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The Symptoms of a Soy Allergy in Infants

Soy allergies are common, especially in infants. Most of the time, a soy allergy will show up by the time your infant is 3 months old. The good news is that most children outgrow it. The only way of diagnosing a soy allergy is working with your pediatrician. If your infant is showing symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, like going into anaphylactic shock, call 911 and seek medical help immediately.

  1. Colic

    • Usually a baby with a soy allergy will have symptoms similar to colic. The baby will cry for long periods and be inconsolable. She will be fussy throughout the day and night with very brief periods of rest. He will not sleep well at night. Pay very close attention to her behavior after she eats. If your baby gets very fussy after eating soy, it could be a soy allergy.

    Gas

    • A baby with a soy allergy will likely have stomach issues. Again, it is important to pay close attention to your baby after having soy, either through formula or solids. Look for signs of gas. Check to see if your baby is releasing more gas than normal. Your baby may also be fussy and draw his knees to his chest. Also, check to see if her stomach is hard. This is also a symptom of gas in infants.

    Diarrhea

    • A soy allergy will likely lead to diarrhea. With an infant, it can be difficult to tell what is diarrhea and what isn't. Look for bowel movements that are runnier in consistency. Also, look for blood or mucus in the stool. Check your baby's diaper for stool discoloration. If you see any of these symptoms, speak to your pediatrician. Your doctor will need to rule out gastroenteritis.

    Rash

    • A soy allergy can cause a rash on your baby's skin. Look to see if little red bumps appear on your baby's skin after having soy. In most cases, the rash will be itchy. If your infant is older, he may try to scratch at the rash. A severe allergy can cause hives. If your baby starts to swell or seems to have trouble breathing, seek medical help immediately.

    Eczema

    • Eczema is a skin condition that can be caused by allergies. It generally appears as red scaly patches on the face or other parts of his body. If you baby has eczema, pay close attention to her skin after she has had soy. If you notice that your baby's eczema flares up or worsens, speak to your pediatrician. Your doctor may recommend eliminating soy from your baby's diet to see if it improves.

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