lucy-upton-weaning-guide - Flipbook - Page 9
dairy produce without lactose ('Lactose-Free') for a few weeks before introducing it
into their diet.
Cow's Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) - Approximately 2-3% of babies in the UK are
allergic to one or more proteins in cow's milk, leading to a Cow's Milk Protein
Allergy (CMPA) diagnosis. In this condition, the body mistakenly identifies a safe
protein, like those found in cow's milk, as a threat and produces an immune
response. Most babies with CMPA are diagnosed before weaning because they have
been exposed to cow's milk proteins through formula or, in some cases, their
mother's breast milk. However, a small group of exclusively breastfed babies may
first show symptoms of CMPA during weaning, as this is when their bodies
encounter cow's milk proteins for the first time in a significant amount or specific
form. Allergy symptoms can be immediate or delayed; common symptoms are
listed below. Ensure you seek professional medical support for any concerns and
emergency help for signs of a severe immediate allergic reaction.
Immediate symptoms
Hives (Nettle like rash)
Swelling e.g. face, eyes, lip, tongue
Vomiting
Difficulty breathing, speaking or hoarse
cough or cry
Delayed symptoms
Vomiting or exacerbation of reflux
Constipation and/or diarrhoea
Blood or excessive mucus in stools
Feed or food refusal
Anaphylaxis – pallor, floppiness,
non-responsive, difficulty breathing
Eczema that is difficult to control or
not responding to treatment
How do I move my baby onto cow's milk from 12 months of age?
From 12 months of age (your baby's first birthday) onwards, you can transition them
onto cow's milk as a drink. In the UK, it's recommended that children from 12
months can have whole or semi-skimmed cow's milk to drink. You can approach
offering cow's milk as a drink in various ways. Here are a few options;
1. Offer directly as a drink in a cup (e.g. open cup, free flow Sippy cup or
straw cup)
2. Titrate cow's milk with your child9s usual milk across a few days or
weeks to help them adjust to the change, e.g. formula milk. For example;
