in the U.S. are genetically modified, this shows the commitment of this company to provide the best available ingredients for babies. DHA, ARA and other additives are also a positive.
While this formula is still guilty of using corn syrup, all companies who manufacture soy formula use it because that’s what the FDA approves. Despite this, Earth’s Best is still our favorite option,.
Many babies may experience hard poop, and frequently spit-up while taking soy formula. While some may find it unpleasant, this is not uncommon with soy formula.
Soy Formulas
Soy formulas have a different protein (soy), and a carbohydrate (either sugar or glucose) than milk-based formulas. These are often recommended to babies who cannot digest lactose, which is the main carbohydrate found in cow milk formula. However, simple, lactose-free formulas can also be made.
Many infants experience short periods of difficulty digesting lactose. However, this problem is often temporary and doesn’t require any changes to your baby’s diet. Although it is rare to see babies have problems digesting or absorption lactose, this can happen in some older children as well. Although lactose free formulas can be a great source of nutrition for babies, it is important to consult your doctor before giving your baby a formula that does not contain lactose.
If you have a milk allergy, it can lead to severe colic symptoms, such as failure to thrive and bloody diarrhea. This is where soy products may be considered an alternative. But up to half of the babies who are allergic to milk protein may also be sensitive, so they must be fed specialized formulas (e.g. amino-based and elemental), or breast milk.
Vegetarian and vegan parents prefer soy sauce because it doesn’t contain any animal products. Remember that breastfeeding is the best option for vegetarian families. Although some parents feel that using a soy product might reduce or alleviate the colic symptoms or fussiness, evidence does not support such a belief.
According to the AAP, there are very few situations in which soy-based formula can be used instead of milk-based formula. One exception is infants suffering from a rare condition called galactosemia. This means that they are unable to tolerate galactose (one of two sugars found in lactose). These infants cannot tolerate breastfeeding and need to be given lactose-free formulas. Galactosemia testing is mandatory in every state. Infants born with special conditions or diseases can receive specialized formulas. Consider following the guidance of your doctor if your pediatrician suggests a special formula.
Infant Formula: Your Questions Answered
What you need to know about choosing the best formula to suit your baby’s needs.
You might be wondering if infant formula is the best choice for your baby. Do some brands of infant formula have a better quality than others? Can generic brands be used? Are soy-based formulas better than those made from cow’s milk? These are the facts about infant formula.
What are the major types of infant formula available?
Commercial infant formulas are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The following are the main types available:
These formulas are protein-rich from cow milk. Many infant formulas contain cow’s dairy milk which has been altered so that it resembles breastmilk. This gives the formula the right balance of nutrients and makes the formula easier to digest. Most babies do well on cow’s milk formula. Other infant formula is available for some children who are sensitive to proteins from cow’s breast milk.
Soy-based formulas. Soy-based formulas can be useful if you want to exclude animal proteins from your child’s diet. For babies that are allergic or intolerant to cow’s formula milk or lactose (a naturally occurring carbohydrate in cow’s breast milk), soy-based infant formulas may be an option. Babies who have an allergy to cow’s milk may also react to soy milk.
Protein hydrolysate formulas. These formulas include protein that has been reduced (hydrolyzed), in smaller forms than is found in milk or soy-based formulas. Protein hydrolysate formulas are meant for babies who don’t tolerate cow’s milk or soy-based formulas. Babies with severe protein allergies can choose to use highly hydrolyzed formulations.
A variety of specialized formulas are also available to babies who are premature or have special medical needs.
What are the best infant formula products?
You can choose from three kinds of infant formulas. You will need to consider your financial situation and convenience preferences.
2. Methods to Reduce Lactose Intoxicity – Lactose Free or Low Lactose
Many brands offer lactose free formulas, which have been stripped of all milk sugar and replaced with vegetable sugars (like corn syrup) for fussy baby who suffers from colic.
Diarrhea, vomiting and other symptoms can be caused by lactose. Special formulas are available for those babies. They can digest the special formula more easily.
Babies with severe lactose intolerance often have difficulty breastfeeding. This is the most fascinating thing. These babies are often more likely to have bloody stool and failure to thrive. For them, this type of formula is truly a life-saver.
These formulas are made with cow’s milk, but have had the lactose removed. The formulas below are lactose-free, and can be substituted if necessary.
This is a listing of commonly available lactose-free or low-lactose formulas.
Best Organic Formula with Low Lactose
Baby’s Only Organic LactoRelief Formula
SIMIlac Pro-sensitive, Non-GMO
Enfamil Nutramigen With Enflora LGG Hypoallergenic Baby Formula
We tried a few of these low lactose/lactose free formulas before we knew that the main problem was the milk protein and not the lactose. These are three of the reasons I choose Earth’s Great Organic Low Lactose to be my choice.
Our Parents are Choosing European Baby Formula
In the US, there are over 50 baby formulas. The US offers more than 50 different baby formulas. They can choose between formulas made of soy or milk. In the USA, baby formula is one among the most tightly-regulated food products.
Despite this, a growing number of parents are buying European formulas, even though it’s technically illegal to import them to the US. Large Facebook groups are dedicated to European Formulas. Here parents can exchange spreadsheets and detail notes regarding ingredients, and compare them to US formulas. Some caregivers claim they chose them due to the fact that European brands have certain formula options. For example, milk made from goat’s dairy or pasture-raised beef. This is a rare option in America. European brands are perceived to be higher-quality and have stricter formula regulations.
Parents in the US who buy European formulas pay a premium. Holle Organic Formula from Germany is an example of this. This formula can be found on many websites selling imported EU products. For a 6-ounce baby bottle, our top selections are priced at 45C/.
