This may sound like a staggeringly high statistic, but nearly two-thirds of Australians have some form of lactose intolerance or allergy. The level of discomfort and symptoms can vary drastically, but regardless, it can still be a very difficult thing to live with and shop for. If you and your baby are one of these two-thirds you will most likely find the need to shop for lactose-free formula.
If you find yourself in this situation there is no need to fear. There are more options available for parents than ever before and you need to be careful about what you choose. There is always help available these days to find the proper information relating to your specific issues. Lactose intolerance may not be the only reason to use these types of formulas, as many other things can crop up that will require a switch.
Keep reading to get some more information on why lactose-free formula can be a solid choice and when you should consider making the switch.
Lactose Intolerance
While a lot of Australians suffer some form of lactose intolerance, it is actually not all that common in babies. This is something that is not typically diagnosed until the child is older. It is not completely impossible though, and some babies will suffer from varying degrees of lactose intolerance.
This is when the body isn’t producing enough of a chemical called lactase, which helps in the digestion of lactose. This may not require you to make major changes in the diet of your baby. In a lot of cases, the baby’s development starts to catch up and the intolerance takes care of itself. Lactose-free formulas are always available to help during this period but may just be a temporary need.
Galactosemia
Galactosemia is a condition that you will be aware of very early on as it is tested for either before or after your baby is born. It is a fairly rare condition to come across and it is where the body cannot digest a certain sugar that is in lactose, and this will certainly qualify for needing a lactose free formula.
Specific Allergies
One specific and more common allergy that is found in babies would be an allergy to milk protein. This occurs when a baby cannot digest particular proteins in cows’ milk. The reactions can end up being very severe and dangerous, so you need to talk to a doctor about this. As it is not an allergy to lactose, you should not consider lactose free formula here as it can still contain cows’ milk with only the protein removed. Your doctor will be able to recommend specialised formulas when it comes to different kinds of allergies.
What If Baby Is Just Fussy?
Parents around the world will always struggle with fussy babies. It can be absolutely baffling to try and figure out what is making your baby fussy. Some parents will search for cures by trying different types of formulas, but you need to be careful before you start experimenting. If there is no medical need for your child to use a lactose-free formula it is not going to be the best choice. There are many other things you can try, and there is no proof that switching formulas will help.
Not So Lactose-Free
In the end, as a parent, it is your decision on what you feed your baby. Lactose-free formulas are certainly available for a reason, but they are not always what is needed. Before you start your baby on a lactose-free diet you need to consult the proper medical professionals and make sure it is what your baby actually requires.
