Lactose intolerance in newborns can be a concern for parents, especially if their little one seems uncomfortable after feeding.
Lactose intolerance occurs in approximately 12% of babies and can be distressing for both baby and the whole family. Lactose intolerance has symptoms closely linked to colic symptoms, and in fact 40% of babies medically diagnosed with colic actually have lactose intolerance.
Understanding the signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance in newborns can help parents identify if lactose intolerance might be affecting their child and seek the right medical advice.
How do you know if your baby has lactose intolerance?
Lactose intolerance symptoms in newborns often occur after feeding and may present as follows:
1. Frequent Diarrhoea
One of the most common symptoms is loose, watery stools, especially after feeding. This newborn lactose intolerance poop may be explosive, green or frothy in appearance due to undigested lactose fermenting in the gut. Chronic diarrhoea over several days may lead to dehydration, so it’s important to monitor your baby’s bowel movements.
2. Gas and Bloating
Lactose intolerance can cause excess gas in the digestive system, leading to bloating. Babies may have visibly swollen bellies and may pass more gas than usual. This is often accompanied by discomfort, and your baby may cry or fuss as a result.
3. Fussiness and Crying During or After Feedings
Babies with lactose intolerance may become irritable or uncomfortable after feedings. They may arch their backs, pull their legs up toward their stomach, or cry inconsolably due to the pain caused by gas and bloating.
4. Frequent Spitting Up or Vomiting
While spitting up is normal for many babies, excessive spitting up or vomiting after consuming milk could be a sign of lactose intolerance. The baby’s digestive system may struggle to process lactose, leading to regurgitation.
5. Failure to Thrive or Weight Loss
In more severe cases, babies with lactose intolerance may struggle to gain weight or may even lose weight. This occurs when the baby is unable to properly absorb nutrients from milk due to frequent diarrhea and vomiting. If you notice your baby isn’t gaining weight as expected, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.
6. Abdominal Pain or Cramping
Your baby may express discomfort from stomach cramps by crying, squirming, or pulling their knees up to their chest. These symptoms are usually seen shortly after consuming milk or dairy products.
Diagnosing Lactose Intolerance in Babies
Diagnosing lactose intolerance in babies can be a challenging task for parents and healthcare providers alike. This is because the signs of lactose intolerance in babies are the same as the signs for colic (hence the term “colic associated with lactose intolerance”). In fact lactose intolerance is actually causing the colic symptoms.
This can lead to healthcare providers recognising the colic signs and not looking further to find the possible cause of the colic.
If baby is showing signs of colic we recommend asking your healthcare practitioner to investigate for lactose intolerance. It is also safe to try Lacteeze Infant Drops to help improve baby’s symptoms. Lacteeze is simply a digestive enzyme and does not contain any drugs. If the symptoms improve then baby is lactose intolerant and can continue to take Lacteeze until they naturally grow out of the condition (usually at 3-4 months of age).
Lactose Intolerance in Babies
Once lactose intolerance is diagnosed, managing it involves adjusting your baby’s diet to reduce or eliminate lactose. Some common solutions include:
- Formula for lactose intolerance newborns: If your baby is formula-fed, switching to a lactose free formula can help alleviate symptoms. Alternatively, Lacteeze Infant drops can reduce the lactose content in formulas to make them lactose free.
- Breastfeeding Adjustments: For breastfeeding babies, a pediatrician may recommend temporarily reducing the mother’s intake of dairy products or providing lactase enzyme drops to help the baby digest the lactose.
- Monitor Symptoms: Over time, most babies will outgrow lactose intolerance, particularly in cases of secondary lactose intolerance caused by illness. It’s essential to monitor how your baby responds to dietary changes.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While lactose intolerance itself isn’t dangerous, symptoms such as prolonged diarrhoea, dehydration, weight loss, or persistent irritability should prompt a visit to the doctor. It’s important to differentiate between lactose intolerance and other conditions like cow’s milk protein allergy or gastrointestinal infections, which can have similar symptoms but require different treatments.
By being aware of lactose intolerance symptoms in newborns—such as diarrhoea, gas, bloating, and fussiness—parents can take steps to ensure their baby’s comfort and well-being. If you suspect lactose intolerance, consult with your pediatrician for a proper diagnosis and personalised treatment plan to ensure your baby thrives.
