Cow's Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA)

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Mothers should be encouraged to continue breastfeeding even when their babies have cow’s milk protein allergy. This usually requires qualified dietary counseling to completely exclude all sources of cow’s milk protein from the mothers’ diet. If a decision to use a special formula intended for infants is taken, it is important to follow the instructions on the label. Unboiled water, unboiled bottles or incorrect dilution can make babies ill. Incorrect storage, handling, preparation and feeding can eventually lead to adverse effects on the health of babies. Formula for special medical purposes intended for infants must be used under medical supervision.

How will CMPA affect your baby’s feeding?

Once diagnosed, cow’s milk allergy symptoms can be easily managed. With the correct support, feeding your baby will be as smooth and enjoyable as for any parent.

Your doctor will advise you on how to improve your baby’s symptoms and eliminate cow’s milk protein from your baby’s diet. This should in no way affect your breastfeeding routine. In the rare cases where babies develop CMPA in response to cow’s milk protein in breast milk, your doctor will help you make sure you exclude cow’s milk protein from your diet (for example, milk solids, cream, yogurt, and cheese).

Breastfeeding is the best way of feeding your baby during the first months of life and is preferred whenever possible. It is also the preferred choice of feeding for a baby with CMPA.

Complementary feeding and supplementary foods that contain cow’s milk protein (or any other unmodified animal milk proteins) should be avoided. Your doctor will help you identify suitable alternatives.

The length of time that you will need to manage your baby’s diet will depend on the age of your baby and how serious their immune reaction was. Most babies will have developed a tolerance to cow’s milk proteins by the age of 3 years.

Feeding and CMPA

Clémence, mother, France

The story of Wandrille, diagnosed with cow’s milk protein allergy at 3 months old.

Click here to watch the video

KATE, MOTHER, ITALY

Kate talks about her baby Anna, who was constipated at 4 months old and later diagnosed with cow’s milk protein allergy.

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KATRIEN, MOTHER, BELGIUM

Robin began showing symptoms of cow’s milk protein allergy at just 1 month old.

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Do you suspect that your baby may be allergic to proteins in cow’s milk?

Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA), also known as cow’s milk allergy (CMA), is one of the most common food allergies in babies and young children. The symptoms can be distressing, but CMPA can be easily managed with the correct diet, so getting a diagnosis is very important. The good news is that the vast majority of children who are allergic to cow’s milk will outgrow this by the time they are 3 years old.

This website has been designed to support you and answer your questions throughout the process of diagnosis and management.

WHAT IS CMPA?

CMPA is a food allergy where your baby’s immune system reacts abnormally to proteins in cow’s milk. In rare cases, even babies who are exclusively breastfed can develop CMPA by reacting to the cow’s milk protein that is transferred through the breast milk.

ABOUT CMPA

RECOGNIZE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF CMPA

CMPA is a food allergy and symptoms may affect not only the digestive system (for example, diarrhea or vomiting), but also the respiratory system (such as a runny nose or cough) and the skin (for example, dry and scaly skin).

SYMPTOM CHECKER

LEARN MORE ABOUT CMPA DIAGNOSIS

Your doctor will examine your baby and ask about any symptoms. If CMPA is suspected, they may then perform specific allergy tests or an elimination diet followed by food challenge to confirm the diagnosis.