Dairy, also known as milk products, is a common ingredient in many foods and drinks, making it difficult for infants with an intolerance or allergy to avoid.

Breast milk or formula usually provides all the nutrients a baby needs in their first six months of life. Generally, introducing solid foods tends to happen around six months, and dairy is a large part of many baby’s diets from this point onwards as they transition from a liquid diet.

However, it’s crucial to monitor baby symptoms closely once you introduce dairy as certain individuals may have difficulty digesting it. This article provides an overview of the basics of dairy and how to detect any intolerance or allergy in infants.

What is dairy?

Dairy is a term used to describe milk and products made from milk, such as butter, cheese, and yoghurt. Dairy products are an essential source of calcium and vitamin D that are vital nutrients for bone growth and development.

However, some infants cannot tolerate dairy products due to a variety of reasons. Two common reasons include lactose intolerance and cow’s milk protein allergy.

Lactose intolerance

Lactose intolerance occurs when a person lacks the enzymes that help digest lactose, the natural sugar found in milk.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, gas, and diarrhoea, and may occur anywhere from thirty minutes to two hours after consuming dairy products. Most infants outgrow lactose intolerance as they develop more lactase enzymes with age.

Cow’s milk protein allergy

Cow’s milk protein allergy is a reaction that causes an infant’s immune system to mistake the protein in cow’s milk as a foreign substance and attack it. Symptoms of cow’s milk allergy include skin rashes, hives, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

It’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider if you suspect your infant may have this allergy as it can be severe and even life-threatening in some instances.

How to detect dairy intolerance or allergy in infants?

An elimination or modified food allergy testing is commonly used to detect dairy intolerance or allergy in infants. In such a test, a healthcare provider may recommend you to eliminate dairy products from your baby’s diet and monitor the impact.

If symptoms subside after eliminating dairy products, the healthcare provider may recommend slowly reintroducing dairy products to monitor any adverse reaction. Similarly, a dairy product may be introduced in a small dose over time to detect any adverse reactions. Reporting any adverse reactions to a healthcare provider during the testing phase is critical.

Dairy alternatives for infants

If a healthcare provider has determined that an infant is intolerant or allergic to dairy products, alternative food and drink sources with these necessary nutrients must replace dairy products. Here are some alternatives:.

Soy products:

Soy products such as soy milk, tofu, and soy yoghurt are widely available and a great source of nutrients like calcium and vitamin D.

Rice milk:

Rice milk is lactose-free, nut-free, and soy-free, making it an excellent choice for infants with allergies or intolerances.

Creamy avocados:

Avocado is a fantastic source of healthy fats and essential vitamins. They are versatile can be used as a spread or used to thicken smoothies and creamy soups without adding dairy.

Fortified formula:

If your infant is allergic to dairy and breastfeeding is not an option, you can opt for fortified formula that includes all necessary nutrients to promote growth.

Special formula with hydrolysed protein or amino acids is also available for infants with severe allergies.

Conclusion

Dairy is an essential part of a balanced diet, but many infants have trouble digesting it due to intolerance or cow’s milk protein allergy. If you suspect your infant has a dairy intolerance or allergy, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider.

They will guide you on the best course of action, which may include conducting elimination tests and introducing dairy alternatives. Always keep a watchful eye on your infant to detect any adverse reactions and report them to your healthcare provider.