Signs of milk allergy in babies are easily seen, this is one of the most common condition for babies. Almost all babies develop this type of condition. This happens because the baby’s body develops a specific antibody that fights off the proteins which are found in cow’s milk, which is the basis of almost, if not all, baby formulas out there. There are differing rates on the ratio of the babies that have milk allergy in different parts of the world.

 

Signs of Milk Allergy

• Diarrhea – This is very common in babies, one sign that will indicate that your baby has milk allergy. This is fairly easy to recognize because the baby’s stool is runny and watery, so sudden changes in stool is an indication. if this persists with blood on the stool, this can be far more than just milk allergy.

• Vomiting – Babies spit up food bits after meal time and its natural, but vomiting long before and after meal time might suggest a different condition. Difficulty in swallowing and spitting up are signs of milk allergy.

• Skin Rash – Milk allergy also manifests on the skin through rashes. The skin might be itchy, reddish, and can lead to eczema. The rashes usually appear on the chin and cheeks because the milk comes in direct contact with these places.

• Extreme Fussiness – It is normal for babies to cry. But when babies start to cry continuously and inconsolably this might suggest something else. When babies cry for no apparent reason, the condition is called colic. This reaction is usually from gastrointestinal pain caused by the internal reaction of antibodies to cow’s milk protein which causes milk allergy.

• Slow/ Stagnant Weight Gain – Milk allergy causes more than just allergic reactions. It can stop the babies from gaining weight because diarrhoea and vomiting. This will cause nutritional problems for your baby eventually.

• Gassiness – Babies are gassy, though this might be natural. It can also mean they have milk allergy. Babies that are breastfed are said to have less stench in flatulence compared to those who are fed through baby formulas.

• Respiratory Problems – It is common for babies to have colds, but babies that are wheezing and struggling with breathing are not normal. It can suggest that your baby has a milk allergy. This allergy might even lead to asthma.

• Failure to Thrive – It’s hard for babies to have milk allergy, they will lack proper nutrition, characterized by dehydration, loss of appetite, and lack of energy. These can highly impact the baby’s health.

 

Foods that Contain Milk

• Butter

• Baking mixes

• Canned fish

• Cheese

• Chocolate

• Cottage and Ricotta cheese

• Creamed soups/ vegetables

• Custard

• Goat’s milk

• Half-and-half

• Ice cream

• Margarine

• All forms of milk (condensed milk, dry milk, dry milk solids, evaporated milk, low-fat, non-fat or skim milk, milk derivative, milk fat, milk powder, )

• Processed meats

• Salad dressings- creamy

• Seasoned and ranch style potato and tortilla chips

• Seasoned French fries

• Sour cream, sour cream solids

• Yogurt and frozen yogurt

 

These are the most common sources of milk. As a parent you should be vigilant while doing your groceries. Pay attention to food labels. Look at the ingredients; if there is any potential milk content then don’t buy it. It is not only your child’s diet that you should watch: as a breastfeeding mother you should have a milk-free diet as well. You should also be knowledgeable about milk alternatives. Some of the milk alternatives include rice milk, which can also be used in baking and as a thickening agent. Soy milk is the most popular alternative to cow’s milk. This is used for providing baby formulas. This is the closest you can get in terms of nutrition. Without milk in the body is it hard to meet the nutritional needs you require. Nutrients like calcium are needed for proper development of bones and good teeth. Some calcium alternatives include green vegetables (broccoli, collard greens, turnip, and kale).

Going dairy-free is good to avoid allergic reactions. Severe dairy diets without the proper food and nutrient alternative can cause life altering conditions like osteoporosis, premature bone loss and the like. Every age requires a different level of calcium; requirements of infants and children (depending on the age) range from 350-500 mg/day, while teenage girls requires 800 mg/day, teenage boys needs at least 1000 mg/day, adult men and women require 700 mg/day, and for breastfeeding women, an additional 550 mg/day count on calcium is required.

 

How to Treat Milk Allergy

Being in a milk allergy situation is very complicated. You need milk to support the nutritional needs of your baby, On the other hand, your baby will have allergic reactions to milk if fed. There is no cure for milk allergy, although it can be outgrown by most kids by at least three years of age, the latest being by sixteen years old. There are cases in which milk allergies stay in the system for good, however.

Since there is no cure for milk allergy, you’d best take note of preventive measures for you and your baby. Avoiding any milk-base products is still the best way to go. You need the help of a registered dietician to ensure the proper dissemination of nutrients for you and your baby. Educating yourself about your child’s condition is another thing; have a first-aid plan, in case there are uncontrolled allergic reactions. For hives and minor rashes, you can apply creams to soothe them. If there are severe allergic reactions, do not hesitate to seek immediate medical attention. Always be in touch with your pediatrician.

Having milk allergy is one of the most common sicknesses that your baby can get, so you should know the symptoms of milk allergy in infants are like, to provide proper care. Having milk allergy might be something that your baby inherited, or could be something that just came after birth. The symptoms are recognizable, like diarrhea, rashes, difficulty in breathing, eczema, and asthma in worst cases.