Many children are unfortunately affected by an allergy to cow’s milk formulas. For weaning your children off breastmilk or as a follow-on formula in the toddler years, cow’s milk formulas are an excellent way of ensuring your child’s access to much of the nutrition he/she needs to thrive. Without being able to consume these formula variants and not being able to consume any solid foods yet, what is a concerned parent to do for their child to receive adequate nutrition?
Fortunately, there are several means of ensuring your child’s nutrition without the use of standard cow’s milk. Whether you choose a cow’s milk allergy formula or another lactose-free variant, there are alternative products with similar nutritional benefits, without the allergy-inducing effects. Other techniques can also be helpful to mitigate the worst of your child’s symptoms.
Let’s look at some effective ways to manage your child’s cow’s milk intolerance.
Know The Difference Between Allergy And Intolerance
Unknown to many new parents, there is a difference between lactose intolerance and a milk allergy. Many of the symptoms are the same between these ailments. These include loose stools, vomiting, refusing to eat, and abdominal pain.
However, lactose intolerance involves an issue with your child’s digestion. In the case of a milk allergy, on the other hand, the problem lies in your child’s immune system’s response to milk. To find out what kind of ailment is bothering your child, make an appointment with your family physician. He or she will likely run a test called a hydrogen breath test to see if lactose intolerance is the issue.
This difference in the source of your child’s symptoms is why lactose intolerance can be painful for your child but is not a life-threatening condition like allergies are. Milk allergies can disappear as a child grows up and as their digestive system becomes more fully developed. Lactose intolerance, on the other hand, tends to stick around into adulthood.
Use The Right Formula Products
Considering the above, it is essential that you choose the right product to match your child’s symptoms and nutritional needs. For a milk allergy, it should come as no surprise that a cow’s milk allergy formula is the correct choice. For lactose intolerance issues, you need to use a lactose-free variant of formula.
If you are into alternative plant-based milks, you can also try almond, hemp, or soy milks. These are less nutritionally dense than cow-based milks, but they will not upset the digestion or immune system of your child. If your child can supplement their intake of these milks with additional nutrition, then these can be a viable option.
While these seem like obvious solutions, make sure to source these products from established and well-respected brands. This will ensure that what is indicated on the label is indeed in the container of formula making it as safe to consume as possible for your child.
Exercise Caution
Changing or adding new things to your child’s diet can be problematic. To ensure a safe transition to any new products or diet modifications, make sure to consult a doctor or nutritional specialist first. They can advise you as to what is safe for your child and what is not. In the case of a milk allergy, the implications are potentially life-threatening, so you do not want to take any chances.
You Will Find A Formula For Success
Fortunately, your child has parents who are thoughtful and caring enough to learn more about why they are feeling ill. In the best case, specialised formula variants can provide your children with the nutrition they need without any of the unpleasant symptoms.
