Switching to Whole Milk and Vomiting - Help!!!

Updated on April 11, 2011
A.W. asks from Smyrna, GA
57 answers

My son turned a year on March 21st so we started introducing whole milk - slowly - one oz a time. We were up to 5oz whole milk and 3 oz formula on Saturday. On Sunday he had a small spit up which smelt really sour, on Monday he was vomiting really badly so I stopped the milk and did the pedialyte every 15 min. On Tuesday he seemed to be doing better and was drinking gatorade/ pedialyte. He drank 6oz that night. Today (Wednesday) he seemed fine, his appetite was slowly coming back and we had his 12 month visit (no shots as his body was too weak). However tonight he drank 4oz (I made 6oz milk with 2oz formula) and he started vomiting again. We cleaned him up and put him to sleep, one hour later he woke up crying, I went to check on him and there was vomit everywhere. Could he be allergic/ intolerant to whole milk? How long does a GI virus last? I thought it was only 24-48 hours. Should I go back to 100% formula? or should I try soy/ rice milk? HELP!!
His rectal temp was 98.7F (On Monday it was 100.3F).
I tried calling the nurse line, but they couldn't really help me.
Any advice??

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So What Happened?

Thank you for all your help and advice. After I posted this request I must of got the same GI virus my son had - vomiting for three days uurrrghgh, so that makes me think it was not the milk. However, I gave him Good Start stage 2 formula for 10 days and have slowly started introducing goats milk. I have done A LOT of research and goats milk seems a lot gentler on his tummy. In a few months time I will switch him to cow's milk. He is doing so much better now and drinking and eating like there is no tomorrow. Having a healthy baby is priceless!!!!

More Answers

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C.M.

answers from Atlanta on

Try 1% wholw milk is harsh on humans becuase it is hard to break down. I know doctors push milk to promote the dairy business, but I would try 1% or Soy myself. I pray that your son is ok.

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M.F.

answers from Athens on

Hi Ann

I know a lot of moms who have had similar problems. The temperature thing I would worry about...that is not a common trait from who I know. The other moms had issues with whole milk only. Their kids would vomit a lot after drinking it. My family doctor put my kids on 2% at 9mths rather than whole milk. We did the mixture of formula and milk for about a month until they were ready for just milk. They only get 2% and I have never had a problem. My doctor said the only difference between the two milks is fat. He didn't think they needed the extra fat from whole milk and tells all of his patients the same thing. My kids have never had a problem with it. Maybe the whole milk is just too much for your son? Good luck!

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B.M.

answers from Atlanta on

I'm not sure what your pediatrician has advised, but evan at 1 year old, whole milk may be too rich for him. I would suggest trying 2% milk for a while and if that does not wokr, you miy have to keep him on the formula.2% has the same nutrients and calcium so it should be fine. Also, if you get concerned about the calcium, he can get that also from other dairy- yogurt, cheese.

Bless his heart- it may take a little while to figure it out- but he'll be fine. It may just be that he truly does have an allergy to milk.

B. (58 -mother of 2 grandmother of 1 13mth old

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J.N.

answers from Atlanta on

My daughter (almost 2, now) had a severe upset stomach this time last year, it took almost a week of slowly reintroducing foods before she was on her normal diet. She'd seem better, then she'd vomit again....
After such an upset stomach, you may have brought back the normal foods too quickly. Since his stomach has been upset, for a few days you should stick with the BRAT diet and his normal (no milk) formula. (in case you don't know, BRAT is: bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) and very slowly reintroduce normal foods as he seems to tolerate them. I'd , start completely over with the milk, very slowly; But only once you're sure that his stomach has returned to normal. Make his formila/milk the exact same for at least 3 days so that he can get used to it slowly, just like you did when you started introducing solids to him. That way you'll be sure that it wasn't a virus, then you can talk to your pediatrician about a possible allergy.

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L.J.

answers from Savannah on

First of all, do not mix formula with milk. It will upset your childs stomach. Second, your child might be lactose intolerant, but you do not have to use soy milk. There is milk that is lactose free and is still regular cows milk. My two year old is lactose intolerant when it comes to milk and some dairy products. She still eats limited amounts of yogurt, mac and cheese. If it doesn't get better then switch to soy milk. If that doesn't work, I would talk to the pediatrician. Good luck.

