Site Search
About CHAM
Who We Are
Our Mission
Our Values
Standards of Excellence
CHAM Leadership
In the Community
News
Community Events
Inside CHAM
CHAM Connections
CHAM Mentions
Patient Stories
Bronx Locations
US News & World Report
Health Library
Patient Health Library
Refer a Patient
Find a Doctor
Find a Clinical Trial
SIGN IN TO MYCHART
Ways to Give
Volunteer
Volunteering at CHAM
Why Support Montefiore
Donate
Specialties & Programs
Pediatric Specialties
View Specialties
Adolescent Medicine (Gynecology, Menstrual disorders, Contraception, Eating disorders, Obesity)
Allergy and Immunology
Anesthesiology
Cardiology (Heart)
Cardiothoracic Surgery (Heart)
Craniofacial Surgery
Critical Care Medicine
Dentistry
Dermatology (Skin Disorders)
Developmental Medicine (Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Autism, ADHD, Developmental Delays and Mental Health)
Emergency Medicine
Endocrinology & Diabetes
Fetal Medicine (High Risk OB/GYN)
Gastroenterology and Nutrition (Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Liver Disease, Liver Transplant)
General Pediatrics (Academic General Pediatrics)
Genetics (Inherited Diseases, Rare Diseases, Genetic Counseling)
Heart
Hematology and Oncology (Cancer, Sickle Cell Disease, Bleeding Disorders)
Hepatology (Liver Disease)
Hospital Medicine
Infectious Disease (Vaccines, Complex Infection and Antibiotic Management)
Neonatology (Premature and Sick Newborn Care)
Nephrology (Kidney Disease, Hypertension, Dialysis, Kidney Transplant)
Neurology (Seizures, Neuromuscular and Brain Diseases, Muscular Dystrophy, Rhett Syndrome)
Neurosurgery
Ophthalmology (Eye and Vision)
Orthopaedics (Bones and Joints)
Otolaryngology (Ears, Nose, Throat)
Plastic Surgery
Psychiatry (Therapy for Mental Health Problems, Depression, Psychiatric Diseases)
Radiology,X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, CT, interventional procedures
Respiratory and Sleep Medicine (Lung and Breathing Problems, Asthma, Sleep Apnea)
Rheumatology (Lupus, Juvenile Arthritis, Childhood Autoimmune Diseases)
Surgery
Urology (Kidney, Ureter and Bladder)
PROGRAMS & CENTERS
View All Programs & Centers >
For Patients & Families
Getting Here
Your Hospital Visit
Neighborhood Services
Visitors
Community Events
Support Services
Paying For Your Visit
FAQs
Find A Doctor
Get Directions
Patient Stories
For Health
Professionals
Refer A Patient
Residency and Fellowship at the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore
Nursing At CHAM
Grand Rounds
Careers
L.E.A.D. Program
Staff & Alumni Association
Quality & Performance Improvement
CHAM Leadership
Medical Student Education
Clinical Pathways
Research
Child Health Research at CHAM
Improving Child Health Across Disciplines
Clinical Trials
Albert Einstein College Of Medicine
Preventive Intervention Research Center for Child Health (PIRC)
Home
Health Library
Share
Health Library
<div class="HwContainer HwElement" id="HwContainer"><a class="HwMainSkipNavigation" href="#HwContentTitle"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">Skip Navigation</span></a><div class="HwBlock" id="HwMain" role="main"><div class="HwRow"><div class="HwColumn" id="HwColumnSidebar1"><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomSidebar"> </div></div><div class="HwColumn" id="HwColumnContent"><div id="HwContentTop"> </div><div class="HwTypeSpecial HwContentWrapper HwElement" role="article" id="HwContentWrapper"><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomContentTop"> </div><div class="HwContentHeader"><p><a name="top" id="Hwtop"><span class="HwAccessibilityText">Top of the page</span></a> </p></div><div class="HwContentTitle"><h1 id="HwContentTitle" tabindex="-1">Cow's Milk Sensitivity in Babies</h1></div><div class="HwContentTopNavigation"> </div><div class="HwContent"><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionSpecialSection" id="sec-aa106616-sec"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="421b88ad" fingerprint-exact="1b206d13">Topic Overview</h2><p fingerprint="857b9698" fingerprint-exact="7cc60958">If you drink cow's milk or eat dairy products that contain cow's milk while <span class="HwOptionalAny"><a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="ue5257" data-hw-section="ue5257-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="ue5257" data-hwid="ue5257" hw:section-href="ue5257-sec" href="?id=ue5257#ue5257-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">breastfeeding</span></a></span>, the milk protein and sugars are passed on to your baby. Protein and sugars from cow's milk are also ingredients in most formulas. Some babies are sensitive to these proteins and sugars.