“Allergy” in babies is a situation that we encounter frequently lately. Allergy may occur in the first months of life in the baby, but it can also occur in later times. Allergy can be diagnosed thanks to the observed symptoms and doctor's control thanks to the watchful eyes of mothers.

The allergy that mothers are probably most afraid of and most anxious about in infancy is milk allergy. Milk allergy starts from birth and it is necessary to make changes in breast milk or formula, which is the first food of the baby. Allergy-specific formulas are available, but if the baby is breastfed, the mother must follow a strict diet to continue breastfeeding.

What Are the Symptoms of Milk Allergy in Babies?

There are many symptoms of milk allergy in babies. Of course, none of these symptoms will be enough to diagnose at home, doctor control is a must. However, it is still possible to say that bloody poop is the clearest symptom.

Since other symptoms can also be seen in children who are not allergic, the mother should observe the baby and consult a doctor in case of long-lasting and multiple symptoms.

In infants with milk allergy;

Bloody and mucous poo
Noisy poop
Unrest
crying spells
not gaining weight
gas pain
inability to fall asleep
non-passing host
Eczema
rash that doesn't go away
Digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea

can be seen. However, a doctor's control is needed for a definitive diagnosis.

Maternal Nutrition in Babies with Milk Allergy

When 'milk allergy' is first heard, mothers get worried. However, milk allergy is not an allergy to breast milk, it is an allergy to milk protein. Milk proteins that pass into the milk from the milk products that the mother eats trigger allergic reactions in the child. In order to avoid these reactions, it is necessary to follow a diet program in which the mother does not consume dairy products. In infants with milk allergy, maternal nutrition should be free from both milk protein and cross-allergens. However, while this planning is being done, a doctor's control is required for the health of the mother and baby. Because the mother who cannot consume dairy products may need to use supplements to prevent the emptying of calcium stores.

Allergy to dairy products can also occur in children who take formula. Many formulas on the market contain milk proteins. For this reason, you can choose from among the allergic baby foods recommended by your doctor.

Additional Food Options for Babies with Milk Allergies 

Babies who are fed only breast milk or formula for milk allergy during the first 6 months will have a different roadmap compared to other babies when they switch to supplementary food as of the 6th month. Mothers whose babies have allergies can make and implement a dairy-free nutrition program that will not contain cross-allergens, in consultation with the doctor.

For example, if the nutritious baby tarhana, which is the favorite of the mothers in the supplementary food period, is made in a classical style, it may be inconvenient for milk allergic babies. Instead, you can turn to tarhana soups made using vegetables such as spinach and beetroot.

A baby biscuit made from natural materials is one of the things that mothers most need during the supplementary food period. However, milk allergic baby biscuits should be preferred for babies with allergies. It may be a problem to increase the variety during the milk allergy supplementary food period, but it is possible to increase this variety and feed your baby with your heart, with Chef Mom's wide range of products special for milk allergic babies.

When Does Cow's Milk Allergy in Babies Go?

Cow's milk allergy in infants generally continues until 1 year of age. However, your doctor will probably want to observe the state of the allergy by making tests at regular intervals. Your doctor will decide when and how these trials will take place, but these trials can be done during the first 6 months of feeding with breast milk or formula, or during the supplementary food period. Based on the results of these trials, either you or your baby will continue to diet or unlock some locks in your diet.