2 TO 5 YEARS
Lactose Intolerance in Children: What Every Parent Needs to Know
Imagine this: your child enjoys a big glass of milk, a slice of cheese pizza or a bowl of ice cream and then, not long after, they’re clutching their tummy, feeling bloated, gassy or running to the bathroom. Sound familiar? If so, lactose intolerance might be the culprit.
31 Mar 2025
As a parent, it can be confusing (and frustrating!) to figure out what’s causing your child’s discomfort, especially when dairy is such a big part of many kids’ diets. So, let’s break it down in a way that makes sense and, most importantly, helps you support your child with ease.
What Is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance means the body has trouble digesting lactose, a natural sugar found in milk and dairy products. Typically, our small intestine produces an enzyme called lactase, which breaks lactose down into simpler sugars that the body can absorb. But when there’s not enough lactase, lactose travels to the gut undigested, where bacteria feast on it, producing gas, bloating and other tummy troubles.
This is not a dairy allergy (which involves the immune system) and doesn’t cause life-threatening reactions. But it can make your child uncomfortable, and that’s reason enough to find solutions!
How Do You Know If Your Child Is Lactose Intolerant?
The most common symptoms show up 30 minutes to 2 hours after eating dairy and include:
Bloating – Their belly feels puffy and tight.
Gas – They might be extra gassy or complain of a "noisy tummy."
Stomach pain or cramps – Often mild to moderate discomfort.
Diarrhoea – Watery stools that happen after eating dairy.
Nausea (sometimes vomiting) – Less common but possible.
If your child has these symptoms after eating dairy but feels fine, lactose intolerance is likely the cause. However, if they have skin rashes, swelling or breathing issues, that could signal a dairy allergy, which is a different issue and requires medical attention.
Does This Mean No More Dairy Forever?
Not necessarily! Lactose intolerance isn’t an all-or-nothing situation. Many kids can still enjoy dairy, just with a few adjustments.
Some dairy foods are easier to digest than others. Hard cheeses (like cheddar, parmesan and Swiss) have very little lactose and yoghurt contains good bacteria that help break down lactose naturally.
Some kids can handle small amounts of dairy. The key is experimenting to see what their "tolerance level" is. Can they have a slice of cheese but not a glass of milk? Can they enjoy ice cream in small amounts?
Lactose-free dairy exists! Lactose-free milk, cheese and yoghurt taste just like regular dairy but without lactose.
Lactase supplements can help. These drops or tablets contain the missing enzyme, helping your child digest lactose-containing foods more easily.
What Can Parents Do? A Simple Game Plan:
If you suspect lactose intolerance, here’s how to handle it without completely overhauling your child’s diet:
1. Observe & Track: Keep a food diary to spot patterns. Does your child always have tummy trouble after drinking milk but not after eating cheese? Do symptoms get worse with larger portions? Writing it down helps identify problem foods.
2. Adjust Dairy Intake: Try reducing dairy rather than cutting it out completely. Here’s a guide to help: Food that is usually okay in small amounts is aged cheeses (cheddar, Swiss, parmesan), butter and yoghurt with probiotics.
3. Offer Tasty, Kid-Friendly Alternatives: If dairy is causing too much discomfort, switch to lactose-free dairy (lactose-free milk, cheese, yoghurt), plant-based options (oat milk, almond milk, soy yoghurt) and dairy-free treats (sorbet, coconut or almond-based ice cream)
4. Try Lactase Enzymes: These can be a game-changer! Over-the-counter lactase drops or tablets help digest lactose so kids can still enjoy their favourite dairy foods without tummy issues.
Lactose intolerance doesn’t mean your child has to say goodbye to dairy completely. With a little trial and error, you can find what works for them, whether it’s switching to lactose-free dairy, limiting portions or using lactase supplements.
