Formula Feeding – Cow’s milk allergy / intolerance

My formula-fed baby always seems to have a sore tummy. Could it be an allergy to cow’s milk?

There are many situations that cause tummy ache in babies, such as colic, or overfeeding. However, a very small percentage of babies have either an allergy or intolerance to cow’s milk. An allergy occurs when the body reacts against the food and produces anti-bodies. An intolerance, on the other hand, is caused by an inability to digest the food in question. Since the symptoms are similar it is often difficult to distinguish between the two.

Allergy:
– Vomiting
– Stomach cramps
– Rash
– Blocked or runny nose
– Coughing or wheezing

Intolerance:
– Stomach cramps
– Diarrhoea
– Wind
– Weight loss
– Distended stomach
– Stools smell very bad

In either case your baby should change to a soy-based formula. This is not a decision or diagnosis that you should make without consulting your doctor.

See also:
Bottle feeding – Advantages
Bottle feeding – Choice of Teat
Bottle feeding – Choosing the best formula
Bottle feeding – Combining with breastfeeding
Bottle feeding – Drawbacks
Bottle feeding – Physical contact and Propping
Bottle feeding – Practical guidelines
Bottle feeding – Pros and cons
Bottle feeding – Quantity
Bottle feeding – Reducing mother’s milk supply
Bottle feeding – Switching from breastfeeding
Bottle feeding – Travelling