Cow's milk allergy occurs when the immune system overreacts to the protein in cow's milk, and this can be experienced by babies. In fact, for babies, milk is a very important intake. Then, how to choose milk for babies who are allergic to cow's milk?

Taking Benefits of Cow's Milk in Babies Who Are Allergic to Cow's Milk - Not all babies are compatible with cow's milk. Babies who suffer from cow's milk allergy usually show reactions in the form of itching, vomiting, or diarrhea after drinking it. This condition can make parents worried that their baby's growth and development will be disrupted, especially if the parents cannot provide breast milk. Even so, you don't need to worry because now there are several choices of milk that can be given to babies who are allergic to cow's milk so that their nutritional needs are still met.

The Importance of Cow's Milk for Babies

The main source of the best nutrition for babies during the first 6 months of life is breast milk. Unfortunately, a small amount of breast milk or certain medical conditions sometimes make it impossible for mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies.

In such circumstances, cow's milk formula can be the best substitute or companion for breast milk as a source of infant nutrition. Various nutritional content in cow's milk, such as protein, calcium, potassium, vitamin B12, and vitamin D, can support the growth and development of babies.

As a good source of calcium and protein, formula can help build strong bones, teeth, and muscles in infants and young children. Meanwhile, as a source of carbohydrates, cow's milk is able to provide the energy that children need every day. In addition, children who get enough calcium intake from infancy have a lower risk of developing high blood pressure, stroke, colon cancer, and fractures later in life.

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Tips for choosing formula milk for babies who are allergic to cow's milk

If you want to give your little one the nutritional benefits contained in cow's milk but are worried about the risk of allergies, you can try a hypoallergenic formula that has been proven to be acceptable to most babies with cow's milk allergy.

In this type of formula, the allergenic protein from cow's milk has been broken down into smaller particles so that it is easier for babies to digest and does not trigger allergic reactions. That way, babies with cow's milk allergies can still get the benefits of cow's milk protein. The following is a selection of types of formula milk for babies who are allergic to cow's milk:

1. Extensively hydrolyzed formula

Extensive hydrolyzed formula can provide complete nutrition for babies who cannot digest cow's milk protein or babies who are allergic to cow's milk protein. In this formula, the milk protein has been broken down into smaller pieces, so the baby won't recognize the protein chunks as an allergen.

2. Amino acid formula milk

If you still can't accept extensively hydrolyzed formula, your baby can be given an amino acid-based formula. This formula contains complete nutrition, but in a much simpler form than regular cow's milk or extensively hydrolyzed formula, making it easier to digest.

This is what makes amino acid-based formulas safe for babies with cow's milk allergies to consume. Plus, this milk has also been shown to be able to support weight gain and baby development.

If you see your little one showing certain symptoms after consuming cow's milk, you should stop giving the milk first. Mothers can check the symptoms experienced by your little one using an allergy symptom checker to find out if he has an allergy risk.

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Better yet, immediately check with your little one to the doctor to determine if he really suffers from allergies and what type of allergy he suffers from. If it is true that the cause of the allergy is cow's milk protein, the doctor will give advice on the type of formula milk that your child needs to consume or the most appropriate diet to meet their nutritional needs.

Taking Benefits of Cow's Milk in Babies Who Are Allergic to Cow's Milk