According to the British Dietetic Association, in the UK cow's milk allergy affects 2-3% of children. It typically starts in babies under the age of one years old and most outgrow their allergy as they get older. Whilst weaning can be a fun and exciting time for babies and parents alike, sadly for those dealing with allergies or intolerances this can often be a stressful time, trying to navigate free-from baby food products.
Cow’s milk allergy vs intolerance
Cow’s milk allergy (CMA) is common in babies and young children and refers to an allergy to the proteins found in cow’s milk. Symptoms includes rash, eczema or digestive issues like bloating, vomiting or diarrhoea.
According to Allergy UK, there are two main types of CMA:
Immediate cow’s milk allergy
Also referred to as ‘IgE mediated’ cow’s milk allergy. This type may appear within minutes or up to two hours after consumption of cow’s milk or foods containing dairy and, in some cases, cause anaphylaxis.
Delayed cow’s milk allergy
Also referred to as ‘non-IgE mediated’, symptoms can vary but mainly affect the digestive system and skin. Symptoms usually start several hours or days after consumption of cow’s milk or foods containing dairy.
Intolerances to dairy, which is often an intolerance to the milk sugar lactose, are a less common within this age group. According to the NHS, Lactose intolerances typically happen where the body is unable to digest lactose, a type of sugar found in milk and dairy products.
Dairy foods, including cow’s milk, form a major part of the diet as they help to support normal growth and development and the normal maintenance of strong teeth and bones.
Dairy free foods to include
Whether your little one is dairy-free due to an allergy or intolerance or if you have chosen to raise them plant-based or vegan - fruits and veggies are always a good option! Remember to always check the back of the label of any pre-packaged foods to make sure that there is no milk or dairy products in foods as there may be traces of dairy in foods that you might not expect!
Here are some of our favourite dairy-free fruits, veggies, and other foods to give our little ones. Remember to prepare them well for your child’s development stage, for example by steaming them, cutting them into finger-sized strips or chopping them into quarters.
Fruits and veggies
- Apples
- Bananas
- Berries (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries)
- Melon
- Mango
- Pear
- Kiwi
- Sweet potato
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Courgette
- Green beans
- Avocado
- Cauliflower
- Pepper
Beans and pulses
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
- Peas
- Kidney beans
- Black beans
- Edamame beans (soyabeans)
- Butter beans
Wholegrains
- Wholemeal pasta
- Brown rice
- Quinoa
- Bulgar wheat
- Oats
Fortified dairy-free alternatives
As your little one won’t be able to consume any dairy products, then finding free-from alternatives is a good option. What’s important to remember here is that many of the nutrients found in milk and other dairy products like yoghurts and cheeses, such as calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iodine, will not be present in your alternatives. To help ensure that we are minimising the risk of nutrient deficiencies, always look out for food items that are alternatives.
Calcium is a key nutrient that is found in dairy products, so when dairy is not consumed, it is important to add calcium fortified foods to their diet. Here are some good fortified alternatives:
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Calcium-set tofu
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Calcium-fortified plant milks
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Almond butter
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Broccoli
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Beans and lentils
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Figs
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Oranges and fortified orange juices (remember orange juice should not be introduced until after the age of 1 years old)
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Little Freddie's calcium-fortified dairy free yog*rt – this is the UKs first dairy-free baby yoghurt which is a source of calcium. It is available in Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Ocado.
As always if you are concerned about your child’s diet or worried that they might be missing out on important nutrition then it’s advised you seek professional health from your child’s GP or a specialist paediatric dietitian.
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