Cow’s milk allergy symptoms in babies

Cow’s milk allergy or cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is a common childhood allergy that affects between 2% and 7% of babies under the age of one. CMPA symptoms can develop straight away, later that day, or even a few days after consuming milk. Can a baby outgrow a milk allergy? The good news is that, yes, many children do outgrow their allergy as they get older.

How do I know if my baby has a milk allergy?

Symptoms of cow’s milk allergies can include:

• A red, itchy rash on their skin
• Swelling of their lips, face and eyes
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Runny or blocked nose
• Tummy ache
• An increase in eczema may be a sign of a delayed reaction to cows’ milk

Most cow’s milk protein allergy symptoms are mild, but sometimes an allergy can cause anaphylactic shock. These severe allergic reactions will include wheezing, shortness of breath, throat or tongue swelling, loss of consciousness and floppiness. If your baby has signs of anaphylaxis, seek urgent medical help immediately.

What causes cow’s milk allergy?

For some people, the immune system identifies certain milk proteins as dangerous and releases immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies to neutralise them. These antibodies also tell your immune system to release histamine and other chemicals, in effect causing allergy symptoms. The two main types of proteins in cows’ milk that cause allergies are casein and whey.

Casein is found in the part of milk that curdles, and whey is found in the leftover liquid. Your baby may be allergic to just one or both types of proteins. If your child has a cow’s milk allergy, they may be more likely to develop allergies to other foods like eggs, peanuts, soy or even beef.

Managing cow’s milk allergy

After your baby has been given a diagnosis, a cow’s milk allergy can usually be managed with the right guidance and by putting them on a cow’s milk-free diet.

It is recommended to get your child checked every 6 to 12 months. Don’t reintroduce cow’s milk into your child’s diet unless advised by your healthcare professional.

Can babies be allergic to formula?

In the case of formula-fed babies, your GP or healthcare professional will prescribe a specialist formula. But if you are still only breast-feeding, they may advise cutting out all cow’s milk products from your diet for a period of time.

Even if food is labelled as milk-free or non-dairy, it might still contain milk proteins that could cause symptoms. Read the labels carefully, and if you’re still uncertain, it’s best to contact the manufacturer.

Is goat’s milk suitable for infants with a cow’s milk allergy?

Contrary to popular belief, goat’s milk and goat’s milk formula are not suitable as an alternative for infants with a medically confirmed cow’s milk allergy. Goat milk and cow’s milk share many of the same proteins.

When to seek further support

Symptoms vary from baby to baby, and any suspected cow’s milk allergy should be discussed with a healthcare professional. If you are worried about your baby’s symptoms, feeding, formula or diet, speak to your health visitor or GP for advice that is right for your baby. For more guidance and tips, explore the Capricare® Parent Support Hub.