- Lactose intolerance causes stomach pain from an overproduction of gas in the intestines. Often, babies will show signs of pain after a feeding by grimacing, crying inconsolably and twisting their bodies around to relieve the discomfort. Generally, these behavioral signs are related to a feeding, but general fussiness can persist throughout the day. Babies will also have trouble sleeping more than normal. They may wake up suddenly as if in pain and start crying.
- Lactose intolerance shows up strongest in symptoms of the gastrointestinal system. Colic and excessive gas as well as diarrhea and spitting up or vomiting are signs of lactose intolerance in babies. According to pediatrician Dr. Sears, diarrhea in babies is different than the usual soft yellow stool. Diarrhea in babies is runny, dark in color and occurs many times during the day. Since vomiting and diarrhea can cause a baby to lose fluids, it is crucial to contact your pediatrician for advice on how to prevent dehydration.
- Lactose intolerance in babies can also manifest as eczema. According to Dr. Sears, eczema is characterized by dry skin with a rough texture due to small white bumps. Your baby may have dry and scaly patches or the eczema may cover large areas of her body. Flare-ups can occur, where the dry patches become red, raised and oozy. Often, these areas will be itchy and uncomfortable. Eczema can often be relieved through keeping the skin moisturized and using gentle soaps during fewer baths.
- Ear infections are another sign of lactose intolerance in babies. Since babies cannot pinpoint where pain is yet, they will bat and pull at areas that hurt such as the ear or face. Other signs of an ear infection are fussiness, ear drainage and behavior similar to when the baby is teething. An ear infection combined with other symptoms will help your pediatrician diagnose lactose intolerance in your baby.
- According to Dr. Stephen Wangen of the Center for Food Allergies, lactose intolerance is uncommon in babies, although it can show up temporarily in premature babies and babies who have just suffered a bout of diarrhea. More commonly, babies show symptoms of a dairy allergy. Babies with a milk allergy will exhibit symptoms similar to lactose intolerance. Stomach pain, diarrhea, an itchy rash and swelling of the face are milk allergy symptoms to watch out for in your baby.
