Most babies are choosy most of the time. But, there are also babies that are extremely choosy due to milk allergy they get from cow’s milk which is usually the main component of most commercial baby formulas today. Anyone can be affected with milk aversion, however babies are most affected from it and statistics shows about 2-3% of babies are involved.
If you think that your baby has a milk allergy, better consult to your doctor about it. There might be specific procedures needed to be done and other options of replacing the milk or alternatives to milk-based formulas and dairy products. This aversion happens when the body’s immune system falsely sees milk proteins differently that the body needs to fight off. Allergic reaction will definitely occurs, and babies will start to become choosy and irritated causing their upset stomach and other signs of illness. There are also children who are sensitive in cow’s milk as well as goat’s milk and even sheep’s milk, and there are also those who are allergic with milk coming from soya.
Babies that are being breastfed have a lesser risk of being affected with milk allergy compared to those who are formula fed, although researchers don’t have enough understanding on why there are those who are allergic from it while others are not. There are also cases of this aversion showing that it is acquired through genes. Naturally, this kind of allergy passes when the child reaches the age of 3-5 years old already, but other children cannot easily surpass it.
Milk allergy cannot be compared to lactose intolerance because this is due to inability to digest sugar lactose and this is very usual to older kids and adults not with babies. Most babies with milk aversions are referred to pediatric gastroenterologist when the symptoms are already serious, while avoiding specific foods is the primary treatment; often medications are taken such as steroids and antihistamines to prevent acute allergic reactions.