Soy vs. regular formula

[Macaela25]

My baby is 7.5 months - great eater, strong stomach. He eats jar and table food and has been on Similac Advance since birth.

Our stockpile of Similac is nearly gone, and I have 8 or so smaller cans of Isomil (Similac soy formula). My mother asked why we simply don't use that to mix, supplement, or use exclusively for awhile, and it got me wondering.

Has anyone used soy formula with a child who didn't really need it? DS#1 was on Isomil but needed to be. Is it the same as drinking soy milk one week and regular milk the next?

[JOURDYSMOM]

Soy has always caused constipation in my kiddos... I honestly wouldn't switch just to use up what I have laying around... I would be afraid to screw up his belly KWIM? Some may have better answers than me...

[ekoury]

Do you have CVS around. The week of 7/11/10 CVS will have Similac for $19.99. Combine that with $2 mq from an insert (expires 7/14/10) plus a check, makes some cheap formula. If you do not have $2 mq, a lot of Similac have $1 peelies on them. Just look around. You have time to find those.

[Macaela25]

It's not a money issue.

[CW&M Mom]

I don't know if a child that old would be willing to completely change over to soy...as it tastes very different.

We had a couple of cans of soy laying around when my youngest was growing and I ended up just craiglisting them.

[Macaela25]

Originally Posted by cori n wes mom I don't know if a child that old would be willing to completely change over to soy...as it tastes very different.

Thanks...I hadn't thought of that. It's a moot point now anyway...a young single mom who uses that exact formula was put in my path today, and these will be dropped off to her tomorrow. It's great how "you know who" handles things.

I just figured it couldn't be phenomenally different from me giving my older son the soy milk I got for free this week on his cereal instead of the 2% he usually gets. If there were a natural disaster and it's all he had...well, he'd certainly be no worse for the wear.

for the thoughts!

[disabledvetswife]

We are having feeding issues, so I asked my pedi about the soy. He said soy does cause constipation in babies. I too was wondering if I could utilize the soy I have somehow, but I think I too will either donate it, freecycle it or craigslist it.

I'm glad you were able to help someone out who was in need. It is amazing how things are often taken care of by "you know who" ;-))

[MamaBird06]

many babies are allergic to soy, i wouldn't try it if he is taking cows milk based formula well.

[thecooperhouse]

Its not just constipation you have to worry about medically. Some believe that the plant estrogens in soy can be harmful to infants. It is highly debated of whether or not it is actually harmful. But it is something to consider before giving it to your child.

[motherofmolly]

to answer your question. yes. i supplemented breast feeding with formula-whatever i got free. my dd didnt seem to mind either.

but i did read a book that said the same as thecooperhouse that soy has a natural estrogen in it. i dont think a little will hurt the child...but have to wonder what alot will do.