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C.M.

answers from Columbia on

Hi Ann,
I didn't read all your replies as I don't have time today but I did want to take the time to make a few points. Please forgive me if I am repeating things others have already posted.

My first and most important bit of advice is to make an appointment with the doctor and get a proper diagnosis. Personally, it doesn't sound to me like it's a virus.

It's important be aware of the fact that there is a big difference between a milk allergy and lactose intolerance. A milk allergy causes intestinal bleeding. So it's very important not to give him any milk in any form, if that's what he has. It means reading every label on everything before you feed it to him. The good news is, babies tend to outgrow this after about a year or so. My grandson had this but my knowledge is limited on the subject.

Lastose intolerance causes stomach pain, gas, vomitting, diarrhea and constipation. The vomitting is often projectile vomitting....everything coming up all at once and with a great deal of force. The constipation can cause lower back pain and if it last too long, can cause nausea and vomitting. So it can be a vicious cycle sometimes. This too can be outgrown sometimes but not for everyone. One of my daughters has this, so I have first hand experience with all the symptoms and took her to see a specialist. She didn't like soy milk at all but missed her milk. So I finally found a real milk that she liked, that was lastose free. It's made by Land-O-Lakes and comes in whole milk and 2%.

If you and your doctor decide to take your son off milk please keep this in mind.......Doctors recommend whole milk for babies up until the age of two because their bodies need the fat in whole milk for proper developement, to make and reproduce cells, especially in the brain. After the age of two, they recommend changing to 2% milk. So be sure to ask your doctor what kind of foods you need to have in your sons diet, in order for him to get the kind of fat he needs for proper developement.

One last thing to think about. When I took my daughter to the specialist he told me this........"Humans are the only animals who continue to drink milk after they are weened. And they are the only animals who drink milk from another species and not their own mother. It isn't natural and you shouldn't do it." He also told me that almost everyone has a lactose intolerance to some degree but most never make the connection and don't get diagnosed. They don't talk to their doctors about it because their symptoms aren't severe enough and they just think it's an upset stomach, a virus or even indigestion.

Wishing you lots of luck at finding the problem and getting him right in a hurry. :)

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S.W.

answers from Atlanta on

I've always given my kids cow's milk with no problems and drank it my whole life too. With my first, I tried soy milk thinking it would be good for her but she didn't like it. That said... I can remember my daughter getting a stomach virus when she was on formula (so less than 1 yr. old) and that even after the constant throwing up stopped, it took at least five days or so to get her to tolerate going back to formula without throwing up. Now this is going back in my memory quite a ways, but I throw it out there... just because the acute throwing up phase has passed it may take some time for him to tolerate milk or some other things. Ease back into it and lay off the milk for a while.

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T.M.

answers from Atlanta on

It sounds like he is allergic to whole milk. I would recommend trying the soy milk and see how he reacts to that. When my son was born he did the same thing with milk based formula and I put him on soy formula and the spitting up stopped. My son is now nine and he drinks milk daily he was lucky enough to outgrow the allergy and maybe your son will to with time and if not the soy milk will give him the same nutrients. I hope this helped. Good luck!!

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J.F.

answers from Washington DC on

Thats the same type of reaction EVERY one of my kids has had to store bought whole milk in my kids it NEVER goes away. The GREAT news is they have none of those problems with RAW milk! I see no more bags under the eyes of my 8yo no longer are any of them having any sort of digestive issues after consuming large ammounts of milk. Raw milk has not been pasturized so it still has tha lactase intace to help digest the lasctose (what it was designed to do) all of the nutrients are also intact and a glass of raw milk has more vit c than an orange!

