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Cow’s milk protein allergy is the most common food allergy in babies.1
Cow’s milk protein allergy occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to one or more proteins found in cow’s milk and other dairy products. In Australia and New Zealand, around 1 in every 50 babies has an allergy to cow’s milk protein.1
Cow’s milk protein allergy is not the same as lactose intolerance, which is an inability to digest lactose. Fortunately, most children grow out of cow’s milk protein allergy by the time they are three to five years old, when their digestive and immune systems are more mature.1
Food allergies, including cow’s milk protein allergy, are caused by the body’s immune system mistakenly identifying certain proteins found in a food as dangerous. The immune system launches an attack against the food proteins, resulting in an allergic reaction to the food when it’s consumed.
If there is a history of allergy in your family, then there is a higher risk that your baby may develop a cow’s milk allergy or sensitivities to other common food allergens.
Symptoms of cow’s milk protein allergy can occur within minutes or up to several days after your baby has had cow’s milk protein.
Your baby may develop symptoms such as:
Hives or rash
Swelling of the face, lips or eyelids
Vomiting or diarrhoea
Noisy breathing or wheezing
Runny nose
If you are worried your baby is having a severe allergic reaction, you should take them to the nearest hospital immediately.
Delayed reactions can be harder to spot, but you may notice that your baby has:
An increase in rashes
Delayed vomiting
Abnormal stools or diarrhoea
Abdominal pain
Colic
If your baby has symptoms of a cow’s milk allergy, make an appointment to see your healthcare professional as soon as you can. Not all reactions to cow’s milk are due to an allergy, so it’s important to seek expert advice for a food allergy test and a confirmed diagnosis.
Find answers to common questions about Novalac
and conditions that might impact your child’s feeding habits.
Cow’s milk allergy is more common in children under 5 years old. It is one of the most common food allergies in young children, but most outgrow it by school age.1
Lactose intolerance is caused by a lack of the enzyme lactase which helps to digest lactose which is the sugar in milk. Cow’s milk allergy occurs when the body’s immune system reacts to one or more proteins found in cow’s milk and other dairy products.
While commonly nicknamed “milk spots,” the appearance of tiny white bumps (milia) on a newborn’s face is not indicative of a cow’s milk allergy. Milia are simply harmless accumulations of trapped skin cells that typically clear up on their own. In contrast, a milk allergy rash manifests as red, itchy skin due to a reaction to milk protein. If you notice a red, itchy rash on your baby, consult a healthcare professional to rule out a milk allergy.
We offer a dedicated support line to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have about Novalac products.
is available from pharmacies nationwideIf you are able to breastfeed, breastfeeding is best for babies. Breastfeeding has many benefits, such as protecting your baby from infection while their immune system develops. It is important that you eat a healthy, balanced diet in preparation for and during breastfeeding.
Infant formula is designed to replace breast milk when an infant is not breastfed. Combining breast and bottle feeding in your baby’s first weeks of life may reduce your supply of breast milk and reversing a decision not to breastfeed is difficult. The social and financial implications of using infant formula should be considered when choosing a method of feeding.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when preparing and using infant formula, including proper sterilisation of bottles and using boiled water. Improper use of an infant formula may make your baby ill.
We recommend that you consult your doctor, midwife, or health care professional for advice about feeding your baby.
