Mom’s Guide to CMPA: Cow’s Milk Allergy in Infants

Cow’s milk protein allergy/intolerance is one of the most difficult challenges a new parent can face in their baby’s feeding journey. This article will describe cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA), discuss how it presents and is diagnosed, and explain why HiPP HA Hypoallergenic PRE is uniquely able to benefit babies with CMPA.

First, the Basics

New to this condition? It can feel overwhelming. Let’s start with an overview.
What is Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy (CMPA) or Intolerance (CMPI)?

Cow’s milk protein allergy or intolerance occurs when a baby’s immune system interprets the proteins in cow’s milk as ‘invaders,’ thus setting off an immune response to attack the protein. CMPA is the most common food allergen in babies, occurring in 2%-3% of infants, though it is commonly resolved by age 6.

What are the Symptoms?

Cow’s milk protein allergy/intolerance can present in numerous ways. Symptoms may include:

  • Gas
  • Bloating
  • Colic
  • Stomachache
  • Rashes or eczema
  • Blood or mucus in the baby’s stool
  • Wheezing
  • Facial swelling
  • Stunted growth

How is it diagnosed?

If your baby is experiencing just one of the symptoms above, it is unlikely that he or she has an allergy or even a sensitivity to cow’s milk protein. If several symptoms show up at once, however, it might point to CMPA or another condition that needs further investigation. If you believe your baby might have cow’s milk protein allergy, please make an appointment with your pediatrician to discuss your concerns. CMPA should only be diagnosed by a licensed professional.

What Formula is Best for Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy?

If you need a hypoallergenic formula for your baby, HiPP HA PRE is a great option. What sets HiPP HA PRE apart from other hypoallergenic formulas? 
 
HiPP HA PRE is a 100% whey-based formula that is both dairy-free and corn-free.
 
Many parents do not realize that most partially-hydrolyzed formulas contain corn derivatives. Given that it’s difficult to pinpoint which ingredient in a formula is causing an infant’s distress, avoiding both dairy and corn is often recommended for resolving symptoms that don’t have a confirmed cause.
 
And yet, nearly all U.S. hypoallergenic formulas that are marketed for “sensitive tummies,” including Nutramigen, contain corn. The only hypoallergenic formula in the U.S. that’s entirely corn- and dairy-free is Similac Alimentum Ready-to-Feed (which is prohibitively expensive for many families).
 
HiPP HA PRE is a more affordable option given that it’s sold as a powder. One box of HiPP HA PRE should yield around 130 fl oz of prepared formula, and preparation instructions, nutrient information, and reviews for this formula can be found here.

HiPP HA PRE Excludes Allergens yet Includes High-Quality Nutrients

HiPP HA PRE is full of gentle ingredients that are less likely to upset babies who have a sensitivity to corn, cow’s milk protein, or both. It’s also free from soy and gluten, and it’s formulated to resemble the taste and smell of breast milk as much as possible.

In addition to the ingredients it avoids, HiPP HA PRE is filled with amazing nutrients to help babies thrive. Some of our favorite ingredients in HiPP HA PRE include:
  • Lactose (which is the main carbohydrate
  • Natural lactic acid cultures (L. fermentum hereditum®)
  • Galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) obtained from lactose
  • Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (including DHA and ARA)

Given that HiPP HA PRE is a 100% whey-based formula with no starch, it is a particularly good option for babies with dairy sensitivity and/or those who may have a corn intolerance. 

Have more questions about CMPA, dairy sensitivity, or choosing the right formula? 

We encourage you to join the HiPP & Holle Formulas Parent Support Community on Facebook! You’ll find many moms and dads who will happily tell you about their experiences with HiPP HA PRE and can share tips and strategies for dealing with cow’s milk protein intolerance. 

Have a chat with one of Little Bundle’s Infant Nutrition Technicians. Every member of Little Bundle’s customer success team has earned a certification in infant nutrition and will be happy to help you choose the organic formula that best meets your baby’s needs. Send a live chat or message, it’s their top priority to help you provide the best nutrition for your little one.