Lactose Intolerance and Your Baby

Lactose intolerance is not an uncommon condition and occurs when the enzyme that helps the body digest lactose does not function properly or is missing altogether. Lactose is a sugar that is found in dairy products. When a person who is lactose intolerant consumes foods with lactose, it often causes problems in the intestinal tract leading to abdominal pain and diarrhea. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies younger than three years old are not usually lactose intolerant, but in cases where they are, it is essential that alternative foods are chosen to keep them from discomfort and possible intestinal complications. Before buying commercial baby foods, read the labels carefully to make sure that no hidden lactose is lurking, as many baby foods contain dairy products such as whey or milk powder.

Vegetable-based vs Dairy
Soy milk or soy-based drinks like Ensure make a good substitutes for dairy as soy contains the necessary calcium babies need for developing teeth and bones. If your baby doesn't tolerate soy well, you can use rice or almond milk, which are tasty, healthy, and easily digestible.

Cheese and Yogurt
Because cheese and yogurt are high in the calcium and protein your baby needs for healthy teeth and bones, these foods are important to incorporate in the diet. If your baby tolerates soy and enjoys the taste, try giving him or her soy-based cheese. Because the inherent lactose in Mozzarella cheese is broken down during the culturing process, this cheese makes a great alternative for a lactose intolerant child as it will not cause intestinal irritation. Yoghurt is also easy to digest because it is fermented, providing your baby with friendly bacteria that assist with the elimination of wastes.

Fruits and Vegetables
Creating purees and blended drinks from organic fruits and vegetables is an excellent way to ensure that your baby gets the essential vitamins, minerals, and phyto-chemicals so important for building a healthy body and immune system. Vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, pumpkin, and peas are good choices for a baby as they are easily digestible. Steam the vegetables lightly beforehand in order to break down their cellulose. The same should be done for harder fruits such as apples and pears. Peaches and plums can be cooked with their skins on to provide extra sweetness. Bananas, berries, mangos, melons, and avocados do not need to be cooked as they are soft and easy to digest as they are.

With freshly grown produce that you puree or blend yourself, you can be sure that there are no hidden additives that contain dairy. Add purified water to create a more liquid drink for your baby, or feed him or her spoonfuls of a vegetable or fruit puree. Combine vegetables or fruits, or give your baby one at a time. By making your own baby food you create a foolproof way to keep your little one lactose-free and filled with the best nutrition nature can provide.

Note: Before embarking on a lactose-free protocol, be sure to consult with your pediatrician.