</p> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="eb73d2ba" fingerprint-exact="92272fa2">Cow's milk protein sensitivity</h3> <p fingerprint="653f3db1" fingerprint-exact="0d892981">Normally, milk protein poses no problems to a baby's health or digestive system. But a small number of babies have reactions to a protein found in cow's milk. Signs of cow's milk protein sensitivity or intolerance include:</p> <ul fingerprint="bbc534fb" fingerprint-exact="b348c29b"> <li><a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sth149889" data-hw-section="sth149889-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sth149889" data-hwid="sth149889" hw:section-href="sth149889-sec" href="?id=sth149889#sth149889-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">Hives</span></a>.</li> <li>Swelling of the face, tongue, mouth, or throat.</li> <li><a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="not35688" data-hw-section="not35688-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="not35688" data-hwid="not35688" hw:section-href="not35688-sec" href="?id=not35688#not35688-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">Difficulty breathing</span></a>, <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stw5587" data-hw-section="stw5587-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stw5587" data-hwid="stw5587" hw:section-href="stw5587-sec" href="?id=stw5587#stw5587-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">wheezing</span></a>, or <a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="sta123346" data-hw-section="sta123346-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="sta123346" data-hwid="sta123346" hw:section-href="sta123346-sec" href="?id=sta123346#sta123346-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">asthma</span></a>.</li> <li>Abdominal (belly) pain.</li> <li>Vomiting.</li> <li>Diarrhea.</li></ul> <p fingerprint="a6b73fd8" fingerprint-exact="d84c902e">A formula-fed baby with suspected cow's milk protein intolerance usually will be switched to a soy-based formula. But some babies have an intolerance to both milk protein and soy. These babies may need a hypoallergenic formula (such as Alimentum or Nutramigen).</p> <p fingerprint="a699a0f2" fingerprint-exact="020cce10">If you are breastfeeding and you notice that your baby has signs of intolerance when you eat or drink dairy products, contact your baby's doctor.</p> <h3 class="HwSubSectionTitle" fingerprint="8e89512b" fingerprint-exact="0240dd87">Cow's milk sugar intolerance (lactase deficiency)</h3> <p fingerprint="357d4fd9" fingerprint-exact="f56c2795">Some formula-fed babies develop problems similar to <span class="HwOptionalAny"><a class="HwLinkDefinition" data-hw-type="Definition" data-hw-document-href="stl158044" data-hw-section="stl158044-sec" rel="Definition" hw:document-type="Definition" hw:document-href="stl158044" data-hwid="stl158044" hw:section-href="stl158044-sec" href="?id=stl158044#stl158044-sec"><span class="HwLinkText">lactose intolerance</span></a></span> in older children and adults. These babies do not produce enough of the lactase enzyme, which is needed to break down and digest the sugar in milk. In babies, this is a temporary problem. It does not mean that the child will be lactose intolerant as an adult.</p> <p fingerprint="3e1f3aaa" fingerprint-exact="74108c86">Symptoms of lactase deficiency in infants include:</p> <ul fingerprint="d74272d7" fingerprint-exact="808a5160"> <li>A bloated stomach.</li> <li>Belly pain or cramps.</li> <li>Gas.</li></ul> <p fingerprint="fa3386c9" fingerprint-exact="0e593938">Babies who are exclusively breastfed do not develop a milk sugar intolerance. Breast milk contains lactase. So even if the baby has low levels of the enzyme, the amount of lactase contained in breast milk is enough to break down the milk sugars for proper digestion.</p> <p fingerprint="c4ffb322" fingerprint-exact="40bb6105">Medicines for lactose intolerance (such as Lactaid) will not help and should not be given to babies. Soy-based or hypoallergenic formulas that are lactose-free usually are given to replace regular formulas. Your doctor can help guide you about when to gradually try reintroducing regular formula.