Infant GI
Cow's Milk Protein Allergy in Infants
Fussy, gassy, refluxing, streaks of blood in the diaper. Often it is milk protein. We help you confirm it and feed your baby with confidence.
Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is one of the most common reasons infants are referred to a pediatric GI. It can show up as fussiness, reflux, vomiting, eczema, mucus or blood in the stool, and poor weight gain.
Dr. Mendez evaluates these babies with the full picture in mind. We help confirm the diagnosis, guide formula choice or maternal elimination diet for breastfed infants, and plan a structured reintroduction at the right age.
Signs and symptoms
- Frequent spit up or vomiting
- Streaks of blood or mucus in stool
- Inconsolable crying or fussiness
- Eczema or skin rash
- Poor weight gain or feeding refusal
- Arching, back stiffening, or pulling away from feeds
- Loose, frequent, or green frothy stools
- Worsening symptoms after dairy in mom's diet (breastfed)
How we treat it
- Detailed feeding and symptom history with growth review.
- Guidance on hydrolyzed or amino acid formula when appropriate.
- Support for breastfeeding moms on maternal dairy and soy elimination.
- Distinction between IgE-mediated allergy, non-IgE CMPA, and FPIES.
- Structured reintroduction (milk ladder) at the appropriate age.
When to call a pediatric GI
- Blood or mucus in your baby's stool.
- Frequent vomiting, arching, or feeding refusal.
- Poor weight gain despite adequate intake.
- Eczema plus GI symptoms in a young infant.
- Sudden severe vomiting after a specific food (concern for FPIES).
Frequently asked
Does my baby need to switch to amino acid formula?
Not always. Many babies do well on extensively hydrolyzed formula. Amino acid formula is reserved for more severe or refractory cases. We help match the formula to your baby.
Can I keep breastfeeding?
Almost always yes. For breastfed babies with CMPA we guide a maternal elimination diet, usually dairy and sometimes soy, with nutrition support so you can keep nursing comfortably.
Will my baby outgrow this?
Most do. The majority of children outgrow CMPA by age 3 to 5. We plan structured reintroductions at the right time using a milk ladder approach.
Ready to talk it through?
Concierge access means we have the time to listen, evaluate carefully, and stay with your family through every step.