[Closed] Baby with dairy intolerance - any experiences?

At 6 months I’d bin the breast feeding for the sake of your wife’s health - so she can carry on eating dairy.
I’d then put baby on vegan follow on milk when needed.

Yeah our daughter had a suspected dairy intolerance from about the same age. We switched to non dairy milk and she's had that for the last 2+ years with no issues. As a household we all enjoy the oat milk from time to time it's a nice change.

We found Oatly and Alpro oat the best for her. Morrisons and Sainsbury's have been the best for supplies as one of these is almost always on offer at about £1 - £1.20 each so cost is OK but obviously around double what normal cow's milk is.

A lot of the cheaper dairy free milks don't have calcium so check labels. Aldi have just started doing an oat milk at 89p which tastes good and has calcium added.

My mates lad had this. Diary and eggs caused rashes, vomiting, diarrhoea etc.
He grew out of it after about 3 yo.
They were told it was quite common.

At 6 months I’d bin the breast feeding for the sake of your wife’s health – so she can carry on eating dairy.

I'm not sure if the GP foresaw that as a potential consequence when giving their advice. One thing I missed in the OP (now edited) is they advised this for 4 weeks to begin with.

I think we need a second opinion from my wife's diabetic team.

My baby grand daughter suffered a lactose intolerance and we had to use lactose free everything.

They suggested she would grow out of it through time and it appears that she is. Very small amounts of dairy just now but more than she could have as a baby. She's 16 months now.

I quite like the Lactose free full fat milk, it's pretty ace on cereals.

We had issues with lactose intolerance specifically; sproglet had to switch to lactose-free formula after similar initial symptoms. Lactose seems to be easier though, and in fact she is now fine with dairy milk (ie with lactose).

My niece was dairy-intolerant for a couple of years - caseine or similar which was more problematic as it meant no cheese, no dairy for the mother etc. I think it's been a bit tough at times (but still easier than when we were kids!); what's promising is that she's now gradually become able to consume dairy without problems.

Not helpful except that it's not the end of the world, and as above you might want to consider shifting away from breast feeding for your wife's benefit.

Our eldest daughter was diagnosed with allergies/intolerances to dairy, wheat, soya, nuts and egg after lots of issues not keeping food down (skin prick test used to identify these). My wife was also advised not to consume dairy while breastfeeding.

In ordinary times I would try and push to speak to a specialist and look at getting her teted, however that may not be easy at the moment and would also bring added risk to your family with Covid being out and about.

As mentioned above, Oatly and Alpro have been ideal replacements (with the added calcium) and there are many more dairy free products available now.

Daughter is now 6 and has grown out of most of the intolerances listed above, however while she can have small amounts of dairy, if she has a lot she's like a Tasmanian devil on acid.

Good luck!

Yes, our lad (now 2 years old) started getting the blood red mucous poo at around 2 months. He was breast fed too. Diagnosed as a dairy intolerance and my wife switched to non-dairy but he grew out of it by one years old and can now eat and drink dairy without any issues.

We had this too, but earlier than 6 months though so the missus adjusted her diet to suit (as she wanted to keep feeding). Wasn’t much fun but then we steadily got on the Milk Ladder and went from there. Now all ok, so hope your experience is similar

No direct experience but a friends lad had it when a baby and grew out of it by age 3-4 - as others have said it's not that rare, which I hadn't realised.

Both mine have a milk protein allergy. They ended up on a milk substitute called Infatrini Petisorb. Now on Oat milk (oatley) which is great and enjoyed by all the family. Just don’t use it in tea or coffee because it goes a bit wrong. Eldest, who is seven, can tolerate a bit of dairy now. Too much gives him stomach cramps or makes him sick. Not that difficult to cut it out as there are plenty of good alternatives nowadays.

