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Milk Alternatives for an Allergic Infant |
 Rice and soy milk are often perceived as a healthier alternative to cow's milk. For adults the health benefits of these milk alternatives, along with ethical choices, can provide valid reasons for using soy and rice milks. This is not the case for infants and toddlers, here the nutrients found in whole cow's milk are crucial for developing a healthy immune system. Milk replacements should only be used as a replacement for cow's milk if your child has an allergic reaction or intolerance to milk.
Cow's milk is rich in calcium, protein and good fats, and is the most easily absorbed and best natural source of calcium. Whole cow's milk also contains Vitamin A and b12, along with other B vitamins which are essential to ensure proper growth and development in infants.
If your baby is diagnosed with an allergy or intolerance to cow's milk, this is when milk alternatives may be suggested by your doctor or nutritionist. Here a process of trial and elimination will be used to see what is the best milk alternative for your baby or toddler.
The pros and cons of switching to soy milk:
• Soy based formulas are recommended as a safe alternative to cow's milk formula for infants and toddlers, as they provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and development in your infant.
• Soy milk differs from cow's milk primarily in that it is free from the protein contained in cow's milk and contains no lactose (the sugar in milk). Although soy based formulas will not contain the natural calcium of the cow's milk, most soy based based formulas are calcium fortified.
• Concerns have been raised about phyto-oestrogens, the hormone like chemical that is contained in soy products. It is unlikely these chemical will have any adverse effects on children, and evidence is inconclusive.
• As is the case with milk based formulas, full-fat soy milk is usually recommended for infants and toddlers.
• Research has shown that premature babies develop a higher intolerance rate or problems digesting soy than babies born on time.
Unfortunately switching to a soy-based formula may not be a miracle solution, as up to 40% of infants who are intolerant to cow's milk go on to develop an intolerance to the protein found in soy. Soy mik also contains a lower level of fats and proteins than cow's milk so be mindful of this when menu planning.
What about using rice or goat’s milk?
If your infant is unable to tolerate soy, cow's milk or a lactose free formula, rice or goat's milk may be suggested. Although both rice and goat’s milk may be a good option for a "drink" for your toddler when they are at child-care, to allow them to develop self-help skills that are parallel with their peers. It is important to realise that rice and goat’s milk used alone, are not recommended as a safe alternative to cow's milk.
• Rice milk is low in both fats and proteins, which is not recommended for infants.
• Goat's milk has similar proteins to cow's milk, so is usually not an option.
In the case of a highly allergic individual, rice milk may need to be used in conjunction with other foods. If so you will need to discuss a nutritional plan with your doctor to ensure your infant is getting adequate calcium, fats and protein from other dietary sources, to ensure optimum growth and development.
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