Hi J.,
I work for the women infant and childrens program (WIC). I deal with formula intolerances for over 14 years. I would not worry about switching from soy milk to cows milk formula. If it aint broke don't fix it. Your child is thriving and healthy. He is eating other foods and not having any complications. However, most infants that need soy formula at birth is usually due to an immature digestive tract. However, if it was due to an allergy, than switching back may create more problems than you had in the beginning. Let your child have the soy formula. Once you have tryed all the fruits and veggies, moved on to toast and crackers, rice, ect. Then it may be time to introduce yogurt. If you would like the "BEST" kind. Than I would suggest plain yogurt and add your own fruit (less sugar). Though baby yogurt is fine too, just more expensive. If you can find whole milk yogurt, even better but not a need. If he tolerates the yogurt, then try pudding, pancakes (made w/ milk), a slice of cheese, or even macaroni & cheese. Milk in its drinkable form is the hardest to digest. But, if you work slowly with the "dairy product" foods and your child does well on them its not likely to create a problem. There are a few exceptions to all rules. If your infant was extremely premature or had an illness or severe allergies then the doctor may recommend formula a little while longer (more like 15 months). Only because the amount they drink has the most calories per ounce. Please do not introduce whole milk until about 2 weeks before his birthday. Again, if switched to cows milk before the body is ready, then we could actually cause stomach bleeding (not always present in the bowel movement) thus the leading cause of anemia or low iron storages. Remember always start off small, then can give more and more each time. If there is a reaction and you only offered a tablespoon, than that hurts the stomack alot less than if he were to eat an 8 oz. container. Only introduce 1 new food every 3-5 days. And, when I suggested pudding and icecream (those should be in moderation, due to limited nutrients and vitamins) I would only offer 1-2 times a week. stick with whole foods and nutritious foods. Never anything with honey in it until 1 years old and avoid citris juices until 9 months old. When you do give juice it should be no more than 4 oz. daily and if he is ready for juice, he is ready to start with a sippy cup.
I hope this helps.... My advice would be stick w/soy formula until 1 years old and experiments with dairy products.
By the way, who says your child ever has to drink cows milk. Its not the milk that is important but the calcium. So many other foods can replace the need for milk. As long as they have calcium in it or is fortified like oj.
H. B.
Feel free to write a personal message if you have further questions.