Lactose free diet for babies

Some babies temporarily do not tolerate the natural milk sugar 'lactose' which is found in breastmilk and ordinary infant formula (made from cow's milk, and also in goat's and sheep's milk). Lactose intolerance in infants is usually a short-term problem. It occurs most often following a bad bout of gastroenteritis (stomach bug) and can last for up to 2-4 months. Lactose should only be avoided if the symptoms cause significant distress to the baby (e.g. crying, pain, nappy rash etc.)

Lactose-free infant formulas are available such as SMA LF, Aptamil Lactose Free or Enfamil 0-Lac. These taste similar to ordinary formulas and are available from pharmacies to buy. Until the age of 1, it is important your baby drinks at least 600ml (20 ounces) a day of a lactose-free formula to receive sufficient nutrients, especially calcium.

General advice for introducing solids (although this will not be dairy free specific, more detailed information is available at: (https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/baby/first-foods/)

• Solid food should be introduced around 6 months of age, when your baby shows signs that he/she is ready (sitting up, holding head, reaching for food...).
• First foods can include a wide range of simple, unprocessed foods (rice, oats, barley, semolina, peas, beans, lentils, meat, fish, eggs, ground nuts fruit and vegetables).
• Babies progress at different paces. You can offer different consistencies: smooth, soft, mashed foods or finger foods.
• Gradually increase the amount and range of foods to include foods from the 'allowed' list below.
• Never add sugar or salt to your baby's food, and avoid processed foods (foods with more than a handful of ingredients of the label).
• Wheat, nuts, seeds, fish, shellfish, eggs and soya should not be introduced until 6 months of age.
• Never leave a baby unsupervised with foods.
• By 1 year of age, most babies can manage to each chopped up family meals.

Can I give other drinks?

The main drink for your baby needs to be breastmilk and/or lactose-free formula. If other drinks are needed, cooled boiled water is the best drink to give. Baby juices are not necessary and they would encourage your baby to have a sweet tooth. Tea should not be given to babies and small children as it reduces iron absorption from your child's diet.

Milk substitutes to be used in cooking

If your baby is having a Lactose Free Formula, these can be used in cooking. The lacto-free brand milk and products can also be used. Alternatively soya, oat, hemp or nut milks can be used in cooking (as long as they are calcium enriched and not used as main drink until 1 year of age). Please note rice milk is not recommended for babies and children under 5 years.

Lactose and cheese

Lactose is found in soft cheeses, e.g. cream cheese and cheese spreads, mozzarella, feta, etc. However, due to the maturing process of hard cheese, most of the lactose has been removed. Therefore, hard cheeses such as cheddar and Edam are usually tolerated on a lactose-free diet.

Check labels - all milk-containing products must now clearly state 'milk' in the ingredient panel on the label. Most supermarkets will provide a list of milk free foods.

*consistency given appropriate to age