Mrs F had to stop breast feeding, but that was related to other issues with our son. I would say for the sake of your wife’s and your sanity don’t keep breastfeeding if it’s easier not to, especially with your wife’s diabetes. There’s a lot of pressure for women to breast feed from some quarters, but it’s not always the right thing to do. For balance, I was breastfed and I’m a ****ing idiot 😀

Our little one is nearly 4 months and very happy and healthy but clearly has a milk protein allergy as had all the symptoms from the off. The missus cut out dairy completely and tried a few different things at various points like yoghurt and goats cheese, all with the same issues. Very grateful to have decent headphones when the baby was screaming uncontrollably.

We couldn't even get a doctor's appointment in person just over the phone and they aren't testing so just told the missus to keep to no dairy if it was working.

I still eat whatever I want so I have to do a bit more cooking but it's not a problem. I use cow's milk for me but she has hazelnut/cashew/coconut instead.

Desserts are an issue - she made vegan chocolate brownies yesterday and they tasted like arse. Hopefully tomorrow's dairy free sticky toffee pudding will be more successful. I know I'm selfish!

Missus has 2 electric breast pumps so only takes 15 mins and we just feed from the bottle as it's quicker and less stressful.

At 6 months I’d bin the breast feeding for the sake of your wife’s health – so she can carry on eating dairy.

Why would health be at risk from not consuming cow’s milk? I’m not aware of any special or evolving dietary requirements of humans for cow’s milk? Human milk is a different matter.

Our boy basically just cried and fed constantly for the first 6 weeks of his life.

We rang the paediatric nurse and she asked us to call in that afternoon. He ticked all the boxes for dairy intolerance. Special formula was prescribed and the wife went dairy free. Much happier little man after that.

By 12 months he was ok to on all things dairy after climbing the milk ladder.

My wife is a specialist paediatric dietitian with an interest area in childhood allergies, CMPA is her bread and butter, I’ll ask her to pen a post in a minute!

Evening, If your wife has previously eaten dairy and your baby has tolerated this then I would recommend that your wife continues to eat dairy and breastfeed. This will not cause your baby any harm as your baby has previously tolerated the milk proteins passing across the breast milk. In addition only a small amount of proteins pass across the breast milk and most infants can tolerate these. The recommendation would be to exclude dairy from your child’s diet for 4 weeks and then re-introduce. There is a milk ladder that you can use guide you through the process. I would recommend the IMAP milk ladder (this can be found on google)! I would recommend that your wife continues to breast feed for as long as she would like to, especially throughout the weaning process. Dairy alternatives such as Oat milk and soya milk can be used in food. Some infants can react to soya in a similar way to milk. I would recommend that you ask for a referral to a Paediatric Dietitian. Please let me know if I can be of any further help.

Desserts are an issue – she made vegan chocolate brownies yesterday and they tasted like arse. Hopefully tomorrow’s dairy free sticky toffee pudding will be more successful. I know I’m selfish!

Delicious dairy-free cakes recipes are all over the youtubes. No need to ‘suffer’. One of the very best vegan choco brownies I’ve ever eaten was made with black beans by our SiL! I’d never have believed it was beans. Flipping delicious. I also eat butter-free scones and I make my own cream from Oatly creme fraiche whipped with Pure olive spread, a little salt and some sugar. I also made it substituting the oat creme fraiche with Oatly Creamy Oat(single cream-like)

And jam is dairy free

With baking just substitute butter/marge with Pure spread (olive oil one or the ‘for baking’ one, either work and don’t forget to add salt if you normally use/like salted butter)

Rice puddings from a mix of soya milk and coconut milk (or oat milk), sugar, almond essence, orange zest and a little nutmeg.

Once you nail milk-free cakes then dairy-free custard is just a carton away, or make your own milk-free custards?

And if you’re still mad for butter, then diary-free ‘butter’ recipes are numerous. ie (just one example)

Note - many recipes have coconut oil for the creamy fat content. Make sure to use refined coconut oil, as it doesnt have the overpowering coconut taste, rather a neutral taste.

