Lactose intolerance is poorly understood in the Australian community. There are lots of myths and misunderstandings about it, especially when it comes to babies. Primary (or true) lactose intolerance is an extremely rare genetic condition and lactose intolerance is very different to intolerance or allergy to cows' milk protein. This article explains the differences between lactose intolerance and other conditions such as food allergies and lactose overload and dispels some of the myths about lactose intolerance in babies.

Symptoms of lactose intolerance include bloating, gas, abdominal pain and diarrhoea.

Lactose intolerance is a condition when your body cant break down a carbohydrate (sugar) called lactose which is present in cows milk, human breast milk, or any other milk from a mammal.

Find out more about lactose intolerance and milk allergies in babies and children, including the causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Lactase is an enzyme, or chemical, which the body uses to digest the sugar in milk(lactose)

Lactose is the natural sugar found in milk, including breastmilk and formula

Many parents, particularly mothers, talked about what it was like caring for a baby. Feeding and settling (sleeping and crying) were key issues which often posed significant challenges for many new parents.

Articles about baby weight, feeding cues, biting and other topics.

RISA Inc is a non profit community group that offers support to families of infants and children who suffer from gastro-oesophageal reflux and its complications. It is run by reflux families for the benefit of reflux families, and has done so since 1982.

How common is cows milk allergy? Cows milk allergy is one of the most common food allergies in childhood affecting about 1-2% of preschool children