</p></div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwSectionRelatedInformation" id="sec-aa106616-RelInfo"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle" fingerprint="d5f858e0" fingerprint-exact="c0ffe04b">Related Information</h2><ul fingerprint="fe8f524e" fingerprint-exact="e1061959"><li class="HwOptionalAny"><a data-hw-type="Mini" data-hw-document-href="hw177971" data-hw-section="hw177973" hw:document-type="Mini" hw:document-href="hw177971" data-hwid="hw177971" hw:section-href="hw177973" href="?id=hw177971#hw177973">Lactose Intolerance</a></li> <li class="HwOptionalAny"><a data-hw-type="Special" data-hw-document-href="hw148684" data-hw-section="hw148684-sec" hw:document-type="Special" hw:document-href="hw148684" data-hwid="hw148684" hw:section-href="hw148684-sec" href="?id=hw148684#hw148684-sec">Infant Formulas</a></li></ul></div><div class="HwNavigationSection HwCreditsSection HwSectionCredits" id="sec-aa106616-Credits"><h2 class="HwSectionTitle">Credits</h2><div class="HwContentInformation"><div class="HwLastUpdated"><p><span class="HwInfoLabel">Current as of</span>April 7, 2019</p></div> <div class="HwCredits"><p><span class="HwInfoLabel">Author: </span>Healthwise Staff<br> <span class="HwInfoLabel">Medical Review: </span> <span class="HwInfoName">E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine</span> <br> <span class="HwInfoName">Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine</span> <br> <span class="HwInfoName">Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine</span> <br> <span class="HwInfoName">Lora J. Stewart MD - Allergy and Immunology</span> <br></p></div></div></div></div><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomContentBottom"> </div><div class="HwContentNavigation"><div class="HwSectionNavItem" style="display:block" id="secNav-aa106616-sec"><ul><li class="HwContentNavigationNone"> </li><li class="HwContentNavigationTop"><a href="#top">Top of the page</a></li><li class="HwContentNavigationNext"><p>Next Section: </p><a class="HwLinkNavstack" data-hw-type="Special" data-hw-document-href="aa106616" data-hw-section="aa106616-RelInfo" id="nextLink-aa106616-RelInfo" hw:document-type="Special" hw:document-href="aa106616" data-hwid="aa106616" hw:section-href="aa106616-RelInfo" href="?id=aa106616#aa106616-RelInfo">Related Information</a></li><li class="HwClear"> </li></ul></div><div class="HwSectionNavItem" style="display:none" id="secNav-aa106616-RelInfo"><ul><li class="HwContentNavigationPrev"><p>Previous Section: </p><a class="HwLinkNavstack" data-hw-type="Special" data-hw-document-href="aa106616" data-hw-section="aa106616-sec" id="prevLink-aa106616-sec" hw:document-type="Special" hw:document-href="aa106616" data-hwid="aa106616" hw:section-href="aa106616-sec" href="?id=aa106616#aa106616-sec">Topic Overview</a></li><li class="HwContentNavigationTop"><a href="#top">Top of the page</a></li><li class="HwContentNavigationNext"><p>Next Section: </p><a class="HwLinkNavstack" data-hw-type="Special" data-hw-document-href="aa106616" data-hw-section="aa106616-Credits" id="nextLink-aa106616-Credits" hw:document-type="Special" hw:document-href="aa106616" data-hwid="aa106616" hw:section-href="aa106616-Credits" href="?id=aa106616#aa106616-Credits">Credits</a></li><li class="HwClear"> </li></ul></div><div class="HwSectionNavItem" style="display:none" id="secNav-aa106616-Credits"><ul><li class="HwContentNavigationPrev"><p>Previous Section: </p><a class="HwLinkNavstack" data-hw-type="Special" data-hw-document-href="aa106616" data-hw-section="aa106616-RelInfo" id="prevLink-aa106616-RelInfo" hw:document-type="Special" hw:document-href="aa106616" data-hwid="aa106616" hw:section-href="aa106616-RelInfo" href="?id=aa106616#aa106616-RelInfo">Related Information</a></li><li class="HwContentNavigationTop"><a href="#top">Top of the page</a></li><li class="HwContentNavigationNone"> </li><li class="HwClear"> </li></ul></div></div><div class="HwContentInformation" role="complementary"><div class="HwLastUpdated"><p><span class="HwInfoLabel">Current as of: </span>April 7, 2019</p></div><div class="HwCredits"><p><span class="HwInfoLabel">Author: </span><a data-hw-type="Support" data-hw-document-href="support-abouthw" data-hw-section="content-team" hw:document-type="Support" hw:document-href="support-abouthw" data-hwid="support-abouthw" hw:section-href="content-team" href="?id=support-abouthw#content-team">Healthwise Staff</a></p><p><a class="HwLinkDisclaimer" href="https://www.healthwise.org/mdreviewboard.aspx?lang=en-us"><span class="HwInfoLabel">Medical Review:</span></a><span class="HwInfoName">E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine</span> & <span class="HwInfoName">Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine</span> & <span class="HwInfoName">Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine</span> & <span class="HwInfoName">Lora J. Stewart MD - Allergy and Immunology</span></p></div></div></div></div><div class="HwColumn" id="HwColumnSidebar2"><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomNavigationTop"> </div><div class="HwElement" id="HwNavigationWrapper"><div class="HwNavigation" id="HwNavigation" role="navigation"><h3 class="HwNavStackHeader" id="HwNavStackHeader">Topic Contents</h3><ul aria-labelledby="HwNavStackHeader"><li id="nav-aa106616-sec"><a class="HwLinkNavstack" data-hw-type="Special" data-hw-document-href="aa106616" data-hw-section="aa106616-sec" hw:document-type="Special" hw:document-href="aa106616" data-hwid="aa106616" hw:section-href="aa106616-sec" href="?id=aa106616#aa106616-sec">Topic Overview</a></li><li id="nav-aa106616-RelInfo"><a class="HwLinkNavstack" data-hw-type="Special" data-hw-document-href="aa106616" data-hw-section="aa106616-RelInfo" hw:document-type="Special" hw:document-href="aa106616" data-hwid="aa106616" hw:section-href="aa106616-RelInfo" href="?id=aa106616#aa106616-RelInfo">Related Information</a></li><li id="nav-aa106616-Credits"><a class="HwLinkNavstack" data-hw-type="Special" data-hw-document-href="aa106616" data-hw-section="aa106616-Credits" hw:document-type="Special" hw:document-href="aa106616" data-hwid="aa106616" hw:section-href="aa106616-Credits" href="?id=aa106616#aa106616-Credits">Credits</a></li></ul></div></div><div class="HwNavigationWrapper HwNavigationEmpty"> </div><div class="HwCustom" id="HwCustomNavigationBottom"> </div></div></div></div><div class="HwBlock" id="HwFooter"><div class="HwRow"><div class="HwCustom HwColumn" id="HwCustomFooterLeft"> </div><div class="HwColumn" id="HwFooterLegal"><div class="HwLegal HwElement" role="contentinfo"><div class="HwLogo"><a data-hw-type="Support" data-hw-document-href="support-abouthw" data-hw-section="support-abouthw-about" hw:document-type="Support" hw:document-href="support-abouthw" data-hwid="support-abouthw" hw:section-href="support-abouthw-about" href="?id=support-abouthw#support-abouthw-about"><img class="HwNoHcMode" data-hw-resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo.png" alt="Click here to learn about Healthwise" src="https://ixbapi.healthwise.net/Resource/12.2/en-us/media/interface/hwlogo.png" hw:resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo.png" hw:release-quarter="12.2"><img class="HwHcMode" data-hw-resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo_hc.png" alt="Click here to learn about Healthwise" src="https://ixbapi.healthwise.net/Resource/12.2/en-us/media/interface/hwlogo_hc.png" hw:resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo_hc.png" hw:release-quarter="12.2"></a></div><div class="HwDisclaimer"><p>This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the <a href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/terms.aspx">Terms of Use</a> and <a href="https://www.healthwise.org/specialpages/legal/privacy.aspx">Privacy Policy</a>. Learn <a data-hw-type="Support" data-hw-document-href="support-abouthw" data-hw-section="support-abouthw-editorial" hw:document-type="Support" hw:document-href="support-abouthw" data-hwid="support-abouthw" hw:section-href="support-abouthw-editorial" href="?id=support-abouthw#support-abouthw-editorial">how we develop our content</a>.</p></div><div class="HwOptionalLogo"><div class="HwLogo"><a data-hw-type="Support" data-hw-document-href="support-abouthw" data-hw-section="support-abouthw-about" hw:document-type="Support" hw:document-href="support-abouthw" data-hwid="support-abouthw" hw:section-href="support-abouthw-about" href="?id=support-abouthw#support-abouthw-about"><img class="HwNoHcMode" data-hw-resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo.png" alt="Click here to learn about Healthwise" src="https://ixbapi.healthwise.net/Resource/12.2/en-us/media/interface/hwlogo.png" hw:resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo.png" hw:release-quarter="12.2"><img class="HwHcMode" data-hw-resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo_hc.png" alt="Click here to learn about Healthwise" src="https://ixbapi.healthwise.net/Resource/12.2/en-us/media/interface/hwlogo_hc.png" hw:resource-path="media/interface/hwlogo_hc.png" hw:release-quarter="12.2"></a></div></div><div class="HwCopyright"><p class="HwCopyrightLink">To learn more about Healthwise, visit <a href="https://www.healthwise.org">Healthwise.org</a>. </p><p>© 1995-2019 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.</p></div></div></div><div class="HwCustom HwColumn" id="HwCustomFooterRight"> </div></div></div><div class="HwCustom HwBlock" id="HwCustomFooter"> </div></div>