What Are the Benefits of Soy Milk for Babies?

Written by Lauretta Claussen; Updated December 27, 2018

When you begin transitioning your baby from formula or breast milk to other types of food and drink, you might be overwhelmed by the options. Whole milk, low-fat milk, juices and water -- it can be difficult to determine which drinks offers the best nutritional benefits. One healthy option is soy milk. It can be used as a supplement to other types of drinks or as a replacement for children who have problems with cow’s milk.

Why Soy?

Soy milk is a common alternative to cow’s milk, which may be chosen for a variety of reasons. Strict vegetarians, for example, often drink soy milk as a more non-animal alternative to cow’s milk. Those who are allergic to cow’s milk or who have difficulty digesting lactose may choose soy milk as an easy-to-digest alternative. Soy milk is an option for babies over age 1 for the same reasons. Additionally, soy milk is available in a variety of flavors that may appeal to children who are resistant to the taste of plain cow’s milk.

Soy For Health Reasons

Though it can be an alternative for children allergic to cow’s milk, there is a 10 to 14 percent chance that a child allergic to cow’s milk will also be allergic to soy, according to BabyCenter.com, so check with your doctor first. However, a child’s allergy often has its root in the protein in cow’s milk, which can lead to colic, failure to thrive or bloody diarrhea. In cases such as these, soy milk is likely a healthy alternative. Additionally, a small percentage of children are born with a condition known as galactosemia, which prevents digestion of any type of animal milk, including breast milk. Soy is a safe option for such children.

Selecting a Soy Milk

To get the full benefit of soy milk for your child, select the full-fat variety, as fat is vital for brain development in children younger than 2. However, if your child has a history of cardiovascular disease or obesity, your doctor may recommend starting low-fat milk earlier than usual, according to Babycenter.com. Because soy is not naturally packed with as many vitamins and nutrients as cow’s milk, select soy milk fortified with vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B, folate and calcium.

Including Necessary Nutrients

Soy milk can complement to cow’s milk, as it diversifies your child’s protein sources. However, if you choose to feed your child soy milk exclusively, she will also need to take in calcium from some other sources, as phylates in soy milk prevents absorption of some calcium, notes Babycenter.com. To be sure your child gets enough calcium, consider adding yogurt, cheese, broccoli or calcium-fortified foods to her diet. Additionally, vitamin B12 can be found only in animal foods, so consider mixing soy milk with vitamin-fortified cereal to insure your child receives adequate nutrition.

Potential Dangers

Though soy milk does have health benefits for children, it is important to be aware of some of the dangers. First, parents must understand the difference between soy milk and soy formula. Children younger than 1 year should be fed formula, as milk -- either cow’s milk or soy milk -- does not contain nutrients necessary for a baby’s development. Formulas are supplemented with vitamins, minerals, amino acids and fatty acids that are not found in regular milk of any kind.

About the Author

Lauretta Claussen


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