Signs Your Baby Has Cow's Milk Protein Allergy!

If your baby is unsettled, struggling with feeding, or has ongoing tummy troubles, you might be wondering: Could it be an allergy? One of the most common food allergies in infants is cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) — sometimes called a dairy allergy.

CMPA happens when your baby’s immune system reacts to the proteins in cow’s milk. These proteins can be found in formula made from cow’s milk and in the breast milk of mums who consume dairy.

The tricky part? CMPA can look very different from one baby to another — and sometimes, symptoms are mistaken for colic, reflux, or just “normal baby behaviour.”

The Two Types of CMPA

There are two main ways CMPA shows up:

1. IgE-mediated (immediate) – symptoms appear within minutes to a couple of hours after having milk.

2. Non-IgE-mediated (delayed) – symptoms appear hours or even days later, making it harder to spot the connection.

Some babies can even have a mix of both.

Common Symptoms of CMPA

Tummy & Digestive Symptoms

• Frequent vomiting or reflux

• Diarrhoea, sometimes with mucus or blood

• Constipation that doesn’t improve

• Excessive wind or bloating

Skin Symptoms

• Eczema that isn’t clearing with usual treatments

• Hives (raised, itchy bumps)

• Swelling of the face, lips, or eyelids (more common in IgE-mediated allergy)

Breathing & Nose Symptoms

• Wheezing or coughing

• Runny or blocked nose (without signs of a cold)

General Signs

• Poor weight gain or faltering growth

• Excessive crying and irritability (especially after feeds)

• Difficulty sleeping because of discomfort

Why CMPA Can Be Overlooked

Babies can still gain weight while having CMPA, so symptoms may be brushed off. Some parents are told it’s just colic, teething, or “normal baby fussiness.”
But as a parent, you know your baby best — if something doesn’t feel right, it’s worth looking deeper.

When to Seek Help

If you suspect your baby has CMPA:

• Speak to your GP, health visitor, or a paediatric dietitian.

• Keep a symptom diary — note what your baby eats/drinks and any reactions.

• Don’t remove major food groups from your baby’s diet without guidance — babies have high nutritional needs, and any changes should be supervised.

Bottom Line

How to settle your baby in 4 weeks or less isn’t just a dream — it’s possible when you understand what’s really causing their discomfort. If CMPA is the culprit, the right diagnosis and tailored support can turn things around fast, helping your baby become comfortable, thriving, and happy again.

If you’re navigating symptoms and not getting answers, you’ve come to the right place. Watch our free training here to learn the exact steps to start settling your baby today.