Cow’s milk protein allergy is the most common allergy I see as a paediatric dietitian, and it can be very distressing for babies and their families at an already stressful time.
Important! Cow’s milk protein allergy is not the same as a lactose intolerance as it involves the protein rather than the sugar in cow’s milk.
Risk Factors:
Family history
Eczema/ asthma
Prematurity
C-section delivery
Formula feeding
Signs and symptoms:
Diarrhoea/ constipation/ blood or mucus in stool
Vomiting/ reflux
Skin rash/ hives/ eczema
Extreme fussiness/ colic/ unsettled
Feeding difficulties/ poor weight gain
Gas/ bloating
Wheezing/ coughing
Some babies may experience just one, or many of the signs and symptoms listed above, and the severity of symptoms can vary. Are you worried that your baby has any of these symptoms? Then seek help from a qualified professional. You can also find more information at Allergy UK and the NHS website.
In order to confirm and treat a milk allergy you, should speak to a dietitian or a doctor, ideally one who has specialist experience such as a paediatric dietitian or paediatrician. Medical professionals who are not specifically trained in children may give inaccurate advice on cow’s milk allergy, which may result in less effective treatment
Treatment
Speak to your health visitor/ dietitian/ GP
Breast feeders can adopt a milk free diet
Prescribed formula
Milk free weaning
Every child is individual, and their response to milk allergy/ treatment will differ, which is why seeking individualised and tailored advice is important. You should receive ongoing input from your treatment provider to ensure optimum management throughout infancy. Most milk allergies resolve by school age, but some can extend beyond this.
Milk free diets should be followed with support to ensure nutritional adequacy, and the healthy growth of your baby.
The milk ladder involves gradual reintroduction of milk proteins, and should be guided by a qualified professional as it is not appropriate for all children with cow’s milk protein allergy.