carbohydrate used can’t be lactose (the sugar in cow’s milk) so an alternative carbohydrate is used – glucose syrup. Glucose syrup comes from corn starch. Tooth decay can be the result of many
factors, not only the presence of sugars in a food or drink. Research has shown that soya infant formulas are no more likely to cause tooth decay than normal infant milks. The most important factor appears to be how they are consumed. Any food or drink containing sugars shouldn’t have frequent or prolonged contact with teeth and trainer cups should be used as soon as your baby is able to drink this way. Thus, if normal weaning practices are adopted, soya infant formulas (or other formulas) should not cause harm to teeth. Soya infant formulas have been used for
decades – indeed a review on this subject in Nutrition Reviewstates that for more than 70 years “soya-based infant formulas have been fed to millions of infants worldwide and studied in controlled clinical research... Consequently, soya-based infant formulas continue to be a safe, nutritionally complete feeding option for most infants.” Of course, soya is not a natural food for
babies, but then again nor is cow’s milk, which is loaded with oestrogens – and not the mild ones derived from plants but potent oestrogens from another mammal. And we have already seen the host of illnesses and conditions that may be linked to infants consuming dairy products.
22 Vegetarian and Vegan Mother and Baby Guide
“Scientific studies show that balanced vegetarian and vegan diets are not only perfectly safe during pregnancy and childhood but may confer significant health advantages over the longer term. Vegan diets will no doubt come to be regarded as the very best health insurance policy a parent can give their children.” Dr Justine Butler, VVF health consultant
Our opinions are that we would choose soya
formula milk to feed our babies (and did!) and consider soya milk to be a healthy food for both children and adults and far superior to cows’ milk.
Making the formula
screw on the cap and shake to dissolve. Store the bottle in the fridge but throw any away that is not used within 24 hours. Some babies like their formula straight
Making up the formula depends on the brand so ensure you read the label properly. Generally, the method is as follows: wash your hands first and boil enough water for the number of bottles you intend to make. When boiling the water empty the kettle and put in fresh water – water that has been boiled before may have levels of minerals that are too high. Let the water cool and then put the correct amount in each bottle, using the measure on the side. Measure the formula using the scoop provided. Don’t pack it down as too much powder can be harmful. Level it off with a knife. Add the powder to the bottle,
from the fridge and others prefer a bottle warmed in a bottle warmer, microwave oven or jug of hot water. To give a bottle, cradle the baby in the crook of your arm so that she is cosy and close to you. When practical, open your shirt so that she can feel the warmth of your skin. Gently touch the baby’s cheek nearest to you and as she turns towards you pop the teat in her mouth. Make sure you tilt the bottle well so that the milk fills the teat end of the bottle and no air can get in – this would give her colic. Pull on the bottle a little as your baby sucks, to keep up the suction. After your baby has finished her feed, ‘burp’ her as described at the end of the breastfeeding section.
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