How to Make the Best Baby Formula Decision for a Milk Protein Allergy

If your child has been identified as having a cow’s milk protein allergy, you're probably trying to figure out the next best step. Your pediatrician likely advised you to eliminate cow’s milk from your little one’s diet, and they may have suggested switching to a formula designed specifically for babies with milk allergies.

But with so many different types of formulas available, it’s natural to feel a little overwhelmed by the options. Your doctor will guide you toward which infant formula to use, and there can be a bit of trial and error before you find the best choice for your baby.

Main types of hypoallergenic infant formulas

For babies with cow’s milk protein allergy, pediatricians usually recommend a hypoallergenic baby formula. Unlike the proteins in regular formula, the proteins in a hypoallergenic formula are pre-digested. In other words, these large milk proteins are broken down into smaller ones. This process results in a formula that’s less likely to result in an allergic response.

There are two main types of hypoallergenic formulas:

1. Extensively hydrolyzed: This type of formula has the smallest milk proteins.
2. Amino acid-based: This formula’s proteins are split into amino acids, the simplest form of protein. This formula type is typically an option for babies who aren’t able to tolerate extensively hydrolyzed formula.

Another formula option for babies with milk allergies is soy formula, made from soy protein. However, many babies with milk allergies may also have allergic issues with soy, so your pediatrician may not recommend it.

Hypoallergenic formulas are also available for babies of different ages, such as infant and toddler, to support their unique nutritional needs.

Talk to your doctor to get a proper cow’s milk protein allergy identification before switching to a hypoallergenic formula. And keep in mind that all babies are different and some infant formulas may be better tolerated than others. Your pediatrician can provide guidance.

Ask your pediatrician about Enfamil^® hypoallergenic infant and toddler formulas

If your pediatrician suggests switching to a hypoallergenic infant formula, ask them about Enfamil, the #1 pediatrician-recommended brand for cow’s milk allergy. Shop Enfamil products for Nutramigen® with probiotic LGG^® Infant Formula¹, and for older babies and toddlers, Enfamil also offers Nutramigen LGG Toddler Formula. Both Nutramigen formulas support your growing child’s needs while also helping provide relief from colic², a common indication of cow’s milk protein allergy.

Learn more about Nutramigen and find out about our Nutramigen Support Program to get information on cow’s milk protein allergy management and more.

¹LGG is a trademark of Chr. Hansen A/S.
²due to CMA