Here are some links to read on the benefits of raw milk http://realmilk.org/ and http://tinyurl.com/ytgr6g

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M.M.

answers from Atlanta on

HI Ann,
I've always been told to wait at least a week or more before reintroducing a possible culprit after an allergic reaction. Make sure they are in good health and there is no other virus or such that could be prompting the reaction. Once you know they're are in good shape, if there is another outbreak, you have your answer.
Luckily there are other alternatives if milk doesn't work. As you know, his problem may come from another source.Not sure if this helps! Good luck with everything!
Melissa

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N.B.

answers from Spartanburg on

Hi Ann,

Whole milk even Organic milk is often too h*** o* the system to digest. The main ingredient in wood glue is casine. Casine is milk protein. Milk curdles as soon as it hits the stomach. We had to switch my son to Almond and Rice milk which does not have difficult to digest protiens. It is not used as infant formula but could be used as an an additional drink.
If you are worried about calcium think greens and grains. There is a book written by an MD called "Don't Drink Your Milk" that is a real eye opener when it comes to Dairy. So many of our kids today are not able to digest it and many of the regular milks contain hormones and antibiotics. ALmond milk brands we've used are the Blue Diamond Natural Almond Breeze. Good Luck! Hope it helps!
N.

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M.F.

answers from Atlanta on

I'd call my ped and see what they advise. Until then I wouldn't push the milk if he's a little over 1 yr old and drinking formula it should be fine. You may want to consider the lactose free milk and see what happens. If he was sick many other things should make him sick you may want to stick to clear fluids for a few days of his life and see how he tolerates them a few days without milk or formula is fine take is slow and try the things like toast, banana, applesauce,rice,crackers and see how he takes it. You can have a virus and not have a fever. I would call my ped and see if he is allergic to milk.

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J.M.

answers from Savannah on

Hello,
I don't know if your situation is the same as mine but last year in November when my l yr. old little boy started whole milk he started having diarrhea real bad after I introduced him to it over the weekend and by Monday he vomited. I thought it was a virus also and I called his doctors office and spoke with the nurse and she said it could've been a virus but he kept on having diarrhea. So, I put him back on formula, which happened to be soy formula and it cleared up. I took it on myself to go get Silk soymilk and he did a little better than wholemilk but his stools were real loose. When I switched doctors and told him what happened with the whole milk he automatically told me he was lactose intolerant and to put him on Lactaid. I've had him on Lactaid since January and he hasn't vomited anymore or had loose stools except when i give him cheese. The doctors wanted me to try to build his tolerance up by giving him a litte cheese. He loves it but his diapers are aweful afterward. Since then, I've found out he is allergic to peanuts also. He threw up after I gave him a few tiny pieces of peanut butter jelly sandwich that i was feeding my 3 year old daughter. I figured that's what it was and didn't give him anymore sandwiches. I tried keeping him away from it. His face broke out turning red one day when he grabbed my daughters pbj sandwich and i took it from him but he wiped his face and eye and within 15 minutes he was red and getting hives on him. I took him to an allergy doctor in Feb. and of course he's highly allergic to peanuts. I guess he is real sensitive to everything. Eggs upset his stomach also. Just thought I let you know what I know about the subject. Have a nice day and God bless you. I hoped this helped. :)

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D.V.

answers from Atlanta on

Hello--Both my daughters did the same thing. I tried Lactose-free milk 1st. That worked for my oldest. On my youngest she was still sick so I switched to soy milk. She did great on that. After a few months I tried whole milk again. it took a while but both my girls were drinking whole milk before they turned two.
Hope this helps.

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J.H.

answers from Atlanta on

have u tried soy or rice milk?

it may be a milk allergy, my son has that.

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S.G.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi Ann,
I have a 1 1/2 year old and when I switched her from formula to reg. milk I did not continue to do formula. I stopped her on the formula and started her on the reg. milk. Maybe....the mixing of both kinds of milk could be upsetting your son's stomach. Did your Dr. say anything about you giving both types of milk to him? Try giving him just whole milk. If he continues throwing up that than try going back to formula. If no throwing up then I would try a soy or rice milk. If he throws that up I would go back to your Dr. and discuss other options.
Good luck!
S.

C.L.

answers from Charleston on

I'm no expert nor am I a nurse or doctor. Maybe mixing the formula with the milk is making him sick. Or yeah he could have an allergy to milk. I doubt very much it's a GI virus. I say do a trial and error. Try just the whole milk with the formula first, I had to put a little water in the milk for my daughter when I switched her. If, all else fails take him to a doctor.

