Signs of a baby having an allergic reaction to formula include increased fussiness, rash or hives, persistent diaper rash, changes in stool, and increased regurgitation. A rash around the rectum is often a sign of an allergy to cow’s milk or soy protein.
There are several signs that a baby may be having an allergic reaction to formula. The most common is increased fussiness, although it can be difficult to separate it from normal fussiness in younger children. Developing a rash or hives can also be an indication of a reaction, as can a diaper rash that doesn’t go away with topical treatments. Changes in a baby’s stool or increased regurgitation can also be a sign that a baby is experiencing an allergic reaction to formula.
While increased fussiness or irritability is one of the more common signs that a baby has an intolerance to a certain formula, whether this is obvious typically depends on the baby’s disposition. Parents or caregivers of very young babies or those considered colicky may not initially recognize this sign of an allergic reaction to formula. In general, if a baby is extremely fussy right after eating or shows signs of stomach discomfort, such as arching their back or trying to pull their knees into their stomach, formula could be to blame.
As with allergic reactions in adults, a child who suddenly develops a rash or hives may be having an allergic reaction to their food source. These typically occur around the mouth, although they can appear on any part of the body. If the parent or caregiver has recently started using a new soap during bathtimes or a different laundry detergent to wash the baby’s clothes, that could also be the culprit. This typically needs to be ruled out before making any changes to your baby’s diet, provided there are no other signs of an allergic reaction to the formula.
If a red rash appears on a baby’s butt when there hasn’t been any exposure to a new substance, such as a new disposable diaper, baby wipes, or detergent used on cloth diapers, it could be caused by a reaction allergic to formula. In most cases, a rash concentrated around the rectum is the most obvious sign provided it doesn’t go away with frequent diaper changes and treatments. Despite this, any redness that disappears with regular application of a zinc oxide cream or paste is often the sign of an allergy to a substance in the formula, usually cow’s milk or soy protein.
In most cases, a baby’s stools vary greatly, especially in the first few months when growth spurts are common. Despite this, a sudden change in color or consistency in a baby’s stool can be a sign of an allergic reaction to formula. While many babies vomit, some more frequently than others, an increase in regurgitation can also indicate that your baby cannot tolerate an ingredient in their formula.
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