Junior is now almost 8 and has been vegan all his life (vegan household). Not sure why people persevere with trying to reintroduce dairy, my sister did the same with her lad.

I had the same as a baby. I've no idea what my parents did to ease or resolve, I was too busy crying, sleeping and shitting to pay much attention.

<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Our little boy spent his first few months permanently irritable with cold like stuffiness, skin rashes and terrible nappies. We had numerous tests including bloods (horrendous to watch as your baby is screaming for help) and they all came back inconclusive. The GP / paediatrician / dieticians were dismissive and totally unhelpful so we just cut everything out and after a while reintroduced potential allergens: turns out that dairy gives him the skin rashes and flushed cheeks; egg protein gives him upset tummy; and soya just makes him go insane and aggressive. My wife breastfed until he was about 2.5 years so cut all elements out of her diet as when she ate them it had a noticeable effect on him. We got a handle on it in a month or so and he has had no flare ups since. We keep trying him on the milk ladder every now and again and he can tolerate baked dairy now with no problems but not more than that. To be honest, we’re in no rush to introduce dairy back; cutting back for all of us is probably a good thing and remarkably easy!</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">He’s now 4 and we know what we can / can’t give him. The best milk substitute is Oatly by a country mile; they do crème fraîche too and their ice cream is lush. Bread often has soya / dairy in it but various loaves in Tesco / Sainsbury’s don't so just scan the label. Don’t bother with vegan cheese as it’s horrendous. Be mindful with wine too; milk is added to clarify it so buy vegan. Deserts and treats by Wicked are really nice. Oh, and Aldi has just introduced a vegan range; my wife basically bought up the store’s allocation of cookies as they’re lush!</span></p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Good luck!</span></p>
PS. We found lots of support through Facebook groups lined to CMPA.

‘Don’t bother with vegan cheese it’s horrendous’

That was my take for years and for good reason. Things have improved to a degree that is often startling yet still sometimes revolting. So at least there is a range.

Supermarket-branded dairy-free cheeses are typically the worst offenders and even the best of them doesn’t come close to ‘proper’ nut cheeses such as ‘Veganzola’ which I first tried at Xmas - and it’s off the chart in both taste and expense.
As good as any dairy cheese and nicer than many, IMO. Obviously (as per cakes/baking) homemade (think they call it ‘artisan in these weird times) is the way to go if you want really tasty/good, like from a deli .

As for supermarket brands - I don’t like many and in general you have to mentally separate the flavour profile from ‘dairy’ and cheese you are used to, and instead assess them on their own merit/taste.

But I find the Applewood vegan cheese is pleasant. Same for the Sheese Smoked German round.

Also the Violife Greek white block is like a creamy goaty feta. Read the reviews at Tesco of Feefo websites to get varied opinions/reviews

I am an adult with dairy intolerance which has got worse with age. Butter is the worst, leads to vomiting, milk was almost as bad but i only had it in coffee (now black) Giving up cheese was a killer, love pizza and scottish cheddar but it has a profound effect on productivity if tasks cannot be undertaken whilst on the can.

I am however a lot healthier for it. I get all my needed goodness from non dairy sources which tend to have much less fat in them.

I used to find lunchtimes were so tough, due to old my job being lots of travel for meetings i relied on supermarkets for lunch and nearly every sandwich, pasta or wrap has either butter or cheeze on it. ( i dont like mayo/psychological thing as it feels lie a dairy product) Its now getting a lot better with lots of vegan options.

Most say baby intolerance to dairy goes but if it doesnt then kid will be grand growing up and probably healthier for it!

NB whoever was the first person to think "hmm, that baby cow sure loves sucking on those mummy cow teats, I should give that a go" has a lot to answer for!! Like really, what made someone do that!!! Bleurg

Thanks so much everyone for your input! I'd not checked back to the thread for a day or so. Will have a good read back over the posts.

