ALLERGIC TO MILK

Babies can be allergic to Cow's Milk...yes, that's true. In India it is so common to give babies cow's milk right when they are so tiny but the fact is not every baby can digest it.

Two to three percent of kids under age 3 can't handle certain proteins in moo juice---its the most pervasive food allergy among infants. (Dont confuse it with Lactose intolerance).

If you feel you have noticed diarrhea interrupting your child's everyday regime, alert your pediatrician. Often, parents spot the problem as soon as the baby starts on cow's milk, but breastfed babies sometimes react to dairy in thier mother's diet.

Babies who are allergic to cow's milk may also be allergic to soy-based milk formula, so doctors usually dont recommend it.

The encouraging news: More than 80 percent of kids outgrow a cow's milk allergy, sometimes as young as age 3, but often not until age 8 or 9. Doctors are now suggesting parents to introduce Cow's milk only after the child is 1 year old.

Whatever be the results of the research thats being conducted, Parents have to always make sure they keep an eye on the child's behaviour every time a new food is introduced to their children and watchout for reactions, change in behaviour, rashes on the body. Spending quality question hour with your pediatrician is very valuable.

- Prathyusha Talluri