Signs of an Infant Formula Allergy

If your baby is unusually fussy or has a rash with no other explanation, he may be allergic to his infant formula. Infant formulas can be milk-based or soy-based. Both types of formula can cause an allergic reaction in infants. You may need to visit his pediatrician to discover if his allergic reaction is caused by his infant formula.

Loose Stools

• If your child is allergic to his formula, you may notice his stools becoming loose and watery. He may have more frequent stools and, in severe allergic reactions, there may be blood in the stools. He may also experience more volume in his stools than is normal.

Fussiness

• Of course, your baby won't be able to tell you that she's feeling itchy or that her stomach is upset. Instead, she will seem fussier than usual when she's experiencing these types of allergic reactions to her formula. He may cry more frequently or may have more difficulty than normal falling asleep or staying asleep.

Cold-Like Symptoms

• If your baby has an allergy to his formula, you may notice that he starts to get a runny nose just after he has his bottle. He may also get a stuffy nose and watery eyes, and he may sneeze or cough even though he does not have a cold. These types of symptoms will show up very soon after your baby has his bottle if he is allergic to the formula.

Skin Issues

• Your child may develop a rash if he is allergic to his formula. This rash can appear anywhere on the body. He may also develop hives or eczema as part of the allergic reaction. If he is severely allergic to his formula, you may notice swelling of his lips or tongue, although swelling can occur anywhere on his body.

Time Frame

• Symptoms will appear immediately if your baby has a severe allergy to his formula. Some infants have less severe allergies and they may take up to a week to show up, which can make it difficult to know that the reaction is related to the infant formula. Most children will outgrow the allergy to soy or milk by the time they are 3 years old.