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Lactose intolerance in toddlers or babies is quite rare and unlikely. It usually shows up in pre-teen years or in grade school. Lactose intolerance means that the body is not able to produce the enzyme lactase, which is needed to break down lactose to make it easy to digest. The undigested lactose is fermented by the bacteria in the digestive tract giving rise to gastrointestinal problems. While we do know the cause of lactose intolerance, it is still not known why it affects only some people. Genetics are known to play a role in this condition.  It is said that 90 percent of Asian Americans and at least 75 percent of African Americans, Jewish, Hispanic Americans and Native Americans are lactose intolerant.

One of the most common signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance in toddlers is diarrhea. It may be heartening to know that sometimes toddlers have only a temporary phase of lactose intolerance when its body is not creating the sufficient amounts of lactase, and may show the symptoms for at least two weeks. Lactose free milk can be fed during this period.  Other symptoms of lactose intolerance in your toddler may be bloating, abdominal cramping and gas. It is usually not fatal but can be quite uncomfortable.

Parents often mistake a milk allergy in infants for lactose intolerance. Although the symptoms are similar in nature, an allergy is an immune response while lactose intolerance is a digestive issue. Symptoms of milk allergy in toddlers can also be when they develop an itchy, dry rash and/or swelling of the lips, mouth and face when ingesting dairy products. A runny nose, hives and watery eyes are also signs of a milk allergy. It is best to have your baby’s pediatrician diagnose the cause of the symptoms.

There are various things you can do to alleviate your toddler’s symptoms if he is lactose intolerant, these are:

• Watch your Child’s Reaction: People who are lactose intolerant can tolerate small amounts of lactose. It would be helpful to watch how your child reacts to milk products to see what works and what doesn’t. Hard cheese is said to have lesser amounts of lactose, which can make it easier to digest. Yogurt with live and active cultures is another great option as it already contains the enzyme lactase which is needed to aid digestion of lactose. Also, your child may find it easier to have milk with other food items as it will slow down his digestive process, thus reducing his symptoms. But if your toddler is extremely sensitive to any dairy products, it would be wise to eliminate it completely till the pediatrician says otherwise.
• Nutritional Needs: Milk is packed with calcium and other important nutrients and vitamins. If your toddler has to be kept off milk and dairy products, it is advisable that you find other substitutes of minerals and vitamins in his diet. Calcium is extremely vital for a growing child as it helps to develop and strengthen bones and teeth. Toddlers should get about 500 mg of calcium every day. You can find sources of calcium in broccoli, green leafy vegetables, soy milk, fortified juices, tofu, oranges, canned salmon and fortified breads. Apart from these substitutes, grocery stores sell lactose free milk that has all the nutritional benefits of regular milk.
• Ginger: It has medicinal properties that can help alleviate some of the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Ginger juice made by boiling ginger root in water mixed with a little honey can do wonders for stomach cramps. You can give your toddler a couple of teaspoons of ginger juice for relief. Consult your pediatrician before giving your toddler any herbal treatment.
  

1. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/lactose-intolerance/ds00530/dsection=causes

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.