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M.M.

answers from Charleston on

I have the same problem with my 18 month old daughter. She was breastfed for 6 months, then on cow's milk formula for 6 months, but when we tried to switch her to whole milk, she'd have gassy stomach pains and vomiting. However, she seems to tolerate whole milk in small doses, so we give her 1-2 oz whole milk mixed with about 3-4 oz soy milk and she does fine. Silk has a fortified soymilk with DHA. She also eats yogurt every day and eats lots of cheese for extra calcium. My pediatrician said that sometimes, because whole milk is so much more difficult to digest, their tummies just can't tolerate a lot of the lactose, but that it doesn't necessarily mean that they are lactose intolerant. He also said to continue giving some whole milk or her system will stop producing the enzymes that break down lactose and she will become intolerant. I actually like mixing the 2 kinds of milk--I feel like she is getting different health benefits from each one--soy is so good for you. Hope this helps!

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S.G.

answers from Jacksonville on

In my personal experience I'd say lay off the milk for about a week or so until your son is eating normally and not getting sick any more. It could still be the "bug" that is getting him and milk can be aggravating to their little tummys. Yes, a tummy bug normally only last 24-48hrs but that rule is more for older children and adults because we have been sick many times before and our bodies know how to rid of it so we get better sooner. A baby has to have his immune system work harder longer in the beginning to learn how to get rid of what is making him sick and how to fight it of for the next time. Make sense? Also, more than likely if you BFd him he would have shown signs of milk intolerance then because he would have been getting it from you through the foods that you ate and he would have also could have shown it through formula as well.

My son had a tummy bug which gave him explosive diapers for a week straight even though after a few days of not eating and a fever he appeared to be feeling better. I just gave him the pedialite and offered foods high in starch (helps bulk up and netrulize stomach acids).

So just hang in there and try the milk/formula mix again in a week or so.

Good luck!!
~S.

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T.M.

answers from Sumter on

Dear Ann,

You will probably hear alot of different things, but I have been where you are right now. I honestly would try Soy. what formula was he on? if he was on a milk base formula and he did fine than it might not be milk itself but the way that it is processed and it is too hard for his stomach to digest. you can try silk they have one that is fortified for children a purple carton, My 18 month old has been drinking it now for a few months, she wasn't getting sick like your son but she had a terrible rash, the doctors tried telling me that it was her teeth, a yeast infection ect... and gave her many different meds and creams, I as a mother just said enough, and I tried soy milk her rashed cleared up in 2 days and has not returned. it could be that you son is allergic to casean or another protein found in milk that is broken down when it is a formula base.
It is worth a try, you are the mother and you will know what feels right.
I hope you get some relief.
T.

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J.B.

answers from Atlanta on

He may have a lactose intolerance. His pediatrician should be able to help diagnose the problem, so I would call them and make an appointment ASAP. My son just hates milk -and rice milk, soy milk, flavored milks, etc. So I just give him OJ with calcium (it has as much as a glass of milk) and lots of cheese, yogurt, etc. as well as a children's vitamin. If your child has a lactose intolerance, you'll have to go a different route, but for whatever reason he can't drink milk -there are plenty of other healthy substitutes! I hated milk too when I was a child, and I'm fine with good bones.

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S.S.

answers from Atlanta on

It definitely could be an allergy, but it could also be a bug. We had a similar thing happen to us, I was very confused since DD had no problems with yogurt, formula or cheese. Turned out she had a stomach bug. There is a nasty one going around that lasts about a week.

I agree - stop the milk for now until he is better. Soy formula or whole soy milk might be better, it is easier on the tummy. Then when he is better you can try again. My DD did great, hopefully your DS will too. If not it is most likely an allergy.

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J.M.

answers from Myrtle Beach on

Hi Ann, it sounds like your son could definately have an allergy, but because of the fever it seems more like a bug. I have a 4 yr old little girl who picks up the stomach flu and passes it on every year! It takes about a week for little tummies to get back to normal so I would recommend waiting a few more days and slowly reintroduce your dairy. The b.r.a.t diet works well for us (bananas, rice, apple sauce, and toast. If it keeps on after you give it some time you may need to check back with your pediatrician. Good luck and lots of blessings! J. m

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T.S.

answers from Savannah on

Ann I would definately try soy milk and water it down if you have to rather than mixing it with formula. Maybe the mixture of the two is not sitting well with your son. My daughter was on whole milk at 6 months old because she would vomit in puddles...we had to try so many different things... but I would definately try the soy or rice with water. He may be lactose intolerant.

