Is My Baby Sensitive to Lactose or Something Else?

Posted on by Mike Fuhrman
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According to the CDC, around 25% of infants are exclusively breastfed as recommended until they’re 6 months old. For the rest, they may get a mix of formula or be fed formula exclusively.

Regardless, new parents often struggle to feed their infants, and understandably, it can be cause for worry. Those who use formula have extra concerns, as these contain things like lactose and cow’s milk protein.

So if you’ve been having trouble feeding your baby, are they sensitive to lactose, or is it something else?

Lactose Sensitivity vs. Normal Newborn Digestion

It’s natural to worry about your baby, especially if it’s your first. You’ve probably seen fussiness, gas, or loose stools in these first few months, but in most cases, these are normal parts of newborn digestion.

Babies are born with immature digestive systems, and small issues may arise as a result, such as:

  • Frequent spit-up
  • Gassiness
  • Irregular bowel movements

The good news is that lactose intolerance in infants is actually quite rare, especially in full-term babies. If your baby only has mild symptoms and is feeding and growing well, then it’s probably just a developmental phase rather than a true sensitivity, and they’re on track to have a healthy body.

Lactose Sensitivity vs. Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy

“Lactose sensitivity” and “cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA)” are often used synonymously, but they’re actually two different things.

Lactose sensitivity is when you have difficulty digesting milk sugar. Symptoms include:

  • Bloating
  • Gas
  • Diarrhea

On the other hand, CMPA is an immune response to proteins found in cow’s milk. Symptoms are usually more serious, such as:

  • Skin rashes
  • Vomiting
  • Blood in stools
  • Persistent distress

With CMPA, you’ll most likely have to make dietary changes for your baby, such as switching to hypoallergenic formula. Or you can eliminate dairy from the breastfeeding parent’s diet. If your infant has true lactose intolerance, then there’s lactose-free formula available, too.

Signs That May Indicate a Real Issue

Many digestive symptoms are normal for babies, but there are certain signs that may indicate that there’s something more serious going on. The following are causes for concern:

  • Persistent diarrhea
  • Excessive crying during or after feeds
  • Poor weight gain
  • Visible blood or mucus in stools

If your infant has lactose-related issues, then they may also have frequent, watery stools and significant gas. You may see more of both after illness.

Key signs that indicate an allergy include:

  • Eczema
  • Wheezing
  • Chronic congestion

It can be beneficial to track feeding patterns and symptoms to see if you can identify trends. Should the symptoms become severe, ongoing, or worse, it’s important to make an appointment with your pediatrician.

When to Call a Pediatrician

On that note, knowing when to involve a pediatrician is essential to your baby’s health, as well as your peace of mind. You should call them if your little one has:

You should also consult your pediatrician if the digestive symptoms are bad enough to consistently interfere with feeding or sleep.

In general, these medical professionals often follow guidelines similar to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) best practices. These emphasize careful evaluation before making dietary changes, so recommendations may include:

  • Monitoring
  • Stool tests
  • Trial adjustments in feeding

Can a Stomach Bug Cause Temporary Lactose Issues?

Yes, a stomach bug or gastrointestinal infection can cause a temporary and secondary lactose intolerance. This is because when the lining of the intestine is irritated, lactase may temporarily decrease. As a result, your baby may experience short-term symptoms after drinking milk, like:

  • Diarrhea
  • Bloating
  • Gas

Since it’s a secondary lactose intolerance, it should go away as your infant’s gut heals. Do note that during recovery, your pediatrician may recommend temporary dietary adjustments, but they can go back to normal feedings within days or weeks.

If needed, you can look to local WIC programs for support. They often provide guidance on infant nutrition, as well as access to appropriate formulas if needed.

Have an Easier Time Feeding Your Baby

It can be distressing to see your little one struggle to feed, but before you assume they have a lactose sensitivity or otherwise, monitor their feeding behaviors. If you notice a pattern or symptoms get worse, then it may be time to make an appointment with your pediatrician so you can get to the root cause of your baby’s issues.

Keep reading our other pages to find more helpful information about raising a family.

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