Overcoming Toddler Milk Allergy

Cow’s milk allergy even though rare among people, occurs in 2 to 8 % of infants. The first step towards overcoming the milk allergy would be to recognize baby milk allergy symptoms. There are some signs and symptoms which should make you aware of your baby’s situation.

Diarrhea is a common disorder in babies; however if it is persistent and if there is blood attached to the stool then you might want to consult a pediatrician since it a symptom of a serious milk allergy. Your child might vomit unnecessarily; also notice if there are any reflux symptoms, such as spit-up and difficulty in swallowing; these can be signs of milk allergy. Your baby might develop a skin rash or eczema. However eczema can be caused due to other ailments so it cannot be used as part of the diagnosis process.

Your toddler might become extremely fussy; this fussiness might be due to gastrointestinal pain resulting from the allergy towards the proteins found in milk.

Your child might lose some weight due to the vomiting and diarrhea. You child might break wind regularly which could be due the allergy of the milk proteins. Toddlers with milk allergies often experience colds, excessive mucus, and other respiratory problems.

Milk protein intolerance is common among little children. Most of the children outgrow their allergies by their second or third year. There is no specific treatment for the milk allergy however the symptoms can be controlled with adequate medications. Treatment for the milk protein intolerance is the same as milk allergy. The only treatment that is available is total avoidance of milk proteins.

In some cases, a baby might react to mother’s milk if she has cow’s milk in her diet, and the mother might have to exclude all dairy products made from cow’s milk. There are milk alternatives for toddlers, these include soy milk formula, however it has to be noted that almost fifty percent of kids who are allergic to cow’s milk will be allergic to soy. You might want to try the extensively hydrolyzed formula (EHF); this milk is treated to break down most of the enzymes which cause allergies.

Another option which is the amino acids based formula (AAF) is a whole food product that is completely broken down and is devoid of the protein which causes the allergy. One important thing to remember is that cow’s milk allergy is less likely to occur among infants who have been breast fed for a sufficient period of time. Also if you plan to avoid milk and milk products completely from your toddler’s diet then talk to your doctor about calcium and vitamin supplements for toddlers. Consider reintroducing milk to your child’s diet only after consultation from a pediatrician.

Submitted on January 16, 2014