Breastfeeding is still the best source of nutrition for babies, even if your baby has a cow’s milk allergy. In most cases, breastfeeding can continue safely and supports your baby’s growth and immune system.
In some babies, very small amounts of milk protein from the mother’s diet can pass into breast milk and cause symptoms. If this is suspected, you may be asked to try a dairy- free diet while breastfeeding.
This is usually done as a short trial of 2 to 6 weeks to see if your baby’s symptoms improve. It’s important to follow the diet carefully during this time so you can get a clear answer.
If your baby improves, your healthcare team will guide you on next steps. If there is no change, and the diet was followed strictly, you can usually return to your normal diet.
The key message is that breastfeeding can continue, you may just need some guidance and small adjustments along the way.
Hypoallergenic Formula
If your baby is using infant formula, either on its own or alongside breastfeeding, and has a cow’s milk allergy, their formula will need to be changed to a hypoallergenic option.
At Carina Venter Allergy RD LLC, we will help you choose the best formula for your baby. Factors that we will consider when choosing the best formula for your baby:
- the type of cow’s milk allergy your baby has
- has your baby tried any hypoallergenic formulas and what was the outcome
- supporting your baby’s growth
- your baby’s age
- your baby’s nutritional intake from foods
- how much breast milk your baby is taking (if any)
- taste of the formula
- supporting your baby’s gut health
- cost and access.
These are usually available on prescription and come in two main types. The first is extensively hydrolysed formula, where the cow’s milk proteins are broken down into very small pieces so the immune system is less likely to react. The second is amino acid formula, which does not contain cow’s milk protein at all and is fully broken down into its simplest form. In some countries (not the US), rice hydrolysate formulas are also available.
It’s important to know that not all “gentle” or specialty formulas are safe for cow’s milk allergy. Partially hydrolysed formulas, often marketed for prevention, colic, constipation, or reflux (sometimes called “comfort” formulas), are not suitable and should not be used to treat cow’s milk allergy.
With the right formula in place, most babies do very well and continue to grow and develop as expected.
Possible Concerns about Hypoallergenic Formulas
- Some hypoallergenic formulas taste and smell different from regular formula. Because of this, babies especially those over 6 months, may take a little time to get used to the change.
- If your baby has delayed (non-immediate) reactions only, you can introduce the new formula gradually. Start by mixing a small amount of the hypoallergenic formula with their usual formula, then slowly increase the amount over a few days until they are fully transitioned.
- You may also notice changes in your baby’s stools. It’s common for poos to be come dark green and sometimes less frequent, his is normal and not a cause for concern.
How long should I use the recommended Hypoallergenic Formula for?
Hypoallergenic formulas are made for different stages of your child’s development—for example, from birth to 6 months, from 6 months onwards, and from 1 year of age.
As your child grows, their needs will change. The type of formula recommended may be adjusted based on their age, what they are eating, how well they are growing, and how severe their reactions to cow’s milk have been.
Regular check-ins with me and my team are important to make sure your child is always on the most suitable formula. We will also guide you on when and how to safely reduce and eventually stop the formula as your child progresses.
What about soya formula?
Soya formula can we successfully used in some babies with cow’s milk allergy.
