Many infants suffer needlessly from dairy allergies simply because their parents may not realize that there is a problem. It can be frustrating for parents and potentially life-threatening for infants.
Dairy allergies in infants are most commonly caused by cow's milk. Although, some infants are even allergic to soy milk. Whether a parent breastfeeds or bottle feeds, knowing what to look out for can save time, money and unnecessary suffering.
How to Tell if Your Infant Suffers from Dairy Allergies
An infant who suffers from dairy allergies can be in a lot of pain. This is why it's particularly important to diagnose and treat the problem as soon as possible. Following are some common symptoms to look for if you suspect your baby suffers from dairy allergies:
Skin Abnormalities: These can include hives (akin to diaper rash) and eczema.
Respiratory Problems: Asthma and/or breathing difficulty are common.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, bloating and sometimes a bloody stool are outward signs. If your child cries a lot, he or she may be experiencing stomach pains as well.
Many parents may mistake the constant crying as colic or another form of distress. This is what makes diagnosing dairy allergies so difficult in infants. After all, they can't tell you what's going on with their little bodies.
How to Rule Out Normal Infant Problems and Rule in Dairy Allergies
Your baby, even though he or she can't speak, is the best conveyor of information. Pay attention to recurring symptoms like the ones listed above, particularly if they occur regularly after feedings.
Because pain can't be seen, it is crucial to notice if your child exhibits cries that you just "feel" indicate that they are in pain. Most parents become attuned to their children cries. There is the "I'm wet and want to be changed cry;" the "I don't want to go to sleep cry," and the "I'm in pain cry."
Don't for a minute second-guess your gut. If you feel that something is wrong, call your doctor and relay the symptoms, your concerns and why you think they're valid.
How to Treat Dairy Allergies in Infants
Once the problem is diagnosed, it's relatively seamless to correct it. There is one sure-fire "cure" for infant dairy allergies :milk avoidance.
If you breast-feed, you will have to eliminate all dairy products from your diet. If you bottle-feed, you will have to start using dairy-free products.
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