Lactose free diet for babies

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

How long does my baby need a lactose-free diet?

Most babies grow out of lactose intolerance once their gut has recovered. To test this, try giving small amounts of dairy products e.g. ordinary yogurt or food made from cow's milk. If your baby has loose nappies and is unsettled, stop lactose-containing foods and try again in 1-2 weeks. It will take a bit of time for your baby to regain his/her ability to digest lactose, so increase the amount gradually.

If your child is still lactose intolerant at 1 year of age, please ask your Health Visitor/GP to refer her/him to a registered Dietitian.

What about Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is needed by the body to absorb calcium and the best source is from the action of sunlight on the skin, however young children should not be exposed to the sun for long. Vitamin D is only found in a few foods so a supplement is recommended for everyone.

Note: micrograms (mcg) can also be written as µg.