I Switched Formulas and Now..

Most people (around 70%) who are allergic to milk are also allergic to soy, so it is probably not an allergy. LActose intolerance has varying degrees of severity and is actually pretty rare in young babies- it is something that builds up/gets worse over time.

Soy formula causes constipation, BIG TIME. Soy formulas are meant to be a last resort because they are inferior to milk formulas in nutrition vs benefits. Probably he is just adjusting to the formula. Give it at least a couple of weeks.

Also, all formulas, generic and name brand are pretty much identical (by type, soy vs soy, etc). If a doctor recommends a particular brand it is generally just that the doctor has a relationship with the selling rep from that company and gets benefits from them. So I would take medical recommendations with that in mind- I work in the field and have had many a lunch paid for by formula reps.

Sorry, In my message I stated that I didn't know how old the baby was. I think I had read over that part.

It could be his tummy and digestive system still getting used to the new formula. Leave him on the new stuff for at least 2 to 3 weeks before making any changes again.

I understand what she is trying to say below but I am going to clarify a few things. All formula is not the same. However, Enfamil and Similac produce nearly the same formulas meaning: they serve the same purpose but some of the components (amounts of components such as whey) can vary. If you have chosen Similac and your baby is at least consuming it - stick with it. If the particular type of formula is not working for you then change it. The only way to tell if your child has an intolerance to lactose is to try a lactose free formula and determine if the situation improves. Owning a development center of children and having the only center that offers pediatric care I can tell you this:

1.) You can determine if your child has an intolerance to lactose early on. Try a lactose free formula.
2.) Many young children simply have soft stools until they reach the age of one. I have found that many parents overreact over their child's stools and you shouldn't expect them to be the same as older children. However, having a pediatrician examine the stools is in your case your best bet.

I'd also say be very cautious with switching formulas so suddenly and especially so late in his development. 7 months is a very long time to go before switching formulas and his adjustment to the new formula may not be doing so well in his tummy. If your doctor is not advising you in this situation: GET A NEW DOCTOR. If he hasn't assisted you in seven months with this problem, then let's face it. He/She is not likely to really give a hoot and never will be of any assistance.

Most babies are not lactose intolerant, it is the quality of the milk that is the problem, the quality of the lactose in powdered formula's is not only the cheapest available, but it comes from cows fed the poorest quality food who are then boosted up with antibiotics and hormones. Your child should be fine on good quality milk from a local farm, the stuff in stores is mostly garbage.

Please please please do you research on soy, it is one of the worst things you can feed a child, the hormonal impacts will last a lifetime.

http://www.westonaprice.org/soy/index.html
This describes the dangers of soy formula, please read this your child is depending on you to be educated and make the best choice for his health.
http://www.westonaprice.org/soy/infant.html

HI M.,

I agree with Heather W. Soy for a girl is bad but for a little boy is worse. Formulas in general are fillers and the little nutrition that is in them is usually contradicted by the fillers or the chemicals. This is what causes the constipation. If you can not breast feed or choose not to, then goat milk or even almond milk has more nutrition in it. At six months avocado is a perfect food that covers all the bases. Doctors are not educated in nutrition so you have to do the research yourself. If you'd like some help, get back to me. The westonprice website she gave you is a good one.

God bless,

M.
www.squidoo.com/ifyourbabycouldtalk

I have a 3 yo son who is lactose in tolerant. Recently he was constipated. The doctor said he was getting to much soy milk, which can cause constipation. Her advice was to cut the soy mill with water, rice milk or almond milk. We tried almond he didn't like it. We now give him rice milk with soy and his BM's are much better. He did go through an adjustment. It took a few weeks. I remember him being on isomil, but I don't remember his BM's. I hope this can help. Maybe there's a rice based formula. Good Luck :)