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Goats' milk formulas are not suitable for infants with cows' milk allergy (also known as cows' milk protein allergy), as the proteins they contain are very similar. Hungrier baby formula (hungry milk) is suitable from birth, but ask a midwife or health visitor for advice first.
- Combining Breast and Bottle Feeding
need to leave your baby and want to make sure they have some...
- Combining Breast and Bottle Feeding
- Overview
- Understanding milk protein allergies in infants
- What are the symptoms?
- How is a milk protein allergy diagnosed?
- Breastfeeding is best
- Formula options
- Talking to your healthcare provider
- You’re not alone
A milk protein allergy in infants is a serious problem. Both babies and mothers are affected. If your baby has a milk protein allergy, it’s important to determine which feeding option will help them thrive.
Read on for information on the best formula options for infants with milk protein allergies.
A milk protein allergy most often happens in babies who are fed cow’s milk formula. This occurs when the body’s immune system perceives cow’s milk protein as harmful and causes an allergic response.
According to a 2016 study published in the British Journal of General Practice, up to 7 percent of babies who are formula-fed are allergic to cow’s milk protein.
In some cases, though, it can occur in breastfed babies. According to the same 2016 study, up to 1 percent of babies who are breastfed develop an allergy to cow’s milk.
Certain genes have been identified in milk protein allergy. Up to 8 out of 10 children will outgrow the allergy by age 16 years, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.
Symptoms of a milk protein allergy often take place within minutes to a few days of exposure to cow’s milk. Infants may be exposed through formula or the breast milk of mothers who ingest cow’s milk or products made from cow’s milk.
Allergy symptoms may be gradual or occur rapidly.
Symptoms with a gradual onset may include:
•loose stools, which may be bloody
•vomiting
•gagging
No single test exists to diagnose a milk protein allergy. Diagnosis occurs after reviewing symptoms and going through a process of elimination to rule out other medical conditions. Tests may include:
•stool test
•blood tests
•allergy tests, including skin prick or patch tests
•food challenge
Your healthcare provider may recommend an elimination diet.
When it comes to feeding your baby, breastfeeding is best.
Breast milk is nutritionally balanced, offers protection against illnesses and infections, and reduces the risk for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Babies who are breastfed are less likely to develop food allergies and even chronic diseases later in life.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding exclusively for at least the first 6 months of a child’s life, with breastfeeding to continue, whenever possible, for at least the first year of life.
The World Health Organization (WHO)Trusted Source also recommends breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months of life, with breastfeeding to continue until the child is at least 2 years old.
If you’re breastfeeding and your child develops a cow’s milk allergy, you’ll need to make dietary changes. Eliminate dairy products, including:
•milk
Not every woman is able to breastfeed.
If your baby has a milk protein allergy and you’re unable to breastfeed, there are formula options that don’t contain cow’s milk.
•Soy formula is made from soy protein. Unfortunately, between 8 to 14 percent of babies with milk allergy will also react to soy, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Extensively hydrolyzed formulas break cow’s milk protein down into small particles to make an allergic reaction less likely.
•Babies who are unable to tolerate hydrolyzed formula may do well on an amino acid-based formula. This formula type is made of amino acids or protein in its simplest form.
If your baby has symptoms of an allergy to milk protein, it may be hard to determine if the cause is a simple upset stomach or an allergy.
Don’t try to diagnose the issue or change formulas yourself. Consult your healthcare provider to get a proper diagnosis and to discuss treatment options.
Help your healthcare provider make the proper diagnosis with these tips:
•Keep a record of your baby’s eating habits and symptoms.
•If you breastfeed, keep a record of the foods you eat and how they affect your baby.
•Learn about your family medical history, especially any food allergies.
As a mother, it’s painful to see your child in distress, especially from something as natural as eating. Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends or family members. You can also find a support group to help you develop coping strategies.
Knowing others are going through a similar situation is often enough to empower you to stay positive. Take comfort in the fact that many milk allergies can be controlled through dietary changes if you breastfeed or switch formulas.
- Annette Mcdermott
Dec 31, 2023 · Formula-fed infants can show symptoms due to not tolerating the food proteins (milk or soy) in infant formula. Babies should ideally drink human milk or formula for at least the first year of life.
Guidance for prescribing cow’s milk allergy formula. Cow’s milk allergy (CMA), also known as cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA), is an abnormal response of the body’s immune system to the proteins in milk. CMA affects less than 2% of infants in the UK1, and most children will outgrow the allergy. If a diagnosis of CMA is suspected on the ...
Otherwise, the formula milk chosen should be recommended to the patient’s GP for initial and ongoing prescription (Pharm@Sea do not stock any of the recommended formula milks).
To provide GPs and allied health professionals with guidelines on the safe, appropriate and cost effective initiation and monitoring of infant formula for children with cows’ milk protein allergy (CMPA).
I frequently encounter infants with symptoms suggestive of allergy after being introduced to standard cow’s milk formula. Parents are concerned and ask for recommendations regarding formula alternatives. Which formulas are best for children with cow’s milk allergy?
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