Babies whose bodies do not make enough of the enzyme lactase cannot digest the sugars, or lactose, found in any type of milk, including breast milk. Although this condition is common in adults, it rarely occurs in children under 3, according to Medline Plus. Lactose intolerance in infants is usually due to metabolic disorders, including congenital lactose intolerance and galactosemia. Since people frequently confuse lactose intolerance with milk allergies, it is important to take your child to his pediatrician for an evaluation before changing his diet.
History
Prior to the beginning of dairy farming, when the milk of cows, sheep and other animals became part of the Western diet, most people became lactose-intolerant around age 3. In cultures throughout the world that do not include milk in their diets, lactose intolerance is very common; it affects over 80 percent of people over the age of 3, according to pediatrician Dr. Alan Greene. Since babies need milk to survive, they are normally born with the lactase enzyme. Some premature infants experience temporary lactose intolerance until their bodies start to produce the enzyme, but it rarely occurs in healthy, full-term infants.
Identification
Babies born with lactose intolerance will experience extreme discomfort after each feeding, and often suffer from diarrhea, vomiting, bloating and gassiness. These symptoms will occur regardless of the type of milk the baby drinks, making her unable to tolerate her mother's breast milk. If left untreated, Medline Plus cautions that lactose intolerance can lead to malnutrition, slow growth and weight loss. Many hospitals test for galactosemia when they screen your baby for metabolic disorders shortly after birth. By examining your child and observing her symptoms, your doctor can accurately diagnose your child's condition and prescribe an appropriate diet for her.
Considerations
Some babies develop secondary lactose intolerance after a bout with a viral or bacterial infection, such as a stomach virus. These infections can damage the intestinal lining and make it difficult for the baby to digest milk. Although doctors once advised feeding babies lactose-free or soy-based formulas while they heal, the American Academy of Pediatrics stresses that a change in diet is usually not necessary for a temporary condition that lasts for a week or two.
Misconceptions
Eliminating lactose from the diet of a nursing mother will not improve lactose intolerance in a baby. If your doctor determines that your baby suffers from a milk allergy, or a reaction to the proteins in milk, avoiding dairy products can improve your nursing baby's symptoms. Lactose-intolerant infants will need to drink soy formulas or lactose-free ones that are free of the milk sugars they cannot digest.
Potential
Once your baby turns one and outgrows the need for special formulas, it will become easier to manage his lactose intolerance. He will probably always need to avoid most dairy products, but he can drink lactose-free milk. He can also take special pills that help him digest dairy. Your doctor can offer specific advice for handling your child's digestive condition, including alternate ways to ensure your child gets adequate calcium, vitamin D and other nutrients typically provided by dairy products.
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