Cow's Milk Allergy in Babies

Parent-friendly information about cow's milk protein allergy, milk avoidance, and reintroducing milk when appropriate.

Educational resources curated by Verra Health Clinic

Please note: This page is for general education only and does not replace medical advice from your doctor.

About cow's milk allergy

Cow's milk protein allergy can happen when a baby's immune system reacts to proteins in cow's milk. Symptoms may include vomiting, reflux, diarrhea, constipation, blood or mucus in the stool, eczema, poor feeding, irritability, or poor weight gain.

Treatment

Treatment usually involves avoiding cow's milk protein for a period of time. Depending on your baby's age, this may involve continuing breastfeeding with dietary advice for the breastfeeding parent, using a prescribed hypoallergenic formula, or avoiding foods containing cow's milk protein. Your doctor or dietitian will advise which option is most appropriate for your child.

Most children outgrow cow's milk allergy

The good news is that most babies and young children gradually outgrow cow's milk protein allergy during early childhood. Your doctor will advise when it is appropriate to consider reintroducing milk using a milk ladder.

The milk ladder

Many children gradually outgrow cow's milk allergy. A milk ladder is a step-by-step way of reintroducing milk, usually starting with baked milk and slowly progressing to less processed forms of milk. Most children move through the milk ladder at different speeds. Some progress quickly, while others may need to remain on a step for longer before moving on.

Do not start the milk ladder unless your doctor or dietitian has advised that your child is ready. Seek urgent medical help if your child has breathing difficulty, swelling of the lips or tongue, collapse, or a severe allergic reaction.

Recommended resources

AboutKidsHealth – Cow's Milk Protein Allergy
Canadian parent-friendly overview of symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.Alberta Health Services – Milk Allergy Birth to 3 Years
Alberta-specific nutrition guidance for infants and toddlers with milk allergy.Canadian Milk Ladder
A practical step-by-step milk ladder for reintroducing cow's milk when advised.iMAP Milk Ladder
Widely used milk ladder resource for gradual milk reintroduction.

When to contact the clinic

Your baby has poor feeding or poor weight gain.
There is blood or mucus in the stool.
Symptoms return after reintroducing milk.
You are unsure when or how to start the milk ladder.
You have concerns about formula, breastfeeding, calcium, or nutrition.

The above resources are provided by trusted third-party organizations and curated by Verra Health Clinic for patient education.

Need to book an appointment? Book online or call (587) 404-2000.