When your baby shows certain signs of lactose intolerance, it may be time to change your baby's formula from regular cow's milk-based to a soy-based formula. With your pediatrician's guidance, you can make the transition as smooth as possible for both you and your baby, remembering that switching to lactose-free formula is often a short-term solution to your baby's immature digestive system. Easing your child into the change in taste and texture can help in a more successful transition.
Step 1
Watch for signs of lactose intolerance such as dry, scaly skin, diarrhea, extreme weakness or forceful vomiting, according to FamilyDoctor.org, a website maintained by the American Academy of Family Physicians. All are signs of a food allergy and could mean that your baby needs to switch formulas. Mild gassiness and fussiness may be bothersome but are likely signs of an immature digestive system, not a food allergy.
Step 2
Schedule an appointment with your child's pediatrician to discuss the allergy symptoms you've seen. Explain how your baby acts after a feeding and bring the label from the can of formula that you've been using. Never switch to lactose-free formula without checking with your pediatrician first, warns the BabyCenter website. Soy-based formula doesn't have the nutrition that milk-based formula does, and you may need to supplement with other vitamins.
Step 3
Mix a bottle with half regular formula and half lactose-free at first. Although it may prolong your baby's allergy symptoms, your baby may balk at the difference between taste and texture when switching to soy-based formulas. Making the switch slowly by diluting regular formula with the soy can help your baby ease into the change and accept the soy formula more readily.
Step 4
Watch for problems while your baby switches to the lactose-free formula. If the same problems persist as you observed with the lactose formula, you should visit your pediatrician again, as the symptoms may not have been allergy related.
Step 5
Visit with your pediatrician regularly to check the progress of your baby's lactose sensitivity. For some babies, it's a short-term affliction and soon your baby can switch back to milk-based formula. For others, it will be the beginning of a lactose allergy that will need to be dealt with during your baby's childhood.
Tips and Warnings
- Always give your baby the various supplements that your pediatrician has prescribed in conjunction with the lactose-free formula to ensure a well-balanced diet for your baby. Formula containing lactose is always the best choice in babies, as it mimics the nutrition of breast milk closely.
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