Cow's Milk Sensitivity in Babies

Overview

If you drink or eat dairy products and are breastfeeding, the cow's milk protein is passed to your baby. Cow's milk protein is also an ingredient in most infant formulas. Some babies are sensitive to this protein.

Signs of cow's milk protein sensitivity or intolerance include:

• Hives.
• Swelling of the face, tongue, mouth, or throat.
• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or asthma.
• Abdominal (belly) pain.
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhea.
• Blood in the stools.

A formula-fed baby with suspected cow's milk protein intolerance usually will be switched to a soy-based formula.

If your baby has signs of milk protein intolerance, contact your baby's doctor.