• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Free From Farmhouse

Family, food and allergy free adventures

  • About Us
    • Work with me
    • Contact me
  • Allergies
    • Food allergy support
    • Resources
  • Family
    • Travel
    • Days out
    • Living with cancer
  • Recipes
  • Reviews & Giveaways
You are here: Home / Allergies / Does my baby have a milk allergy?

Does my baby have a milk allergy?

January 31, 2020 by Emma 2 Comments

Looking after a new baby is exhausting, overwhelming and worrying. When you are concerned your baby may have a milk allergy, it can be difficult to know what to do. There is so much conflicting information and often symptoms can be confused with other things.

I have been there, twice. I have had two babies with cow’s milk protein allergy and struggled to find the information and support I needed. It’s why I wrote my book Living With Allergies.

Here is some information to help you understand more about whether your baby has one.

baby milk allergy

What is a cow’s milk protetin allergy (CMPA)?

Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is when your baby’s immune system mistakenly sees milk as an invader and tries to fight it, causing a range of symptoms. There are two different types: immediate reactions and delayed reactions.

Immediate milk allergy symptoms (IGE mediated allergies)

One of the first symptoms many parents notice in immediate milk allergies is that your baby has a rash after feeding. This is called hives and is usually on the face or neck and will be raised and red. The will likely be very unsettled as well. Other symptoms include coughing, wheezing, vomiting or swelling. These symptoms are usually worse in formula fed babies.

Delayed milk allergy symptoms (Non-IGE allergies)

If your baby has a delayed milk allergy then symptoms may not show up for 72 hours and can be harder to spot. They may include upset stomach, reflux, vomiting, runny nappies, poor sleep, blood in stools or eczema.

Can a baby have a milk allergy when breastfeeding?

Yes, it is possible for your baby to react to cow’s milk protein in your breastmilk.

milk allergy symptoms

Is a milk allergy serious?

If your baby has an immediate cow’s milk protein allergy, it can develop into anaphylaxis, which is a life threatening reaction. If your baby’s breathing is affected, they go floppy or you are concerned, call an ambulance immediately. This is very rare in breastfed babies but can happen more often if they are introduced to milk through formula or weaning.  A delayed allergy cannot develop into anaphylaxis but can be very distressing for you and baby.

How do I know if my baby is reacting to milk?

A lot of the symptoms can be confused with reflux, colic or other common ailments. If you suspect your baby has an allergy, you need to cut all milk from their diet to see if their symptoms improve. If you are breastfeeding, you will need to avoid eating all dairy products. Talk to your doctor or health visitor about doing this. If you are using formula, you will need to trial a dairy free one.

Will my baby have other food allergies?

Possibly. If your baby has a suspected milk allergy, your GP should refer them to an allergy clinic and dietician to discuss this. If you are breastfeeding and your baby’s symptoms don’t resolve after cutting out milk, they may be reacting to other foods as well.

Should I delay weaning if my baby has an allergy?

No, it is important to introduce a range of foods – including nuts and egg – into your baby’s diet at an early age to help stop them developing allergies. Talk to your GP or dietician about the best way to do this.

Will my baby outgrow their milk allergy?

It is very likely as up to 80% children outgrow milk allergies by the time they are 5. Both mine did!

 

You can find more information and advice in my book Living With Allergies

Visit our support pages for more articles

Or join our Facebook support group

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Did you enjoy this post? Please share it.

Filed Under: Allergic reactions, Allergies, getting started

Previous Post: « Allergy tests: What you need to know
Next Post: Peppa Pig: My First Concert »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Sandra Black says

    February 1, 2020 at 11:37 am

    Our son and daughter-in-law have been through all this. Their oldest is four, a boy, and can eat anything. Their 2 and a half year old , a girl, is only just no longer underweight, finally diagnosed as intolerant to dairy and nuts so we now have to carry an epipen , at least she can go back on soy and wheat which the doctors had put her off before along with the dairy. Their third only four months old, another girl, has also shown the same signs so mum has had to go off dairy again while she breast feeds. The second child was introduced to all foods just as the first was but fast appearing red rashes, eyes swelling and terrible itching occurred immediately.

    Reply
  2. Mary Brice says

    April 18, 2020 at 6:15 am

    Great post for moms specially of new born. My sister babies suffered milk allergy. It was hard for her especially in the early months.she learnt with time how to handle. I will share your post to her. Hope she get some help.

    Stay safe.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

I'm Emma, mum to two allergic adventurers and author of #1 bestselling 'Living With Allergies: Practical Tips For All The Family'.

We show you how to embrace life as an allergy family, while staying safe and sane!

Ask me any questions at emma@freefromfarmhouse.co.uk

Follow us!

Visit Us On TwitterVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On PinterestVisit Us On Youtube

COMING SOON…

COMING SOON…

How to create allergy cards with Marty’s Universe

Create your own card here

 

FEATURED ON:

This Morning

https://www.freefromfarmhouse.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Emma-Amoscato_Living-With-Allergies_ITV-This-Morning_4.4.19.mp4

BBC News 24

https://www.freefromfarmhouse.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/BBC-News-Emma-Amoscato.mp4

AS SEEN IN:

AS SEEN IN:

Footer

Tweets by @freefromfarm
Visit Emma's profile on Pinterest.

Copyright © 2021 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress