Babies are all different, and you never really know what to expect as you become a parent. But one of the most challenging aspects you might be dealing with is lactose intolerance. Learn the symptoms of lactose intolerant babies and find the best formula for lactose intolerant babies on this page.
Best Lactose-free Infant Formula – A Comparison Table
- Soy and plant-based.
- Supports the immune system.
- Contains 2’ FL human milk oligosaccharide.
- Soy and plant-based.
- Supports brain development.
- Rich in Iron.
- Soy and plant-based.
- Supports the immune system.
- Contains 2’ FL human milk oligosaccharide.
- Soy and plant-based.
- Supports brain development.
- Rich in Iron.
If your baby is allergic to lactose or even if they have a mild version of lactose intolerance, you will need to feed them a formula that is lactose-free. This could be challenging to find.
This detailed guide will tell you everything you need to know about lactose intolerance and how to choose the best formula for your baby!
Table of Contents
Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance in Babies
It is essential to be aware of the first signs of lactose intolerance in babies. Knowing this will give you clues about how you should adjust your baby’s diet so they can take the benefits from it and not be exposed to any risks.
An important aspect you need to keep an eye on is the fact that your baby will not be able to express their symptoms as accurately as an adult.
You will need to notice them and act accordingly! So, here are the most critical signs of such intolerance that you should pay attention to!
- Diarrhea: Left untreated, diarrhea can quickly get out of control. It can lead to dehydration in a matter of hours and even be fatal. So, contact your doctor as soon as you notice this symptom.
- Cramps: When your baby has tummy cramps, they will be fussy and irritated. They will not sleep right, and they might find comfort in odd positions. If your little one has pains, they might also clench their fists and arch their back.
- Bloating: A bloated tummy is easy to notice if you feel it with your hand. Even if bloating is not only an effect of lactose intolerance, it can definitely be one of the red flags.
- A lot of gas: Babies have gas in general, but too much gas should be a sign that you have to pay attention to. If they are crying or being extremely fussy as they are passing gas, this is also a significant red flag.
Best Formula for Lactose Intolerant Babies
The following products are the best formulas you can feed your baby if they have an intolerance to lactose.
1. Gerber Good Start Soy Plant-based Protein For Toddlers
This Gerber formula is perfect for babies that are lactose intolerant. You can count on this formula for a variety of vitamins and nutrients your baby needs.
- It is the type of formula that is rich in different nutrients to accommodate your infant. This is also very similar to the breastmilk in terms of the benefits it brings for the baby.
- You can feed your baby this formula from 9 months until they reach the 24 months stage. Your doctor will advise you on the details as to how often to feed it to them and how to adjust their diet when they start solid foods.
- The dairy free formula of this powder milk makes it very easy to digest. Your baby will enjoy its benefits as soon as you start feeding them with it.
- When your baby starts solid foods, you can use this formula to create different pure dishes.
- It is perfect for lactose intolerant babies and those with milk allergy.
- Rich in a variety of nutrients.
- Dairy-free.
- Easy to digest.
- It can be mixed with fruits and veggies.
- Adequate for babies from 9 months to 24 months.
- It has a strong taste that not all babies might like.
2. Similac Pro-Sensitive Non-GMO Infant Formula with Iron
Similac is a very popular brand of GMO-free formulas that you can count on. You will find it almost everywhere, and the majority of babies love it as well!
- This famous brand offers a wide range of formulas for babies that are lactose intolerant.
- You can feed this formula to babies to reduce gas and fussy moments. It is easy to digest, so your little one will have no tummy problems.
- This formula will help your baby develop a great immune system. It has all the nutrients they need to grow healthy.
- If your baby has galactosemia, this might not be the formula for them. Check with your doctor to be sure.
- This formula has 2′ FL human milk oligosaccharide, which doesn’t come from the human breastmilk.
- It contains essential ingredients such as Lutein, vitamin E, and DHA.
- Great for lactose intolerant babies.
- Rich in nutrients.
- Supports the immune system.
- Reduces fussiness.
- Reduces gas.
- More expensive than other formulas.
- Some babies might not like the taste of it and have threw up.
3. Gerber Good Start Soy Non-GMO Infant and Toddler Formula
This Gerber formula is perfect for lactose intolerant babies. It also tends to come at an affordable price, so you should feel comfortable investing in it.
- It is lactose-free, so you don’t have to worry about feeding this to a lactose intolerant baby.
- The main protein in this formula is soy protein. This makes it easy to digest and faster to assimilate for your baby.
- Thanks to the DHA formula of this powder, you will support your baby’s brain development as well as their eyes development.
- You can order more than one pack at a time, and it comes in a variety of types as well.
- This formula is also rich in Calcium and vitamin D. It has all the nutrients your little one needs.
- Non-GMO product.
- Lactose-free.
- Rich in vitamin D.
- Contains Calcium.
- Soy protein which makes it easier to digest.
- Might be more difficult to find at regular brick and mortar stores.
4. Enfamil ProSobee Soy Sensitive Tummy Baby Formula
Enfamil is also a great formula to invest in if your baby has a sensitivity to lactose and milk.
- This formula is based on soy protein, which is recommended for babies that are lactose intolerant.
- It contains no milk or lactose, and it is made of plant-based ingredients.
- This formula will relief the gas, fussiness, and the colic problems for your little one. It is one of the best formulas for babies that have a sensitive digestive system.
- It has enough DHA to support the development of the brain as well as the eye development for your baby.
- Recommended for babies in the first year of life. It is also a formula that goes well if you mix it with other recommended solid foods.
- Milk and lactose-free.
- Rich in nutrients.
- Helps brain development.
- Recommended for the first 12 months.
- Plant-based.
- Not all babies milk like the taste of this formula.
- Might dissolve harder than other formulas.
5. Nutricia Neocate LCP Amino Acid Based Infant Formula
Nutricia offers great milk that is safe for all babies. You don’t take any risks by feeding this formula to your little one.
- This is a hypoallergenic formula, so if your baby has lactose intolerance or milk sensitivity, it is a perfect choice.
- All the ingredients are of high quality, and it contains everything your infant needs to grow into an active and healthy toddler.
- This formula is for babies up to 12 months old. You can mix it with solid food once your baby is past 6 months of age.
- This formula contains probiotics, and it is the type of formula you need to feed your baby if they have a food sensitivity. Thanks to its nutritious value, it is excellent for preemies as well.
- You will find all the instructions you need on the box, so you don’t have to guess anything.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Great for all babies.
- Recommended for up to 12 months.
- Probiotic formula.
- Dairy-free.
- Might be more difficult to find it on the market.
If your baby has lactose intolerance, you will find relief in the fact that you can choose from the formulas in this guide.
By applying the information you find here, you will find it a lot easier to deal with such an intolerance problem.
Your baby will grow healthy and with no risks as long as you feed him the right type of formula for his body!
Key References
- “Lactose intolerance in babies”. Accessed January 06, 2020. Link.
- “Amount and Schedule of Formula Feedings – HealthyChildren.org”. Accessed January 06, 2020. Link.
- “Lactose Intolerance Symptoms in Babies: What to Know”. Accessed January 06, 2020. Link.
- “The Best Formula for Your Baby: How To Choose & MIxing Tips”. Accessed January 06, 2020. Link.