What is cow’s milk protein allergy?
Approximately 3-4% of children are diagnosed with cows’ milk protein allergy in the UK.
In these children, their immune system reacts to the proteins found in cow’s milk and dairy products.
Although there are two types of dairy allergy (one being immediate and the other delayed or non-IgE mediated), in both scenarios your paediatrician and paediatric dietitian will recommend a dairy free diet.
Most babies will also be prescribed a specialist infant formula.
If you are breastfeeding then you will be recommended to follow a dairy free diet.
There is considerable debate about whether cow’s milk proteins from a mother’s diet crosses over to breast milk.
If your baby has been diagnosed with cow’s milk protein allergy despite breastfeeding, then both you and your baby will be recommended to follow a strict dairy free diet.