Allergen guide
🫛 Introducing Soya to Your Baby: When and How
Soya can be introduced from around 6 months, starting with a small amount of tofu, unsweetened soya yoghurt or mashed edamame. Once it suits your baby, keep offering it as part of a varied diet.
When to introduce soya
Soya can be offered from around 6 months, once your baby is enjoying a few other first foods. Tofu, unsweetened calcium-fortified soya yoghurt and mashed edamame beans are gentle ways to begin. Soya drinks are fine in cooking but should not replace breast milk or formula as a main drink in the first year. Some babies who react to cows' milk also react to soya, so check with your GP if that applies.
How to start
- Pick a calm day at home when your baby is well
- Offer soya earlier in the day so you can keep an eye on them
- Start with a small amount, such as a teaspoon of soya yoghurt or mashed tofu
- Keep it as the only new food that day
- If all goes well, offer a little more over the next few days
First ways to offer it
- Soft fingers of firm tofu, lightly fried or baked
- Unsweetened soya yoghurt with fruit puree
- Edamame beans, cooked and mashed or squashed flat
- Silken tofu blended into a vegetable puree
Keep it going
Once soya is going well, keep it in your baby's week regularly, ideally once or twice a week. Tofu in a stir fry, soya yoghurt at breakfast or soya mince in a bolognese are easy ways to keep it familiar.
Signs of a mild reaction
- A red, blotchy or raised itchy rash, often around the mouth or on the face
- Mild swelling of the lips, face or around the eyes
- Itchy or red skin
- A runny or blocked nose, sneezing or watery eyes
- Being sick, tummy ache or diarrhoea
If you notice mild signs, stop offering the food and speak to your doctor or health visitor before trying again.
Signs of a severe reaction
- Swelling of the tongue or throat
- Trouble breathing, or noisy, fast or hard breathing
- Wheezing, or a cough that will not stop
- A hoarse voice, or trouble swallowing
- Becoming pale and floppy, or suddenly very sleepy
- Collapse, or not responding to you
Call 999 straight away and say you think your baby is having a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis). If your baby has been given an adrenaline auto-injector, use it now. Do not wait to see if it settles. If you only see mild signs, stop offering the food and speak to your GP or health visitor before trying it again.
Where soya can hide
- Soy sauce and miso
- Many breads and baked goods
- Vegetarian and vegan meat alternatives
- Dairy-free yoghurts and desserts
- Chocolate and cereal bars
- Ingredients listed as soya lecithin or soya flour
Foods in our database that contain it
Allergens with OBubba
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Questions parents ask
Are whole edamame beans safe for babies?
Whole beans can be a choking risk for young babies, so mash them or squash each one flat before offering.
Can I use soya drink instead of cows' milk?
Unsweetened, calcium-fortified soya drink can be used in cooking from around 6 months and as a drink from 12 months. It is not a replacement for breast milk or formula before then.
Is soy sauce okay for babies?
Soy sauce is very salty, so it is best kept out of your baby's food. Tofu and soya yoghurt are better ways to introduce soya.
Other allergens
Sources
- NHS: Food allergies in babies and young children
- BSACI: Early feeding guidance
- NHS Start for Life: Weaning
OBubba gives general information based on UK guidance. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose anything. Every baby is different. If your baby has a known allergy, severe eczema or a medical condition, speak to your doctor or health visitor before starting solids. Learn baby first aid, and in an emergency call your local emergency number (999 in the UK).