For an infant, milk is the most essential nutrient. Infact it is the only nutrition, so any allergic reaction from milk and other diary products can affect the growth and over all development of this little angel.

We all know that allergy to milk occurs when the immune system responds to the milk protein by releasing antibodies and these antibodies lead to histamines, which are the main reason for this abnormal overreaction and hypersensitivity to milk and other products. This excessive sensitivity does not allow the body to drink milk as it may result in malnutrition and the infant is deprived of essential ingredients.

Milk allergy can affect the person of any age but mostly infants are affected by this disorder. It has been found that about five % of the infants are allergic to milk and diary products. The milk proteins those are present in the milk of a Cow, goat or sheep can also result in the allergic reactions.

Gradually, the child stops consuming milk and it results in deficiency of many essential nutrients affecting the growth process. Also according to a research, it has been pointed out that the infants who are breastfed have a lesser chance of getting milk allergy as compared to those who are given the milk of a Cow, sheep or goat.

But at the same time, it has to be kept into consideration that lactating mothers can also transfer the allergen (milk protein) to the allergic infant through breastfeeding. So the need is to pay special attention to the newly born as that little angel can’t speak for him/herself.

The symptoms of the milk allergy in an infant can be observed from the first few months and the allergic reactions can take place within an hour or so after the intake.

Some of the most common symptoms of milk allergy in the infant can be like rashes on the skin, hives or eczema, the refusal of the infant to take food or milk, colic, swelling of the lips or face, vomiting, shortness of breath, loose motions or bloody diarrhea, red or watery eyes and excessive crying of the child. If any of these signs occur in your child then do consult a pediatrician.