Cow’s milk protein allergy

Cow’s milk protein allergy is the most common food allergy in babies.¹

What is cow’s milk protein allergy?

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

What causes cow’s milk protein allergy?

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.

What are the symptoms of cow’s milk protein allergy?

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

What should I do if I think my baby may have cow’s milk protein allergy?

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.

Allergy

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cow’s milk protein allergy.

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Frequently asked questions

Find answers to common questions about Novalac and conditions that might impact your child’s feeding habits.

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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.

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Australasian Society of Immunology and Allergy. Cow’s Milk (Dairy) Allergy – Fast Facts 2023. Available from https://www.allergy.org.au/patients/fast-facts/cows-milk-dairy-allergy. Accessed Oct 2025.