One good update is that we don't think going dairy free will have as much an impact on my wife's diabetic control as we first thought. Some significant changes but it should be ok. One key find was that digestive biscuits are dairy free 😀 Sounds a bit odd but things like that are a known quantity of carbs and my wife knows if she's going slightly low, a biscuit will put her back on the level, but won't create a blood sugar spike.

Also grateful that my daughter seems fine other than the nappy output. Seems other people have had it much worse

Have you tried taking it back for an exchange or refund? You might want to do it soon as theres all sorts of Brexit related supply issues and if its outside the 6 month window it will be on you to prove its faulty.

We had to go lactose free with my daughter at around that age (she's 17 now) but slowly re-introduced it as she got older - special formula milk.

She's fine now with dairy. Well, milk on cerial is all she has. Hates cheese.

Been there as well.
Youngest vomiting all the time after being breast fed.
Mid wife suggested WySoy as an alternative, difference was night and day almost instantly.
She is nearly 16 now and up until recently she was still drinking WySoy.
Doesn't drink cows milk, have tried some of the other alternatives but she's not fussed.
She will happily eat ice cream, chocolate, etc but does know there will be consequences, most notably a sore stomach.

At 6 months I’d bin the breast feeding for the sake of your wife’s health – so she can carry on eating dairy.
I’d then put baby on vegan follow on milk when needed.

Erm, and I speak as a family of huge dairy eaters, where my wife breastfed our youngest who also had a dairy allergy for his first 9 months, it's perfectly simple to be healthy and not eat dairy.

He grew out of it. My wife just upped her quality meat and nut content. Easy to make your own coconut "pouring" milk by watering down tins or making own almond milk in a blender.

Good luck, hopefully it will pass. I'd recommend, as does the NHS, WHO and almost everyone, that breast is best. Just replace mums dairy with some quality fats/oils and proteins.

My other half went off on a right old technical lecture when I mentioned this - she’s a health visitor for newborns-toddlers. Upshot was, see your local health visitor for advice. Also she said you can get the vegan milk on prescription, but GPs are reluctant to prescribe cos its expensive, so you’re best going via the health visitor. Something like that anyway, tbh I wasn’t interested enough to pay full attention 😜
Oh the “milk ladder” mentioned by burgatedicky was part of it, but I was lost by then.

Our daughter, now 6 months, potentially has a dairy intolerance. Without getting too graphic this is indicated by blood/red streaks in her nappy output.

Ours had the exact same thing, referred to hospital who confirmed it.

She was on formula so transitioned to Nutramigen (the least processed version) and has recently come off that at the age of 1 and now downs oat milk for now.

We're going through the dairy ladder to introduce her to dairy products now as her stomach is more developed, she's currently scoffing cheese on its own and milk baked into things like pancakes or other bakery things no problem. Next step yoghurt then milk neat.

Before the dairy ladder we tried vegan cheese and other fake dairy products, most were rubbish and she didn't like them. Thank god she can eat cheese at least, the vegan stuff is awful.

The only dairy alternative she really likes is the Coconut collaborative yoghurt, rice pudding things and chocolate pots.

Also she said you can get the vegan milk on prescription

Back in the day I believe if the mother couldn’t provide milk then they used to have wet nurses until weaned? 🙁

Back in the day I believe if the mother couldn’t provide milk then they used to have wet nurses until weaned? 🙁

You can buy breast milk as actual from modern day "wet nurses". It's a great thing as not everyone can nurse and this is how humans have done it for millenia before capitalism got involved with formula.

We had this with our middle one, it took us maybe 6 months of harassing the GP after trying all the different types of bottles, all the different types of milk etc and they finally agreed to send him to the paediatric nurse who then prescribed some awful smelling milk called Nutramagen I think. As above, we got the feeling that the GPs were making it difficult to get it to save costs, had it been our first kid the repeated insistence that it was all normal, and there was no issue may have persuaded us. Once we got the referral the paediatrician said it was clear and obvious what the issue was