This is a condition where the baby is unable to digest the lactose component of milk. The symptoms include diarrhea and nausea. Tests recommended by your pediatrician have to be done to confirm intolerance.

The two types are Primary lactose intolerance and Secondary lactose intolerance.

In the case of Primary Intolerance, the symptoms appear for a short 2-3 week period and disappear once the lactobacillus (the bacteria that are responsible for the digestion of lactose) is regenerated in the digestive system of the baby. This is very common until the baby turns a year old and during this time breast feeding has to be continued unless her pediatrician asks you to stop. However, all other foods containing lactose have to be discontinued until the baby is normal.

In the case of Secondary Intolerance, the baby has a chronic intolerance to milk including breast milk and foods that contain lactose and sucrose. In most cases, this condition goes away by the time the baby is one to three years old.

Lactose intolerance in adulthood is extremely rare although it may appear on and off due to depletion of lactobacillus.

Foods that may cause lactose intolerance:

• Foods containing milk or milk products.

• Bakery products like cakes and pastries which contain dairy products.

• New foods that contain milk or other dairy products.

• Certain combination of foods at least one of which contains lactose (this is learnt by observation of the baby's previous bout of lactose intolerance). For example, difficult to digest foods such as fries followed by milk or milk products

• Excessive milk consumption at a single meal.

Foods that are recommended if the baby has lactose intolerance:

• Soy milk is very effective as it provides the required nutrition as also beings the condition into control.

• Arrowroot porridge helps bring diarrhea under control.

• Curds or lactobacillus powder can be given to improve lactose digestion and regenerate lactobacilli in the baby's digestive system.

• Rice porridge without milk.

• Mashed rice mixed with curds.

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