When to introduce dairy back to baby?

Introduction
Introducing dairy back into a baby’s diet is a significant milestone for both parents and children. After a period of eliminating dairy, often due to allergies or intolerances, understanding the right timing and approach can ensure a healthy transition. This article explores when and how to reintroduce dairy to your baby safely.
Understanding Dairy Allergies and Intolerances
Before considering the reintroduction of dairy, it’s crucial to understand the reasons for its initial exclusion. Commonly, infants may be advised to avoid dairy due to:
– Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA): This is one of the most prevalent food allergies in infants, manifesting symptoms like hives, gastrointestinal distress, or respiratory issues after consuming dairy.
– Lactose Intolerance: While rare in infants, some may experience difficulties digesting lactose, leading to gas, diarrhea, or distress.
The Right Time to Reintroduce Dairy
The age at which to reintroduce dairy varies, but general guidelines suggest:
– Age 1 Year: Many pediatricians recommend introducing dairy around the age of one. At this stage, the digestive system is often more developed, making it easier for the baby to handle dairy products.
– Gradual Introduction: Start with small amounts of yogurt or cheese, which are typically easier to digest than milk. Monitor for any adverse reactions over a few days.

Signs of Readiness
Before reintroducing dairy, parents should also look for signs that their baby might be ready:
– Absence of Allergic Reactions: If the baby has outgrown their previous allergy, as determined by a healthcare professional, it’s a positive sign.
– Developmental Milestones: Babies who are reaching key developmental stages may be more prepared to handle new food types.
How to Reintroduce Dairy
When reintroducing dairy, follow these steps for a safe approach:
1. Consult with a Pediatrician: Always seek advice from a healthcare professional before starting the reintroduction process, especially if there is a history of allergies.

2. Start with Small Portions: Introduce dairy in small amounts. For instance, begin with a teaspoon of yogurt or a small piece of cheese.
3. Monitor Reactions: Carefully observe your baby for any signs of intolerance or allergy over a 2-3 day period after each new dairy food introduced.
4. Document Changes: Keeping a food diary can be helpful in tracking any reactions, aiding both parents and healthcare providers in understanding the baby’s tolerance.
5. Diversify Dairy Options: If the initial test is successful, gradually introduce other dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt, while continuing to monitor for any adverse effects.
Conclusion
Reintroducing dairy to your baby’s diet can be a rewarding experience, marking an important step in their dietary development. By being vigilant and following a structured approach, parents can ensure a smooth transition back to dairy. Always remember that each child is unique; patience and careful observation are key to determining the right path forward.

Can you start introducing cow’s milk at 11 months?

“The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends no cow’s milk at all until your child turns 12 months old. (Find out more about when and how to introduce cow’s milk.)

How to tell if a breastfed baby is dairy intolerant?

Symptoms may include:

1. pain and swelling in the tummy.
2. failure to settle at feeding times, coming on and off the breast.
3. failure to gain weight.
4. diarrhoea.
5. bulky, frothy and watery faeces.
6. red bottom with skin worn away in places.
7. passing wind and crying when passing faeces.
8. irritability.

How do I reintroduce dairy to my breastfeeding diet?

This can be done by gradually adding milk back into the diet at home. Milk is introduced into the diet by following a ‘milk ladder’ where each food contains increasing levels of milk protein. It is important to start with well-cooked/processed milk first before progressing to ‘raw’ dairy products.

When can I start eating dairy again while breastfeeding?

If your baby reacts to cow’s milk proteins in your breast milk, you will be advised to avoid milk (dairy) whilst breastfeeding. This is usually done as a trial for between 4 to 6 weeks to see if your baby’s symptoms improve. If they do not, and you were following the diet strictly, you can return to your normal diet.

When can I reintroduce dairy to my baby?

Each food allergy your baby has needs a six month waiting period before attempting to reintroduce that food. If you cut soy three months ago but dairy six months ago, you can try dairy first. But you’ll need to wait three more months to try soy.

When to reintroduce lactose to baby?

Food for lactose intolerance in babies
Try to reintroduce your baby’s usual formula within eight weeks, once your baby’s gut has healed1,4.

What does baby poop look like with a milk allergy?

Green, bloody, or mucus-tinged stool—along with some other issues—could indicate a milk allergy. If you suspect your baby has a cow’s milk protein allergy, keep an eye out for these common issues that may occur shortly after feeding: wheezing, coughing, swelling, a rash, gas, crying, and unusual poops.

Can my 9 month old have cow’s milk on cereal?

Cows’ milk can be used in cooking or mixed with food from around 6 months of age, but should not be given as a main drink until your baby is 1 year old.

How to tell if a breastfed baby has a dairy allergy?

Common symptoms may include:

1. Hives.
2. Swelling under the skin, especially around the eyes or mouth.
3. Swelling of the tongue or throat.
4. Wheezing or respiratory distress.
5. Low blood pressure (hypotension)
6. Vomiting.

Can I stop formula at 11 months?

It’s best to wait until about 12 months to stop giving your baby formula. Babies still need nutrient-dense food sources, though, and cow’s milk is the best thing to transition to. But your baby’s digestive system won’t be ready until they’re about 1 year old.