The symptoms of a food allergy in a child, especially an infant, are not always obvious. Diarrhea, gas, regurgitation, redness of the skin — each of these symptoms may be a natural consequence of the maturation of the digestive system or the formation of a hydrolipid layer on the delicate skin. However, if such symptoms persist in your baby, testing for cow milk protein allergy is worth considering.
Allergy Symptoms in Babies
Gastrointestinal symptoms can vary. The child may be constipated or have diarrhea. Stools may be abnormal, green, mucus-containing, and loose in consistency. Furthermore, small streaks of blood may appear in the stool. Abdominal pain and loss of appetite may occur. The child is then crying, whining, and has restless sleep. An important signal is the lack of weight gain. If such symptoms occur, be sure to see your doctor. He will select the appropriate option among the best organic formulas that will allow you to eliminate the ingredient to which the child is allergic from the diet.
Children outgrow most food allergies, so it is likely that with age when the child’s digestive tract and immunity mature, it will be possible to reintroduce the avoided ingredient into his diet. However, you should always consult your doctor about this. Besides, your baby may just have a sensitive stomach, not a food allergy. In this case, you can reach for organic European baby formulas designed specifically for babies with the sensitive digestive system.
Feeding Options for Babies with Allergies and Sensitive Stomachs
At the very beginning, an appropriate diet should be introduced. Currently, there are many alternatives on the market without cow milk protein or based on hydrolyzed protein. One such option is HiPP Hypoallergenic Combiotic Formula. It is partially hydrolyzed, meaning the cow milk protein has been broken down into smaller pieces. Although many babies and toddlers with sensitive stomachs and allergies accept this formula well, it is not suitable for every baby with an allergy to cow milk protein. Therefore, you should consult your pediatrician to see whether this option is a good match for your baby.
Another option that works well for babies with sensitive stomachs is formulas based on goat milk. HiPP, Holle, and Jovie brands of European formulas offer such product lines. Got milk is digested by babies quicker and easier than cow milk. Still, such options are not always tolerated by babies with a confirmed allergy to cow protein. Such infants require specific nutrition prescribed by the doctor.
If your baby has a confirmed allergy to cow milk protein and you are breastfeeding, you will have to limit your consumption of dairy products, which translates into an elimination diet for the child. Treating an allergy requires the complete reduction of the food allergen. Therefore, you should not consume milk, yogurt, and other milk-based products. If your baby has not been tested for allergies, you are also recommended to adhere to a diet that excludes eggs because they, next to milk protein, are the most common allergen.