One of the first things most new parents realize when they hold their newborn in their arms is just how fragile that new baby is. Their little heads need your support, their little bodies melt against yours, and they are completely and totally reliant upon you to meet their needs.

It is both an overwhelming and awe-inspiring amount of responsibility.

Within a few days, you usually get a hang of it. Sure, you’re exhausted, but you know how to feed and hold your baby. And you feel like you’re figuring things out.

Then, your baby develops a rash, or persistent cold symptoms, or something stomach related, and you feel at a loss once more.

It isn’t uncommon at all for infants and young children to experience a wide range of allergies. They may grow out of some of these baby allergies with time, while others may persist. All can vary in how they present, though rashes, runny noses, and upset tummies can be a good indicator.

If your baby is exhibiting any of these signs, here are the most likely culprits to consider:

1. Dairy: Cow’s milk is the most common allergy for infants and young children, which means that if your baby starts exhibiting signs of an allergy after switching to formula (or from breast milk to whole milk in toddlerhood) you may already have your answer. Check with your family pediatrician for suggestions on alternatives and help to determine how severe the allergy may be.
2. Food: When you start feeding your baby solids, it is always a good idea to do so slowly (one new food item at a time, with 3-5 days in between new introductions) so that you can watch for signs of a reaction. The most common food allergies include eggs, peanuts, almonds and seafood, so introducing those foods should be done carefully, and only under the guidance of a pediatrician if there is a history of anaphylactic reactions in the family. But food allergies can also affect your breastfeeding infant if the allergy is severe enough and you are routinely eating something they are reacting to. A visit to the pediatrician may help you to figure out what needs to be avoided.
3. Pets: Have a dog or cat? They could be responsible for your little one’s coughing, runny nose, and constant sneezes. Unfortunately, sometimes pets are to blame for baby allergies.
4. Laundry Detergent: Baby’s have very sensitive skin, and a perpetual rash or dry skin may be the result of your laundry detergent. Try a sensitive brand to see if that makes a difference.
5. Everything Else: Because, yes, just about anything your baby comes into contact with could be to blame for baby allergies. Something in their lotion, dust mites in the carpet, grandpa’s cigarette smoke; the list is endless (though, stopping grandpa from smoking around the baby should be priority one). If you are having trouble pinpointing what’s to blame for your baby’s reaction, get into the pediatrician and discuss the benefits of a blood or patch test.

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general informational basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Whether your baby is breastfed or formula fed, milk is usually her only source of nutrition for the first four to six months of her life. Even after you start solids, milk continues to be important for your baby. But could your baby’s fussiness and splitting up after eating be due to a milk allergy?

It’s helpful to understand that a milk allergy and milk intolerance are not the same thing, although symptoms can be similar. If your baby is allergic to milk, his immune system reacts to the protein in the milk as if it were harmful even though it’s not. After feedings, allergy symptoms develop, such as hives, a rash, spitting up and possibly watery eyes. Addition symptoms, such as frequent, watery poops may also occur.

You might also notice your baby is fussy and crying immediately after nursing or taking a bottle. A severe allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing is rare but is an emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

If you’re breastfeeding, your baby is not allergic to your breastmilk. Instead, it could be the dairy you are eating that is causing the problem. If your baby is formula-fed, the proteins in the formula may be bothering her.

Milk intolerance is a bit different and does not occur due to a reaction in the immune system. Babies with milk intolerance have problems properly digesting the sugar in the milk. Milk intolerance is also called lactose intolerance because it is the lactose sugar in the milk that’s causing the problem. Symptoms of milk intolerance may include gas, a bloated tummy, diarrhea, spitting up and other colic symptoms, such as fussiness.

If your baby is not gaining weight or has symptoms of milk intolerance or a milk allergy, it’s important to see your pediatrician right away. Your baby’s doctor will likely do an exam and may perform a heel-prick to get a blood sample. The sample will be tested to check for signs of an allergic reaction in the body.

The good news is, milk allergies are pretty uncommon. Experts estimate only about three percent of babies are allergic to milk. Milk intolerance is also rare in babies. When it does develop, it usually occurs a little later in life when kids are in grade school.

If your pediatrician suspects your baby has either milk intolerance or a milk allergy, you may be asked to make a few changes. For example, if you are formula feeding, your baby’s doctor may recommend switching to a hydrolysate formula. If you are breastfeeding, your pediatrician may suggest limiting your dairy intake. If you do need to ditch dairy products, make sure you continue to get enough calcium in your diet. Good sources of calcium without milk include broccoli, kale, figs, white beans and almonds.

Written by Mary Ann DePietro @ writerlady34

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.