Does my baby have an allergy to cow’s milk?

Posted: 6th November 2023 | Posted by Costa

Does my baby have an allergy to cow milk?

Parenthood is a journey filled with wonder and joy, but it also comes with its fair share of concerns and challenges. “What does that cry mean?” “Am I doing it right?” “What’s that rash?” These are just some of the many questions you may have already antagonised over as a new parent. “Does my baby have an allergy to cow milk?” is up there too. 

Having an allergy to cow’s milk is common in babies.  Especially when they’re bottle-fed. In the first year of life between 1.8% and 7.5% of infants are reactive to the protein. The good news is, it’s not always an issue for life. By age 3, more than 75% of children will have outgrown their milk allergy, and over 90% of children will become tolerant of milk by age 6.

Recognising the symptoms

Most allergies or intolerances will show up similarly. If you notice signs of colic (excessive crying when you can’t for the life of you figure out why), vomiting, diarrhoea, eczema, and extreme fussiness, it could be a sign that something is causing your baby discomfort. It can often take time for these symptoms to appear and they gradually worsen.

Test for the issue

Once you spot that there is an issue, the next best step is to test to understand the cause of the issue. It could be an allergy to cow’s milk, or it could be something else. Once you are able to identify the cause of the issue, you can take steps to help your baby feel better. 

What the future looks like when your baby has a cow milk allergy 

Many parents fear the process of diagnosis and worry about what comes next. Your concerns about your baby’s health and potential cow’s milk allergy are entirely valid but management isn’t as daunting as it seems. Managing a cow’s milk allergy in an infant often involves a change to their diet. Rather than relying solely on online sources or self-diagnosis, it’s better to get expert advice so that you can better plan what’s next. A qualified paediatrician will guide you on suitable formula options, breastfeeding techniques, and the introduction of solid foods that are free from cow’s milk that give your baby a better quality of life. 

At our London-based allergy and immunology centre, we understand that the well-being of your baby is your top priority. Our experienced paediatrician is here to provide compassionate support and guidance. If you suspect your baby has a cow’s milk allergy or if you’re unsure about the symptoms you’re witnessing, register as a new patient today and let’s start the process of helping your baby feel better.