Milk Allergies in Infants and Children

!±8± Milk Allergies in Infants and Children

Milk is very important part of the diet of infants and children. Milk provides both calcium and vitamin D which are essential for the growth and development of children. It is well understood that if infants and children do not have enough milk they will have serious health problems. From the time a person is born they begin to consume either mother's milk or other forms of milk. Mother's milk and formula both are made to provide all the essential nutrients an infant needs to grow and develop normally. Sometimes it becomes evident very early in the life of an infant that they have a problem with the milk they are receiving and may even be allergic to milk. This condition will need quick intervention to make sure the baby is not adversely affected.

Interventions For Milk Allergies In Infants

The best thing a baby can be fed is their mother's milk. Most of the time when they are nursed by their mother they will have less allergies. Some of the times what the mother is eating causes problems for the baby. If a baby seems to be allergic to their mother's milk the mother should first change her diet. She should avoid gas producing foods and foods which may be irritating to the infant. If this does not relieve the symptoms in the baby the mother should speak with the pediatrician and consider switching to formula.

There are two primary formulas for infants. There is cow milk based and soy based formula. Many infants who are allergic to cow's milk will do great on soy milk. Both these types of formulas have the necessary ingredients to promote good health in the infant. If these types of milk do not work for the infant, a physician will need to prescribe a formula that will be able to nourish the infant that has the milk allergy. Most infants will grow out of the milk allergy in time and will be able to eat a normal diet.

Children With Milk Allergies

Some babies do not overcome their allergy to milk and as the child grows it becomes a more complex issue. Children with milk allergies will have many foods to avoid as they grow up. Milk is an ingredient in many products and even small amounts can sometimes cause an allergic reaction. Parents will need to learn what food products to avoid and will in turn need to teach their child. Because the Food and Drug Administration requires all ingredients to be listed on produced food it is easier for a parent to figure out which foods may cause a problem.