Baby Allergic to Dairy. Need Advice on Feeding Baby Good, High Fat Foods.

Salmon (wild caught)
Chia Seed Gel
Flax Seed
Sunflower Seed Butter
Other Nut Butters (after two years)
Edamame (in moderation)--this is actually a favorite snack of my daughter

Coconut is classified as a tree nut by the FDA only for purposes of labelling--"this product may contain tree nuts". Not really a helpful statement since it may have nothing at all to harm someone with an actual tree nut allergy. Coconut allergies are quite rare and not usually linked to the other common culprits (dairy, egg, soy, *true* tree nuts, peanuts, etc.). Coconuts are not botanically related to other tree nuts.

If its a dairy protein allergy, which is the most common (lactose intolerance is very uncommon in small children, its somethin that is developed as adults and exposed to cows milk dairy for so long that the body can't digest), she will likely be fine with cheese and yogurts, because these things are so processed that the proteins are almost non existent.

My oldest is dairy protein intolerant, when he has cows milk his eczema and psoriasis flare up and his skin breaks open and bleeds, falls off, crusts, etc. Its not pretty. So he avoids dairy for the most part, but he isn't affected by cheese because its processed and the proteins are almost gone.

I agree with avoiding soy milk. Its so overprocessed its not even soy anymore, and its just not a healthy drink.

Healthy fats can come from a healthy diet. Milk is not necessary. My boys have never really been cows milk drinkers (they nursed beyond a year), we drink almond milk in our house, and the occasional organic 1% for cereal or cooking, and both boys are extremly healthy. Both take a daily multivitamin and acidophilus, and fish oil supplements, and both are great eaters with a wide variety of foods daily. I think thats the most important, eating wide variety of healthy foods.

Use healthy oils when cooking - olive and canola both have good fats and are good for babies.

My son is also allergic to dairy. If you need any other tips, send me a private message.

K.
http://www.discoverytoyslink.com/karenchao

If your baby is indeed allergic (not just intolerant) to milk, I would advise staying away from coconut oil (as another poster suggested). Coconut has been categorized as a tree nut recently I believe, and has been known to trigger a reaction in some allergic individuals (including my daughter who is peanut, milk, fish and egg allergic). I suggest avocados, olive oil, olives, fish and eggs (if you know your little one is not allergic and is old enough). What are you doing for milk, cheese and yogurt? I am not sure how old your "baby" is but we do Rice milk, dairy free Soy Live yogurt, Tofutti "Cream Cheese", vegan cheeses (I think they taste gross but she eats them in grilled cheeses made with Smart Balance), etc.

Best of luck!

A. F.
Local Childcare Coordinator- Cultural Care Au Pair
(and FTWM to 2 kiddos under 3)
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http://aferrini.aupairnews.com

I had a baby with a dairy allergy whom I was nursing. It was tough finding foods that I could eat, so I made a list of ideas for others in the same situation. Maybe you can use some of this information to help you now or in the future if the allergy persists. Feel free to send me more questions if you have any.

I would double check on everything I tell you about specific pre-made foods since recipes get changed over time.

I shop at Meijers. Everything I listed can be purchased there. It’s really not hard to eat no dairy, it’s a GREAT way to lose weight, and you really don’t have to sacrifice on taste. Just make sure you get enough calcium from other sources.

My husband is a VERY picky eater who loves cheese and cream sauces. If I make stuff that usually has cheese on it, I just add it to his plate right before serving it. He has been very supportive of my non dairy diet. He can get his “fixes” when he travels or eats out at work. Your baby’s needs are more important than your husband’s wants.

BIG TIP – Look at the bottom of the list of ingredients on packages. There is usually a brief list of allergens. If dairy is listed, you can quickly eliminate that product as a choice. BUT don’t rely on that. If it does NOT list dairy, you still need to read all the ingredients, because some companies don’t consider dairy to be an allergen.

Milks –
I think soy is gross. I tried Rice milk but too starchy for me and doesn’t work well with baking (makes the food too crispy – seriously). I prefer Almond Milk (in the boxed milks on the dry goods aisle). Almond milk works great for cooking and doesn’t taste half bad in pinch if you are dying to eat cereal, though it’s a little sweet for my taste. I just use it in cooking.

Butter –
Earth Balance Original (yellow/tan/brown tub) – it’s really not bad – I add salt to it, though, when making toast or garlic bread with it.

