Infants with a milk allergy may cough, vomit, or have diarrhea after ingesting certain infant formulas.
Most formulas available in stores are made from cow’s milk.
For children with severe allergies, you may need to carry an epinephrine auto-injector likeEpiPen.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
If you’re not sure whether your baby is allergic to formula, talk to a healthcare provider.
The severity of milk allergic reactions can vary.
This article explains what to do if your baby is allergic to formula.
It covers the symptoms of milk allergy in infants, along with how it’s treated and prevented.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
What Is a Milk Allergy?
Babies withmilk allergiesare allergic to the proteins in cow’s milkcasein and whey.
The condition is called cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA).
About 2% to 3% of children younger than 3 years are allergic to milk.
Fortunately, about 80% of these children outgrow the milk allergy before they are 16.
An allergic reaction to milk happens when the immune system identifies the proteins in milk as harmful.
The immune system launches an attack against the proteins through the production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies.
The symptoms produced by the immune defenses can be mild or severe.
There are several signs and symptoms of a milk allergy in a baby that caregivers should be aware of.
The provider will ask you questions and examine your baby.
They might also want to test samples of their blood or poop.
You might be referred to anallergista doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating allergies.
An allergist might do an allergy skin test for milk and, if necessary, an oral food challenge.
The doctor might also use a blood test or skin prick test to look for immunoglobulin E antibodies.
If there is a reaction within 10 to 20 minutes, it indicates an allergy.
If it occurs, an epinephrine auto-injector should be used immediately, followed by calling 911.
To administer an EpiPen or EpiPen Jr to a child:
Epinephrine auto-injectors cannot be used twice.
Once it is used, it should beproperly disposed of.
Epinephrine auto-injectors work rapidly to stop an allergic reaction.
However, the effects wear off within 15 to 30 minutes, and the allergic reaction can come back.
Always call 911 after administering an auto-injector to prevent a second reaction.
For children with mild milk allergies, your healthcare provider may recommend an over-the-counter antihistamine.
Before you switch, ask your baby’s healthcare provider if they have specific recommendations.
Research has shown that breastfeeding results in fewer allergic reactions.
Always be sure to read ingredient labels carefully to ensure the product does not contain milk or milk products.
Summary
Infants can be allergic to baby formula.
If a baby is allergic to milk, there are other options for formula feeding.
American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.Milk and dairy allergy.
Children’s Health.Anaphylaxis in children.
EpiPen.Dosing guidelines for the EpiPen Auto-Injector.
UNC School of Medicine.How to use an EpiPen (epinephrine injection, USP) Auto-Injector.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Use caution when giving cough and cold products to kids.
Vandenplas Y.Prevention and management of cow’s milk allergy in non-exclusively breastfed infants.Nutrients.
2017;9(7):731. doi:10.3390/nu9070731
