Cow’s milk allergy is not a very popular type of allergy, but you never know what kind of things your baby might be allergic to, especially if you don’t have any allergies yourself. Sometimes, it is easy to mistake the first signs of allergy for just stress and discomfort. In this article, we’ll break down some of the most common symptoms of cow’s milk allergy and what you should do if you believe that your baby is allergic to it.
Signs of cow’s milk allergy
Here are the most common symptoms of cow’s milk allergy in babies. Keep in mind that this list is not complete and these are just some of the possible symptoms your baby might have. Any kind of change in the baby’s behavior or health should be noted and then discussed with the doctor.
- Reflux.
Reflux alone is not an indicator of a food allergy, since most babies have it. However, if you notice that your baby has severe reflux problems like spitting up a lot of liquid, vomiting, gagging, choking, etc, it could mean something more than just regular reflux. This is a serious issue and could be a sign that your baby has a cow’s milk allergy.
- Diarrhea and unusual poop.
Diarrhea is what might cause watery poops that are frequent and smell worse than usual. It is possible that you might also find mucus or blood in the baby’s food. This is one of the most serious symptoms of food allergies and it should be treated accordingly.
- Colic.
Colic is another common thing that occurs in babies, but it should never be dismissed before you make sure that this is just not a result of hunger, stress, and other factors that are temporary.
- Difficulty breathing.
Often, you’ll see problems with breathing during the feeding process or right after it. These issues might include sneezy/itchy/running nose, wheezing, coughing, etc. Your little one might also have trouble swallowing, which is often a result of a swollen throat. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to take your child to a doctor or to a nearby clinic like Rego Park walk-in clinic right away.
What should you do if you suspect your baby is allergic to cow’s milk?
Of course, the first thing you should do is go to your doctor. However, there are a few things you can also do prior to the visit to the doctor’s office, which are the following three:
- Note down all changes. Every time you see something wrong, if it is a minor change, take notes. It will be much easier for your doctor to determine what’s exactly going on with your baby if you have all the necessary info prepared beforehand.
- Track the foods your baby eats. This is especially important advice if your baby already eats solids. If your baby is breastfed, track everything you eat as well, since the allergic reaction can be triggered by someone you eat too.
- Get ready to answer a lot of questions, such as “When did you first notice the symptoms? Do you suspect any foods that could trigger these symptoms? How long do the symptoms last?”, as well as many others. Be as ready as you can be.
- Don’t worry too much. There are tons of alternatives, like plant based formula for infants, so you’ll definitely find the right milk for your baby fast.
It’s better to start acting now
No matter what kind of symptoms your baby is experiencing, even if they are pretty mild, it’s best to go to your doctor ASAP. Your doctor is the only one who can tell you if you should switch to a different formula like soy or rice formula, whether you should start medication or not, as well as many other things. Book an appointment with a doctor as soon as you can, and start prepping for it now!
