Baby Nutrition Care

Soy milk (also known as soya milk) is a non dairy form of milk that is made from soya beans. Unlike cow’s milk, soy milk is 100% lactose free and therefore it is a great alternative for your toddler if he/she suffers from lactose intolerance.

According to a study, about 2.5% of toddlers are allergic to cow’s milk whereas only 0.5% of toddlers are allergic to soy milk. Toddlers can have a cow’s milk allergy, which is the result of their body not reacting well to the proteins that it contains. There are two parts of milk, – whey and caseins. Some toddlers have an allergic reaction to the proteins in both of them or just one of them. In this case, soy milk would be a good alternative for them.

Soy milk may also provide your toddler with beneficial protein, calcium, B vitamins, vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which is helpful in maintaining his/her healthy. Soy milk is also low in saturated fat and sodium, but high in dietary fiber.

Additionally, one of the other key features of soy milk is that it contains isoflavones. These are thought to be linked with a number of health benefits including the prevention of heart disease, some cancers and osteoporosis. In countries where soy milk is present in the diet rather than cow’s milk, the frequency of these diseases is much lower.

Isoflavones are antioxidants which help protect our cells against free radicles and oxidation. Isoflavones are not present in cow’s milk. Therefore, it is very important for us to provide our toddlers with soy milk as this will prevent them from developing heart related diseases and cancers when they grow up.

In conclusion, we shall include soy milk in our toddler’s diet due to its associated health benefits.

Tofu, part of the legume family, is coagulated soymilk – the method by which it is made is similar to the way that cheese is made from milk. It is also called “soybean curd” or “bean curd”. It first appeared in China in the 2nd century BC and is now a staple food in China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore and Korea.

There are two types of tofu :

1. Hard / firm tofu – This has a firm texture, very similar to cheese. It is usually sold packed in tubs of water and is generally used as a “mock” meat, or in recipes needing a consistency that holds together well.
2. Soft / silken tofu – This has a texture similar to custard and is usually sold in a box or in foil. It is often used for desserts, soups, smoothies and sauces.

Tofu contains almost all of the nutritional benefits of the soybeans. It contains good amount of calcium, iron, fatty acids, fiber and other important nutrients. It is also high in complete protein. When it is mixed with grains, for instance, it forms a complete high quality protein. 4 ounces of tofu provide about 9.2 grams of protein. Calcium, fatty acids and protein is higher in firm tofu. These elements make it the perfect choice as a nutritious food for babies.

You can start including tofu into your baby’s diet eight months after his or her birth. Be careful to introduce it gradually though, since a number of babies react to it rather nastily, soy being a ‘potential allergen’. Look out for running nose, vomiting tendencies, wheezing and reddening or watering of the eye. In case you suspect your baby is breaking into an allergy of some sort, contact your pediatrician immediately.

It is very easy to incorporate tofu into your baby’s diet because it has very little taste of its own. Instead, it absorbs the flavors of any foods it comes into contact with. Initially, you could try blending tofu with cottage cheese or avocado, for a simple, nutritious meal. Soft tofu creamed with fruit would make a delicious dessert for baby. Alternatively, tofu can be cut into chunks and served to your baby raw, as a healthy finger food.

Given the health benefits and the high adaptability of the item, tofu will soon become an indispensable part of your baby’s diet. And even while he eats it unaware only you will know how it will make him bigger and stronger.