Milk and Soy milk question

My neice is not allergic to milk, but my SIL insisits on giving her silk soy milk. I thought that I had read somewhere (here maybe?) that whole milk was SO much better, is that true and why? I know her ped told her to give whole milk, but SIL doesn't like it, so she doesn't want to give it to my neice

Also, is it widely accepted to raise your child vegetarian?

She is 22 months old.

Re: Milk and Soy milk question

My pediatrician said that cow's milk is completely overrated and many, many countries do not give their children milk at all since many countries do not have even have cows. That said, my daughter is allergic to milk and drinks soy. He also told me that it is perfectly safe and acceptable to raise her vegetarian or vegan if I'd like, as long as I feed her enough protein and give her vitamins. She does get chicken now, but I would like to move back to an all vegetarian diet at some point.

Re: Milk and Soy milk question

the only downside to soy is that it doesn't have enough fat compared to regular cow's milk - since kids under 2 yrs old need so much fat for brain development those on soy are advised to supplement fat sources in other ways. So as long as she's doing that I don't see any need to worry. There are many vegans out there thriving without cow's milk.

Re: Milk and Soy milk question

Soy has been linked to children starting puberty much earlier.

Re: Milk and Soy milk question