Parents often become concerned about their child’s tolerance to new foods and liquids when starting solids or transitioning from one breast/formula milk to another.
Babies who become uncomfortable, irritable, difficult to settle and show signs of mucus in their poo, diarrhoea or constipation might have Cow’s Milk Protein Intolerance.
Cow’s Milk Protein Intolerance or CMPI for short, is one of the most common food allergies that present in the first year of life. It occurs when an infant’s immune system reacts abnormally to the protein in cow’s milk, which is either transferred from the mother while breastfeeding or from cow’s milk containing formulas.
The majority of children with CMPI will have mild symptoms ranging from mild eczema to digestive troubles, but some will have more severe symptoms including anaphylaxis and severe eczema. The reaction can be instant or delayed – which is why a professional like a General Practitioner or Pediatrician must always be consulted.
Symptoms can include the following:
Foods that are classified as containing Cow’s milk include the following;
- cows milk,
- butter,
- buttermilk,
- cheese,
- cheese spreads,
- condensed milk,
- cottage cheese,
- cream,
- custard,
- feta cheese and ghee.
Having the support of a Dietitian can help with any questions around which foods are safe to consume and help you to know how to substitute in alternatives. We want you to still have variety in your diet or your baby’s diet, so that vital nutrients are not being missed and unnecessarily excluded. Getting enough energy, calcium, protein and other nutrients are crucial for mum and baby.
Fortunately, most children will outgrow their CMPI by the time they are 5 years old. A Dietitian can support and facilitate the testing and reintroduction of Cow’s milk Protein when the infant is at a certain age or with the support of a pediatrician.
Take home message: If you are concerned that your infant might have an intolerance or allergy to cow’s milk, make sure to consult your GP who can refer you to your local Dietitian and Pediatrician. The team at Optimum Intake have specific paediatric dietitians who have additional training to support you and your baby through managing cow’s milk protein intolerances, contact us today to learn how we can best support you and your family phone us on 0499008451 or visit the contact page.
