Pediatrics | Pediatric Allergy/Immunology Questions Milk allergy

Can my son have soy milk if he has a dairy allergy?

My son was diagnosed with a dairy allergy. Whenever he has cow milk, he gets hives or rashes, but I still want him to get the nutrients he needs from milk. Can he have soy milk instead?

3 Answers

I strongly advise that you see an allergist who will be able to test your child for dairy alternative milks to see which one he will be safe with. I would not suggest blindly trying products as you are risking a reaction in him.
Hi,

Assuming that your son tested negative to soybean, he can have soy milk. However, depending on the age of the child, I usually switch to a more hypoallergenic infant or toddler formula. We have observed that a significant percentage of children with milk allergy that are switched to soy milk, will subsequently develop an allergy to soybean and will have to change again. I suggest you consult a local allergist for more detailed recommendations.

Best wishes,

Duane Wong
Yes he can as there is no cross reaction between dairy and soy.