Diary Allergy & Weaning - 11 month old allergic to dairy and weaning from breastfeeding

My triplets were allergis to lactose the first year and a half of their lives. I gave them rice milk and nutramigen (enfamil formula for kids with lots of allergies) and I spoke with others who suggested almond milk- though my kids were allergic to nuts so I didn't try this. We ended up seeing a pediatric allergist for a complete list of their allergies. We went to Hopkins though there are likely people practicing in this community with that sub specialty training. Best wishes!

My nearly 14 month old son is allergic to Milk and Eggs. I caution you regarding listening to one of the other responses regarding testing the child with more and more of the dairy. I recently (3 weeks ago) saw pediatric allergist and was told the opposite. They believe that zero tolerance of the allergic food gives the child the best chance of outgrowing it! I would suggest that you talk to your pediatrician about and pediatric allergist so that you have the right recommendations. I primarily give my son the Soy milk and soy yogurts (which he loves) and occasionally rice milk. He prefers the Soymilk. A great website for food allergies is: foodallergy.org. I would recommend visiting that site. It tells you the NOT.. but also recommends options. Good luck

Dear N.,

We had to use Enfamil Lipil formula. Three years ago it was $25 for a small can (orange and gold color packaging).

Then came rice milk.

Our daughter's allergy to both soy and casein (protein found in milk & dairy products) which were present at birth, went away by her third birthday.

Regard,
J. B
Fairfax

My friend who is a strict vegetarian for religious reasons gives her 13 month old a combination of rice,hemp and coconut "milks" in order to get a good combination of the fatty acids and lipids needed for good brain development. She hasn't weaned her daughter, but uses this combination in addition to juices in her cup. Breastfeeding is, however, the best bet to ensure that he gets the right combination of nutrients in addition to whatever solids he is taking now. You might try reverse cycling and seeing if he will breastfeed more while you're together so you can eliminate the daytime pumping. Please get a referral to a pediatric allergist. At this age a total elimination of the offending food is your best bet for him outgrowing it later.

I had to give my little one elecare. It's a little expensive but it's worth it. They also make a toddler formula. Good luck with your choice.

N., try goats milk. If you can find it raw even better. I have had countless friends switch thier babies from two months to a year to goats milk with very little problems, especially the ones associated with cow's milk. THe reason is that goats milk is more similar to humans milk than cows. It's protiens are more easily digested. Raw milk is best, but i know that it is often difficult to find in this area of the country.

Can you have your doctor persribe the hypoallergenic formula? If so then your insurance may help cover the cost.

my daughter is lactose intolerant, not allergic. we have used soy milk, which is fortified, with success. you can find it fortified with all kinds of things like omega-3's, fiber,... i prefer the original or unsweetened. the children varieties are way too sweet. i used soy milk as well as i'm also lact int.

hello N.,

I have a 15-month old daughter who is allergic to milk, eggs, and nuts. I exclusively breastfed her for 13 mos. & 2 weeks. Her allergies are so severe that i couldn't eat anything that contained milk, eggs, or nuts while I breastfeed or she would have a reaction. I began researching formulas when I learned my daughter had food allergies at 7 mos. old after an emergency room visit. We had her tested and the allergist told us to remove all allergens from her diet and she will likely grow out of the allergy. So we don't expose her to anything containing the allergens. Also, because she was premature, she had acid reflux and serious gas issues. So I wanted a formula that would be gentle on her stomach. I found Nestle Good Start Soy-based Formula to work the best. it is broken down into simple proteins. I got a sample and tried that before I purchased a can. You can get a sample by going to the website and contacting customer service. Explain your situation to them and they'll send you a sample and coupons.

I know different things work for different children. But you should definitely avoid foods that contain milk while you're still nursing and get your son tested ASAP. You don't want him to have a life-threatening reaction. Also check out the food and allergy network.com. I find it to be very useful. Our emergency room visit scared me to death and now we carry an epi-pen every where we go. I pray I never have to use it.

Good luck!

Make sure you have him tested for a milk allergy. What is a small rash now could become life threatening if he is truly allergic. Talk to your pediatrician. My oldest son was on his formula until he was 2. If you can afford it that could be an option. Good luck.

As a kid, I had neighbors whose 2 boys were allergic to cow's milk. They used to drink goat's milk. My SIL buys organic goat's milk for her 3 kids, not because any of them are allergic to cow's milk but just because she's a bit of a health freak. I mean that in the nicest way possible. :o)