Lactose intolerance is a condition where the enzyme that helps the body digest lactose is missing or not functioning properly. Because dairy contains lactose, which is a sugar, when it is consumed by those who are intolerant of it, it can lead to discomfort in the intestinal tract, creating symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, lactose intolerance is rare in children younger than three years old. If a baby appears to be lactose intolerant, it is important that you read all food labels to ensure that there is no hidden dairy in your purchases.
Soy
Soy-based foods are a good alternative to dairy as they provide calcium needed for developing bones. Soy milk and soy-based nutrition drinks such as Ensure usually are well tolerated by babies. If your baby does not like the taste of soy milk, rice or almond milk can be substituted, according to the website Growing Kids. Soy cheese is another source of calcium and protein, providing the taste and texture of cheese without the potential hazard of lactose.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables can be blended to create healthful and natural purees for babies. As they are filled with essential vitamins, minerals, and phyto-chemicals, making baby food from organically grown produce ensures that there are no hidden additives that may contain dairy, such as milk powder or whey. Adding purified water to any fruit or vegetable makes a nutritional, lactose-free drink for a baby. Homemade Baby Food Recipes recommends that vegetables and some fruits be lightly cooked first in order to assist digestion by breaking down cellulose. According to Baby Center, mild flavored vegetables such as carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, green beans, and peas are good choices. Fruits such as peaches and plums can be lightly cooked with their skins on to preserve their sweetness. Bananas, finely grated apples, avocado, mango, melons, pears, strawberries and blueberries can be served raw.
Yogurt and Mozzarella Cheese
According to the online source for baby nutrition, Better Health, yogurt is easy to digest because it is a fermented food. Mozzarella cheese is also acceptable because the lactose in the cheese is broken down during the culturing process. Both yogurt and mozzarella cheese contain calcium and protein needed for bones, teeth and overall health.
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