What Does Baby Poop Look Like with a Milk Allergy?
Green, bloody, or mucus-tinged stool—along with some other issues—could indicate a milk allergy.
If you suspect your baby has a cow’s milk protein allergy, keep an eye out for these common issues that may occur shortly after feeding: wheezing, coughing, swelling, a rash, gas, crying, and unusual poops. While healthy baby poop often comes in a range of colors, shades, and consistencies, some types of stools could indicate a potential allergy to the proteins in milk, a common infant food allergy. Always check with your pediatrician if you are concerned about any issue your baby is experiencing.
Different types of milk allergy baby poop
What’s in your baby’s diaper can give you insights into what’s going on in their body. Here are four types of baby poop that may suggest your child could have cow’s milk protein allergy:
1. Green poop
Green baby poop doesn’t always mean there’s a reason to be concerned, but it can indicate a cow’s milk protein allergy when accompanied by wheezing, a rash, spit-up, gas, diarrhea, and excessive crying.
2. Bloody poop
If you notice blood in your little one’s stool, it could signal constipation, a potential cow’s milk allergy, or other health issue. It’s best to seek advice from your medical professional.
3. Mucus in the Poop
Mucus in stool typically looks slimy and jelly-like and may indicate a cow’s milk protein allergy, especially if the poop is loose, green, and contains blood.
4. Loose poop
Your baby may experience frequent watery, foul-smelling loose poops if they have a cow’s milk protein allergy. You may also notice mucus in the stool, and your little one may be gassy and colicky. Babies with diarrhea may quickly become dehydrated, so calling your doctor is recommended.
Poop of various colors and consistencies may also be typical in babies without a cow’s milk protein allergy. And on the flip side, a baby could have a cow’s milk protein allergy without having unusual stools. That's why monitoring your child for other issues, such as excessive crying, gas and fussiness, wheezing, rash, and spit-up, is important.
Poop of various colors and consistencies may also be typical in babies without a cow’s milk protein allergy.
When to talk to your doctor about your baby’s poop issue
If your little one’s suspicious-looking poop is accompanied by excessive crying, gas, a rash, or spit-up, visit your pediatrician. You’ll also want to see your doctor if your baby has diarrhea, bloody stool, or is not gaining weight. They can answer your questions, diagnose a potential cow’s milk protein allergy or other health issue, and guide you toward the next step.
Managing cow’s milk protein allergy
Managing cow’s milk protein allergy usually begins with removing milk from your baby’s diet. If you’re breastfeeding, your doctor may recommend avoiding dairy products. If your little one uses formula, you will likely be advised to switch to a hypoallergenic formula. Don’t change your diet or your baby’s without consulting your doctor first.
If you are formula-feeding and your baby has been diagnosed with cow’s milk protein allergy, consider asking your doctor about Nutramigen® with probiotic LGG®. This hypoallergenic formula is designed to provide the nutrition your growing baby needs for healthy development, while helping provide relief from colic due to a cow’s milk allergy. It’s made with extensively hydrolyzed proteins that are less likely to trigger an allergic response. Learn more about Nutramigen LGG and find out about our Nutramigen Support Program for information on cow’s milk protein allergy management and more.
