Soy – Tofu as a finger food for Babies. Is it good or bad?
A visitor emailed us about having tofu on our list as a good finger food/food to offer to babies. Her email is as follows:
“After my son has developed some food sensitivities, I found your site for wholesome baby foods. I like a lot of what I’ve ready, however, I am concerned that you are including soy-based items such as tofu as healthy food for babies and toddlers. I would like to point you to a few sites for you to make an informed decsion on whether to include soy among the listed foods:
http://www.soyonlineservice.co.nz/articles/soya_jola_chudy.pdf
http://www.soyonlineservice.co.nz/03summary.htm#formulasummary
http://www.mercola.com/article/soy/avoid_soy.htm
http://www.soyonlineservice.co.nz/04babyhealth.htm
Thanks you!”
We thought we’d reach out to our visitors and readers to get their opinions on the matter. We feel that in moderation, tofu is a perfectly safe and acceptable source of protein, calcium and iron for babies and toddlers. We do not recommendit be offered until baby is at least 8 months of age; in keeping with many pediatrician’s recommendations.
Please let us know YOUR thoughts on the soy issue. Do you feel it is safe or dangerous? Have you found any resources that you would swear by that offer your sound advice regarding the safety or dangerousness of tofu?
Category: Allergies
I can’t believe that soy would even be suggested as an infant food!!! It’s outrageous. SOY IS DANGEROUS for kids and adults. My friends son, 8 months, started growing breasts after being fed soy formula. Please stop recommending parents to use soy to feed their children.
Comment by Diana — September 14, 2008 @ 11:28 am
Umm….i think there’s a big difference between soy formula feeding and bits and bites of tofu here and there. Even the “esteemed” dr. mercola says that he’s not opposed to eating soy, just to improperly eating it. He thinks soy formula is an “abominations” too. But he’s quick to sell you some supplements that have the same nutrients in soy……….hmmmmmmmmmm
Comment by SallyB — September 14, 2008 @ 9:03 pm
I’m more qworried about all the soy that’s in refined and processed foods. I’d rather my LO (10 months) have some tofu bites than have refined and processed foods that contain the soy protien isolated or whatever it is called. The best way to avoid an overabundance of so in your diet is to stay away from packaged foods and cook your own healthy foods! Moderated is best for any food!
I do think that soy formula could be bad for babies and thanks God I never had to feed it to my LO!
Comment by Jordan — September 14, 2008 @ 9:13 pm
Our Diana has been eating tofu since she turned 8 months. Now at 11 months she is going through about a pound a week. She is very healthy, active and smart. She also eats an occasional soy yogurt every now and then, although, admittedly, it’s a much less “natural” food.
Comment by Greg S — October 5, 2008 @ 12:13 am