If you read my blog post yesterday about “Does My Baby Need a Specialty Formula?“, you probably noticed that I briefly mentioned that some mom’s felt that their baby seemed to be having issues digesting the cow’s milk formula (regular formula). Allergies are on the rise and more parents are seeing that their infant possibly has milk allergies as an infant. Figuring out what is wrong with your baby can be very frustrating for parents because they have no clue why their baby doesn’t seem content or happy, especially, after eating or is spitting up more than when they were first born. As a mom, I quickly learned, while raising my own children, to always trust your gut instinct whether your a breastfeeding or using formula to feed your infant.
Disclosure: This post is for informational purposes only. I am not a doctor, health care provider, or lactation consultant. If your child is experiencing any signs and symptoms of milk allergies, please schedule an appointment with your child’s doctor as soon as possible.
What Are Some of the Obvious Symptoms of Milk Allergies in Infants?
Most parents begin to notice that their baby is no longer acting like the normal happy baby. In fact, your baby may be crying more or waking up at shorter intervals, especially at night. Parents it is possible that your child is allergic to the milk proteins that is found in the formula that your baby drinks. Some breastfed babies can also exhibit signs and symptoms that they are allergic to milk proteins. In a breastfed baby, you will notice the symptoms more when mom drinks milk products or consumes lots of dairy products in her diet. Many babies who have allergies to milk proteins will show the following signs or symptoms: break out in a rash, get hives, have signs of eczema, especially, on their face, vomiting, continual fussing or crying, overall discomfort, have excessive gas, excessive symptoms of colic, you may notice a red ring around the anus that doesn’t go away with diaper cream, excessively hard or loss stools, watery stools, foul-smelling stools, and spitting up more than usual(possibly projectile).
When to See A Pediatrician If Your Are Formula Feeding
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, you should immediately schedule your child to be seen by the pediatrician. Your pediatrician can help you determine if your child is in fact allergic to milk proteins and can help you decide what type of formula to try on your baby. Never attempt to switch your baby’s formula on your own, there are way to many choices on the market and you want to make sure that your are giving your baby the best possible nutrition.
When To See A Lactation Consultant or Pediatrician If Your Are Breastfeeding
If your child is breastfed, you should begin eliminating dairy from your diet. According to Kelly Mom, it will take a 10 days to 3 weeks for the milk proteins to be eliminated from your system. It is best to wait the full 2 to 3 weeks before evaluating your baby’s response to removing dairy from your diet. If your baby is still having problems, consult a lactation consultant or your child’s pediatrician to determine the next course of action for your baby.
A Message From Other Parents Who Had Babies Who Had Allergic Reactions to Formula
When I was reading other parents comments on Baby Center, a comment from several mother’s as first time parents they didn’t know that their child was having issues with their child’s formula. If you feel that there is something wrong with your child, please consult your baby’s pediatrician for help figuring out what is wrong with your baby. Most babies don’t cry all day or spit up large amounts milk whether it be formula or breast milk. If you don’t get the results you are looking for, it never hurts to see another doctor or a specialist if you feel that your child’s pediatrician didn’t resolve your child’s symptoms. Be persistent and don’t give up if you feel that your child might have milk allergies.
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How were you able to determine if your baby had allergies to milk proteins?
