Lactose is a sugar found in milk and other dairy products. If your baby is lactose intolerant, it means that he cannot produce lactase, an enzyme in his body necessary to digest lactose. Symptoms of lactose intolerance include gassy symptoms, bloating and diarrhea each time your baby consumes lactose. According to DrGreene.com, lactose intolerance is rare in healthy full-term infants. However, if your baby is lactose intolerant, it is important to understand how you can provide him with lactose-free nutrition.
Breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding and notice that your baby experiences fussiness, irritability or diarrhea after a feeding, you may suspect that she is lactose intolerant. Since lactose intolerance is rare in infants, it is more likely that your baby is simply sensitive to something in your diet. Try avoiding dairy for three weeks to allow it to leave your system and see if that helps your baby. In the meantime, you may need to take supplements to make sure you get the recommended 1,200 mg of calcium daily. If your baby simply cannot tolerate your breast milk, talk to her doctor about lactose-free feeding options.
Formula
Your baby only needs breast milk or formula to drink for the first 12 months of life. If he cannot handle breast milk or formula made from cow's milk protein, you can find lactose-free versions of formula that are fortified with nutrients and vitamins. Talk to your baby's doctor before switching formulas in order to rule out any other problems, such as a milk allergy. Your baby's doctor can help you choose a formula that provides the nutrients your baby needs.
Cow's Milk
Once your baby is 12 months old, she is ready to drink whole cow's milk. The fat in whole milk will help her growth and brain development. If she is lactose intolerant, Babycenter states that you can find lactose-free cow's milk at grocery stores. These lactose-free milks contain the same nutrients as regular milk.
Other Options
There are other options and varieties of milk that do not contain lactose, such as milk made from soy protein, rice and almonds. Talk to your baby's doctor before switching to any of these specialty milks to make sure that you are still providing your baby with the nutrients necessary for his age and developmental needs. Look for specialty milks that are lactose-free but are fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
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