How To Navigate Your Baby’s Milk Protein Allergy

August 23, 2023

If your baby has a milk protein allergy, chances are you have had to do a little bit extra work to find a formula that works for them, while clearing up the uncomfortable symptoms they may have experienced. Perhaps you are still in the stages of identifying whether it truly is a milk protein allergy or questioning what to look for in a new formula upon diagnosis. No matter where you are on that journey, today we are going to identify what exactly a milk protein allergy is, how it may present itself symptom wise, and how to find the formula that best suits your little one’s nutritional needs moving forward.

What is a milk protein allergy?

An allergy to milk protein presents itself when your baby’s immune system has a negative allergic reaction to the protein found in cow’s milk. Similarly, lactose intolerance means a sensitivity to cow’s milk is present, which will likely cause some related symptoms. Whether it is a sensitivity or allergy, your baby’s dietary needs will need to be met without exposure to the allergens in cow’s milk.

How to Navigate Milk Protein Allergy

Symptoms to watch for

While symptoms may present themselves differently from baby to baby, here are some of the most commonly reported symptoms to look for if you suspect your baby has a milk protein allergy or intolerance to cow’s milk. Always make note of any unusual symptoms your baby shows and share them with their care provider so that you can work together to pinpoint the exact cause and treatment plan.

Milk Protein Allergy Symptoms:

being fussy following feedings
arching, crying excessively and exhibiting obvious signs of tummy discomfort
blood or mucus present in their stool
vomiting after feedings, extreme cases may show blood in vomit
hives on skin
in severe cases, trouble breathing

If you baby is lactose intolerant, they may show similar symptoms such as:

gas and bloating following feedings
diarrhea or spitting up a lot
fussiness

My baby has a milk protein allergy, now what?

Once you and your baby’s care provider have identified a milk protein allergy, you are going to want to work together to clear up their symptoms and find a formula that works for their body! Your first step is to find a formula that is hypoallergenic. We recommend HIPP Hypoallergenic Formulas. These organic formulas were created using dairy proteins that are carefully broken down into such small pieces that the immune system cannot detect them, consequently bypassing a negative allergic reaction. All of these hypoallergenic formulas are free of added sugar, pesticides, hormones, artificial ingredients and contain no common allergens, such as wheat, eggs or nuts. There are three different options to choose from, especially for babies who have a sensitivity or allergy to milk protein.

1. HiPP HA Stage Pre Combiotic Formula

This formula is ideal for newborns up to six months of age. It is gluten and starch free, contains nutrients that are similar to those found in breastmilk and is hypoallergenic. It has a high protein content and added probiotics, prebiotics and fish oil to provide ultimate nutrition. This combination makes it a great choice for babies who have previously shown signs of allergies to cow’s milk.

2. HiPP HA Stage 1 Combiotic Formula

This formula is also made for babies from ages newborn up to six months. It is fully hypoallergenic and easy to digest, with the added benefits of oligosaccharides, which strengthen the baby's immune system. It contains nutrients that closely mimic breastmilk and is free from artificial additives.

3. HiPP HA Stage 2 Combiotic Formula

This formula is made for babies from six months of age and up. It too closely resembles breast milk and contains low levels of allergens. It compliments the specific age group recommended as your little one begins to try food. It can easily be combined with their food items such as baby cereal or mashed bananas or used as a formula all on its own.

Here is what some of our customers have to say about HIPP Hypoallergenic Formulas:

HIPP HA COMBIOTIC FOR MILK PROTEIN ALLERGIES