How to Identify a Milk Allergy

Cow's milk is on the list of foods that children commonly develop allergies to. Allergic children can be fussy, have diarrhea, skin rashes or vomit. Learning the warning signs of milk allergies, as well as how to determine whether your child has a milk allergy, is important. This guide will help you decide whether your child has a milk allergy.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Milk alternative such as soy milk, rice milk, or goat's milk

How to determine whether your child has a milk allergy

1. Determine the symptoms you child is having in reaction to milk, which can include fussiness, diarrhea, skin rashes, or vomiting.

2. Eliminate milk products from your child's diet for one week.

3. Replace milk products with another product. Goat's milk is best but it is expensive. Soy milk is a relatively inexpensive alternative, but some scientists warn of the effects of too much soy exposure so do your research. Rice milk is also an alternative, but does not contain the nutrients or fats that animal milk does.

4. Observe: If the symptoms do not disappear within a week, chances are your child is not allergic to milk.

5. Experiment: If the symptoms disappear within a week, slowly re-introduce milk products back into your child's diet. If symptoms re-appear it is likely your child is allergic to milk and you should seek guidance and further tests from your physician.

Tips & Warnings

• Most milk allergies in children pass by the time they are two years of age.
• If your child's symptoms are severe and include wheezing, swelling, or hives seek medical attention rather than using these steps.
• Always seek help from your child's pediatrician when in doubt.