Is it Colic or Cow's Milk Allergy?

Not knowing why your child cries for hours is heart-breaking. A real struggle for first-time mums. But don’t worry for we’ll try to help you understand your baby’s dilemma little by little.

Two things to clarify. Is your child experiencing colic or having cow’s milk allergy?

Colic is the uncontrollable crying in a healthy baby. It often shows up when your child is 2-3 weeks old. When your baby is colicky, he may also show signs of gassy tummy. Colic usually lasts around six weeks and gets better between 3 and 4 months.

But, when your baby is at least 5 months of age and still experiencing uncontrollable crying, he may have this common cow’s milk allergy.

Milk, whether breastfed or formula, is the staple food for babies, but what if he is having allergic reactions to it. How would you give him the nourishment he needs?

Cow’s milk allergy is one of the most common food allergies in young children. Sensitivity to cow’s milk varies and the reactions can be unpredictable. Allergic reactions range from mild to severe such as anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It may also affect breathing and blood circulation.

Cow’s milk allergy is an abnormal response of the body’s immune system. Symptoms can start in the early weeks of life. They may also affect body systems such as the skin, digestive and even blood circulation.

Symptoms you should watch out for are

- Eczema
- Diarrhea
- Colic (an attack of crying and appears to be an abdominal pain in infancy)
- Back Arching
- Constipation
- Not feeding
- Reflux
- Vomiting
- Wheezing

And when your child is diagnosed with cow’s milk allergy, there are still alternative milks for him. One of those is a soy-based formula like Dumex formula. Soy-based formula is made with bean milk and are naturally lactose-free. It also contains around 33% more sodium than that of cow’s milk-based formula and is also saltier than human milk.