Milk allergies are one of the common food allergies afflicting individuals at any age .It is more common among infants who are a couple of months old. In most cases these infants outgrow the milk allergies. In some cases they do persist. Infants who are breastfed have a lower risk of milk allergy than babies who are bottle fed. Milk allergies occur because the body’s immune system perceives the milk proteins as the ‘invaders’. The milk proteins are whey protein, and casein protein. These milk proteins are harmless, but in an individual, whose immune system is sensitive, may react to one of the milk proteins and trigger milk allergies.

Symptoms vary from respiratory (sneezing, wheezing), to dermatological, (skin rash, itchiness) and gastrointestinal, (stomach pain, nausea). Symptoms in baby allergies manifest itself as skin rashes, eczema, and colic pain, crying after feeding. Symptoms may be delayed or rapid in response. It is very important for the breast-feeding mother, not to eat milk and food items that cause an allergy or irritation to the baby. For mothers of kids who are prone to milk allergies, feeding them nutritious and healthy food will be a challenge. They have to follow a toddler allergy diet, in consultation with the doctor, who may substitute milk with special hydrolyzed formula milk.