Intolerances, allergies and restricted diets may affect how you feed your baby. Find out why and some of the options that can help.
If you are vegetarian
Conventional infant formula is made from cows' milk and some
contain essential fatty acids derived from fish. The manufacturing
process for some ingredients may use rennin, an enzyme of animal
origin.
If you are vegetarian and breast feeding, your baby will still
get all the nutrients they need from your milk.
While you are breast feeding you should take a supplement
containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D each day, but you should be
able to get all the other vitamins and minerals you need by eating
a varied and balanced diet. If your diet contains no animal protein
though you may require vitamin B12 supplementation. Speak to your
GP or healthcare professional who can advise you.
If you are bottle feeding and don't feel comfortable giving your
baby animal products, soya formulas are available as an alternative
to cows' milk formula, but always consult your healthcare
professional for advice on choosing a suitable milk.
If you are vegan
Vegan diets are not recommended for young babies and children, as
it is difficult to provide all their essential nutrients. If you do
want to bring your baby up as a vegan, consult a registered
dietitian or healthcare professional. Some soya formulas are
suitable for a vegan diet.
If your baby has a cows' milk allergy
Cows' milk is the most common childhood allergy, affecting seven
per cent of children under two. It is caused by a reaction to one
or both of the proteins in milk (casein and whey). Symptoms include
rashes, hives, diarrhoea, vomiting, stomach cramps, colic,
breathing difficulties and, in rare cases, anaphylactic shock which
is an extreme and severe allergic reaction that can cause swelling
of the throat and mouth and can be life threatening.
If your baby has a cows' milk allergy, they might react to
formula milk, and also to traces of dairy produce that pass from
the foods you eat into your breast milk. You may need to cut dairy
from your diet if you're breast feeding, or give your baby a
special hypoallergenic formula. Infant formulas made from soya are
free from cows' milk protein and may also be suitable. Ask your
healthcare professional for advice before changing your own diet or
your baby's formula.
If your baby is lactose intolerant
Lactose is a sugar found in milk. It is broken down by lactase, an
enzyme in the gut. Some babies are born with a shortage of lactase,
meaning they cannot process lactose properly. This causes symptoms
including stomach cramps, colic, bloating and diarrhoea, which can
be distressing for you and your baby.
Both breast milk and formula contain lactose, so if your baby is
lactose-intolerant, you may need to switch to a soya-based or
lactose-free formula. Speak to your GP or healthcare professional
for advice.
If you follow a Halal diet
Halal refers to foods that are allowed under Islamic law. For a
formula milk to be Halal, the enzymes used in the production of
some of the ingredients must come from a Halal source. Some infant
formulas have been approved by the Institute of Islamic
Jurisprudence, the body that grants Halal status, as suitable for a
Halal diet.