Welcome to the list!

As you begin to look for lactose-free (and likely, completely dairy free)
foods, you'll find the easiest way is to look for the word "pareve" on the
label. Foods that are pareve are free of milk or milk-derived ingredients,
according to the laws of kashrut (the Jewish laws determining whether
something's Kosher). If it has "pareve" on the label, its dairy-free. (Of
course, there are many dairy-free foods that are not labeled pareve -
you'll have to read the labels closer, and possibly call the manufacturer).

A good place to look for other dairy-free foods is in you local whole-foods
or natural foods stores (hope you have some), such as Bread & Circus
(Northeast), Wholefoods, Trader Joe's. They have many yummy dairy food
substitutes, such as excellent chocolate sorbets, rice-based and soy-based
ice cream substitutes, etc.

It's a tough challenge, but there are a lot of resources to draw on - many
books on dairy-free cooking, an increased awareness by supermarket chains
regarding the demand for these products, and increasing awareness by
restaurants about the importance of carrying non-dairy alternatives.

Still, you'll have to vigilant, especially if your daughter's symptoms are
severe or if a dairy allergy develops. You'll get accustomed to reading
labels, asking waiters to check ingredients with the chef, and carrying
your own foods with you. You'll be providing substitutes for the numerous
birthday treats and food-oriented school events, and you'll be making lots
of special meals.

It's doable, and, with the right attitude (and lots of attention to special
treats), your daughter won't feel like too much of a "freak." Our son is
now 13 and has been on a highly restricted diet since birth. He trusts that
we'll "make it right" later, when he has to forego some special treat that
his friends have.

G'Luck, and keep asking questions - that's what the list is for.

Mark

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Mark Feblowitz