A few drops of seafood sauce unexpectedly triggered a milk protein allergy in the child. With the arrival of a baby, parents focus most of their energy on the infant. However, some misguided care can inadvertently harm the child, and food allergies caused by improper feeding are one such example.
A few drops of seafood sauce triggered a milk protein allergy
When Chenchen was four months old, out of affection, family members occasionally fed her seafood sauce using chopsticks. This unexpectedly caused serious problems:Chenchen, who had been exclusively formula-fed, developed diarrhea and a rash after consuming her usual formula. Hospital tests confirmed a milk protein allergy, likely triggered by the family's premature introduction of seafood sauce.
To prevent allergic reactions, doctors advised parents to switch to extensively hydrolyzed protein formula. If symptoms persisted, they would need to use 100% free amino acid formula—a single packet costing 300-400 yuan. Monthly formula expenses alone would reach 2,000-3,000 yuan, posing a significant financial burden for small families.This sudden turn of events has left Chenchen's parents deeply troubled. No Solid Foods Before Six Months While cases like Chenchen's—where occasional seafood broth triggers milk protein allergy—are uncommon, clinicians frequently encounter infants who fail to gain weight on formula or develop allergic symptoms like rashes and diarrhea.Some parents introduce steamed buns dipped in vegetable soup to babies aged 3-4 months, only to find their infants subsequently refuse breast milk or formula.
All these issues stem from improper feeding practices. Therefore, exclusive breastfeeding for infants under 6 months can significantly reduce allergy risks.It is important to note that introducing adult foods like vegetable broth too early can burden the baby's kidneys due to the fat and sodium content in the broth.When introducing solids, follow these principles: one food at a time, starting with small amounts, progressing from smooth to coarse textures, and from thin to thick consistency. Observe for 3-5 days after adding each new food before introducing the next. If allergic symptoms appear, immediately discontinue that particular food.>Infants fed formula should seek prompt medical evaluation if they develop skin symptoms like eczema, hives, or swelling around the lips/eyelids; gastrointestinal issues such as persistent vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, unexplained refusal to feed, or constipation; or systemic symptoms including irritability, frequent crying, or delayed growth. These may indicate cow's milk protein allergy.If a milk protein allergy is confirmed, hydrolyzed protein formula or 100% free amino acid formula can be used to replace regular milk-based formula and meet the baby's nutritional needs for growth and development. Experts note that hydrolyzed protein formula and 100% free amino acid formula are significantly more expensive than regular formula, making them unaffordable for many families.Furthermore, infants' gastrointestinal tracts require some degree of conditioning. After a period of using hydrolyzed protein formula or 100% free amino acid formula, it may be appropriate to gradually transition back to regular formula. However, this transition must be done slowly and steadily, carefully monitoring the baby's ability to adapt in small increments to avoid adverse reactions.
Exclusive breastfeeding can still lead to cow's milk protein allergy
For newborns, breast milk is the ideal nutritional source, particularly for babies with a family history of allergies. Exclusive breastfeeding can help prevent food allergies in infants. However, even exclusively breastfed babies may experience allergic symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, or cradle cap.For instance, if a pregnant woman consumes large amounts of eggs, milk, or shellfish during pregnancy, it can lead to intrauterine sensitization. Similarly, if a nursing mother ingests significant amounts of milk, eggs, shellfish, or other food proteins, these allergens can be passed to the baby through breast milk, causing milk protein allergy symptoms.
Beyond moderating milk, egg, and shellfish intake during pregnancy, breastfeeding mothers should also avoid spicy foods and those high in additives. Should a breastfed child develop milk protein allergy, prompt identification of the cause and targeted treatment are essential. Generally, many allergic symptoms improve as the baby grows older.