Soy Allergy Diet for Babies

Just like when you introduce other foods, you should use the 4-Day Wait Rule, and never make soy one of the first foods.

Because soy allergies are becoming quite popular, when you do decide to add soy to your baby's diet, watch out for the following allergic reactions.

• Allergic rhinitis
• Anaphylaxis
• Asthma
• Dermatitis
• Diarrhea
• Gastrointestinal symptoms
• Hives
• Nausea
• Oral syndromes
• Vomiting
• Wheezing

If you are breast feeding, cut soy from your diet for 3 weeks to determine if the allergy is soy. If the baby is feeding regular foods, cut soy from the diet to see if the symptoms disappear. If you think that your baby may have a soy allergy, consult your pediatrician.

If your baby is diagnosed with a soy allergy, make sure that you avoid hydrolyzed soy protein, miso, shoyo sauce, soy products, tempeh, textured vegetable protein (TVP), and tofu.

Also, keep in mind that some flavorings, hydrolyzed proteins, vegetable broth, vegetable gum, and vegetable starch, may contain soy.

Talk to your pediatrician about introducing some soy products when your child becomes 3 years old, as some doctors believe that not all soy products entice an allergic reaction, only foods with soy proteins. By slowly adding soy products back into the diet, your child may be able to overcome the allergy, if he has not already.

Otherwise, you will want to be very cautious about what foods you buy, limiting the soy that you let your child consume.

Many natural food stores off foods and snacks that are soy-free.

Disclaimer: Please be aware that the advice in this article should in no way replace that of a licensed physician. If you have any questions, please consult your child's pediatrician