Anthony Porto (a Yale University pediatric gastroenterologist, as well as a professor of pediatrics), conducted an analysis to determine how European formulas differ from US formulas and whether they met FDA guidelines.
These formulas can pose safety risks, according to the study authors. One reason is that instructions for certain European formulas can be difficult for English-speaking families to properly prepare them. European formulas have a slightly different mix than US formulas. A single scoop is used for one ounce of water. The US standard is two ounces. Porto added that European Formulas can’t be checked for unsafe temperature conditions. Also, the FDA won’t inspect any imported formula. If they’re found to not comply with FDA safety standards, European formulas may be detained. It’d also be challenging to discover if any formulas were subject of recall in the EU. Although the FDA has not approved foreign formulas, it would be hard to find out if they were. However, this isn’t always true. Bridget Young is a pediatrician at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry and has created a site with information on baby formula. For example, the EU bans certain added sugars, like corn syrup, from traditional milk-based formulas, and it requires that at least 30% of the carbohydrates come from lactose, the energy-giving carbohydrate in human milk. Young and Porto agreed on the preference for formulas that have lactose in them. And it’s not difficult to find formulas in the US that meet the EU’s carbohydrate requirements (including the formulas we recommend in our guide The EU and US require most of the same vitamins and minerals in baby formula. There are two main differences: iron and DHA. Many US formulas have higher levels of iron that their European counterparts. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, a greater iron level is recommended in order to protect the brain from iron deficiencies. The EU, however, has been requiring DHA in much higher amounts than is found in US formulas. While the FDA does not mandate DHA, many US formulas include it. While more DHA can be safe, Young noted that breastmilk contains DHA in a large amount. However, research has not supported the claims of higher levels found in European formulas.
Bobbie, the US-only infant formula that can meet EU DHA standards is at the moment. Bobbie is an FDA-regulated, European-style formula. Bobbie’s iron level is within EU limits. Bobbie does not contain any of the extra ingredients that are found in European organic formulas. This includes taurine, lutein and beta-carotene. It also lacks L-carnitine. However, it has naturally occurring L-carnitine as with all milk-based formulas. While these components may be present in breastmilk, there is not enough research to prove that formulas can benefit from them.
Many parents opt for EU formulas as they offer more options than just whole milk. Young explained that all US milk-based formulas (including Bobbie) remove the milk fat, and add plant-based fats. However, there may be benefits to milk fat. Milk fat globule membrane, or MFGM (milk fat globule membrane) is one component that has been studied in milk fat. Some of Enfamil’s premium formulas add MFGM because a few (industry-affiliated) studies have shown it provides a modest infection defense cognitive benefit for infants, for example. Young said that formulas based on whole milk will contain some natural milk fat globule membrane. The FDA does not ban infant formula from goat milk. However, no current company makes one that is compliant with FDA regulations. Caretakers are attracted to these formulas for the belief they are more “hypoallergenic,” which is an allergy or sensitivity to cow’s breast milk. Porto did say that infants with allergies to cow’s milk are rare and would probably react to goat’s milk.
European formulas can also be made with “gentle” ingredients that are not currently available in the US. A caregiver may request (or recommend) that a gentle formula be made with hydrolyzed proteins or partially broken down proteins. All of the US formulas contain corn sugar, either maltodextrin, corn syrup, and both. In Europe there are partially hydrolyzed formulas with lactose as the sole carbohydrate, which experts prefer for most babies. In the US, Parent’s Choice Tender Gerber Good Start GentlePro Enfamil Reguline are the only partially hydrolyzed formulas that have no intact proteins and contain at least 50% lactose, with the remainder of their carbohydrates coming from corn-based sugars.
European formulas were once the only choice for caregivers looking to use organic milk from grassfed cows. Although organic formulas such as Earth’s Best Organic Infant Formula have been around for a while, Similac Pure Bliss was made with (nonorganic) milk of grass-fed cows. Bobbie, however, is the only US infant formula that sources milk from cows raised according to organic and pasture-raised standards. Bobbie sells for $24 for a 400g can, or $1.60 to create a 6-ounce package. This is four times as much as most formulas that we like.
While there may be some differences in baby formulas between the US and Europe, they are mostly minor. Our medical experts don’t consider the advantages of European formulas worth the risk and expense. “There is a wide variety of regulated infant formulas available in the US,” Young pointed out. “This variety assures parents that they can find a formula that works for their unique baby and fits in their budget.” Further reading The Best Baby Formula by Christina Szalinski After reading studies, speaking to experts, and examining 55 baby formulas, we think Kirkland Signature ProCare Non-GMO Infant Formula is the one to try first.
What Soy Baby Formula is Best?
- Enfamil Plant Based Baby Formula
- Gerber Good Start Plant-Based Protein.
- Earth’s Best Non-GMO Plant-Based Infant Formula.
- Similac Soy Isomil Infant formula.
- Enfamil Plant Based Baby Formula
- Gerber Good Start Plant-Based Protein Ready-to-Feed Infant Formula.
Is Soy In Formula Bad For Babies?
It is safe to eat soy milk for healthy babies. You can use it for babies who have galactosemia, hereditary lactase deficiencies or vegan families. February 25, 2020
What is the reason that soy milk is not recommended for babies?
Calcium and soymilk. While certain soymilks may contain more calcium than milk from cows, there are natural compounds called phytotes that could affect the ability of your child to absorb calcium.
Which is the closest formula to breast milk?
Product description. Enfamil Enspire Infant Formula offers a unique way to nurture. Enspire contains MFGM (milk fat) and Lactoferrin (milk protein), making it the closest infant formula to breastmilk. Enspire is non GMO+ formula designed to deliver complete nutrition to infants through 12 months.
.Best Soy Baby Formulas