Mayonnaise – Is not made with dairy, though people think it is
Many salad dressings do have dairy so watch out for those

Breads –
most Aunt Millie’s breads; it seems that all sourdough and cibatta breads are dairy free
homemade cornbread made with almond milk
refrigerated Pillsbury Crescents (check to make sure you aren’t getting a variety with dairy)

Breakfast –
Oatmeal, Cream of Wheat, Malt O Meal, Quaker Instant Oatmeal (texture is better microwaved),
waffles/pancakes/coffeecake – all made with Bisquick and water or almond milk
apple fritters made with almond milk
Krusteaz banana bread mix

Crackers – not many – Saltines and Wheatables

Cookies –
regular Oreos, cool mint oreos, Fudgees by Oreo, Nutter Butters, Teddy Grahams, refrigerated peanut butter and sugar cookie doughs (check the ingredients, though, just to make sure)

Dessert –
MANY Duncan Hines cakes and icings including buttercream icing
Ghiradelli chocolate brownie mix (some of the varieties do have dairy, but the one with chocolate chunks does not – read the ingredients)
Marie Callenders frozen peach pie (and probably some other fruit pies)
Make your own fruit pie
rice krispie treats made with your soy butter

Quaker Simple Harvest Chocolate Chunk Granola bars

JUNIOR MINTS – oh yeah! (the box says it MAY have dairy but I called the company and they said they are just made in a factory that uses dairy for other products)

Lunch -
tuna, sandwiches with mayo and mustard,
Hebrew National kosher hot dogs (yes, other hot dogs have dairy)
salads with meat added
pb&j
pigs in a blanket with little smokies and refrig. crescents
egg salad

Ingredients for meal prep -
Progresso Beef Broth in a box (broths and boullions have dairy)
Swanson Chicken Broth in a box
dry stuffing mix in place of bread crumbs (packaged bread crumbs have dairy)

Dinner Ideas –
tacos, fajitas – I use homemade guacamole to make up for the lack of cheese and sour cream
chicken marsala without the parmesan cheese
potroast meatloaf spaghetti (just check the sauce) stew
ham pk chops bbq chicken
burgers pork tenderloin chili
homemade soups – split pea, beef, chicken noodle, Pasta Fagioli (like at the Olive Garden), chicken and dumplings (use Bisquick)

TIPS for Eating Out–
ask to speak to the manager – waiters get confused. Tell them you have a dairy allergy and they will be very happy to help you. They have lists of ingredients and allergens and will often show you the list if necessary.

Remind them that mayo and eggs are not dairy (they get confused on that).

Make sure to ask that things are not cooked on the skillet with butter.

Chipotle has dairy in it – so don’t order anything with a chipotle spread

Salads – just use oil and balsamic vinegrette for dressing

I made a list on a little piece of paper and carry in my wallet in case I order fast food. (I wouldn’t trust the manager at fast food places to have a clue about allergies). Here’s my list:

Panera – many of their breads are dairy free – order a sandwich
Max and Erma’s – burger and fries with no butter on the bun
Mexican food – fajitas
Bbq restaraunts – don’t forget you can eat cole slaw and potato salad
Italian – Chicken Marsala – just ask for no parmesan and to cook it in olive oil instead of butter
Asian – you name it – Asians don’t like dairy!
Subway – almost anything except breads with cheese, meatball marinara, red wine vinegrett and chipotle
Mc Donalds – hot cakes, burger, fries
Wendy’s – ultimate grill, spicy or homestyle chicken, burger, (NO FRIES OR NUGGETS)
Burger King- nothing that I know of
Taco Bell – nada
Arby’s – popcorn chicken, market fresh sandwiches, subs, wraps, turnovers, curly fries (just remember to ask for no cheese or ranch dressing) (THE ROAST BEEF SAND. HAVE DAIRY)

Good answers, but the warningss about soy are false...all more recent studies show no concern.

Is there a true allergy? Goat's milk is a good alternative to cow's milk with intolerances. Yogurt is also good if it is just an intolerance.

Cook with olive oils, unrefined coconut oils, avocado, eggs, nuts (ground up) and nut butters, tofus.

How about a fish oil supplement? That is great for brain development.

Buy organic, local stuff, so that all of these good fats aren't full of pesticides and hormones!

RAW Virgin Coconut oil. One of the best fats out there. You can take it by the tablespoon directly, or you can use it on your pans when you make pancakes and such.
Stay away from anything hydrogenated.
Stay away from Soy which mimics estrogen and can cause problems to the thyroid.