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E.W.

answers from Atlanta on

My oldest daughter was four before the doctor diagnosed her as being allergic to milk. There is no test. But, based on her symptoms - severe snotty nose, leg cramps, headaches, and tummy aches, he said she had all of the sympoms of milk allergy. When we looked back we remembered how bad she spit up past her first birthday. She grew out of it - she's 12. But, recently my 9 yr old started suffering with tummy aches. We finally realized that it only hurt after she drank milk or ate ice cream. We have now switched back to soy milk like we did several years ago with our oldest daughter. Like her doctor said years ago, cows milk is for baby cows. I'm really beginning to believe it now, especially when you think about all of the hormones they inject in cows now. Be sure to ask your doctor first. But, I think you might try soy milk. My daughter loves it - especially the vanilla flavored.
Regards
E-

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T.A.

answers from Atlanta on

My son vomitted when we transitioned him from breastmilk to formula. He broke out in a rash everyone the vomit touched his skin. We bought soy based formula and didn't have a problem. When he turned 1, we tried to give him about 1/2 cup of whole milk...same problem. He has been drinking soymilk the rest of the time. He is 2.5 now.

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P.B.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi Ann,

My children are 14,12,8 & 6 and if I had the chance to go through those stages again I would use Soy or Rice milk. You have the opportunity to avoid all of the illnesses and hormones that are associated with cows milk that may or may not develop.

Now when my children are sick my pediatrician will tell me to refrain from serving milk while they are taking an anti-biotic or if they have a cold because milk increases mucus. Do some research on using milk vs. soy, perhaps as your child grows you can use both at some point.

http://www.pediatricplanet.com/childrenshealth.aspx?i=610

www.workathomeunited.com/income

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A.C.

answers from Savannah on

Yes he could be allergic. My youngest son is now 25 but we found out in his 11 month that he was extremely allergic, It even cause problems with his breathing, he had asthma also. He did eventually, around 2 or 3, be able to drink whole milk. Hope this help you!

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S.B.

answers from Atlanta on

Ann, Quite a while ago, my youngest son had the same problem. He was fine until we introduced whole milk. After that, it was a series of high fevers, followed by more and more antibiotics--for a lot of months.
More doctor study, and it was determined that the baby was allergic to animal fats---and, 37 years later, he still is. He is now a vegetarian and does very well. S. B.

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D.H.

answers from Atlanta on

Milk really isn't good for the body. I am amazed at how many people give their children cow's milk. I used to too, until the frequent ear infections and frequent colds. Milk is very mucus forming. Whenever a child is sick, one of the first things the docs tell you is to lay off the dairy...the milk...not broccoli or apples, etc. Milk...it's very bad. It's hard for a child to digest, some kids react in different ways to milk...some parents don't even notice it. Calcium can be gotten in better ways. Kids that can't handle cow's milk can usually handle yogurt and cheese, etc.

Well, that's my 2 cents. I just thought I'd pass on what I've learned over the years. Oh, I gave my daugher, after I finished nursing her, soy milk....she loves the vanilla silk soy milk.

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R.M.

answers from Spartanburg on

I have three kids and all three were highly allergic to milk when they were young. I put all three of them on soy formula and then soy milk until they were three. After that they never had a problem with milk products again.

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J.M.

answers from Atlanta on

It sounds to me as if your son has a lactose problem. Try goats milk, it has a odd aroma, but it is the closest thing to mothers milk there is. Soy is sometimes to rich and rice milk is very thick and kids don't care for the feel in their mouths.
You can order goats milk at most grocery stores or health food stores. It's kind of expensive but well worth the try.
Good luck mom.

Nana

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N.S.

answers from Myrtle Beach on

I personally started giving my child milk at one as well. But we gave her 2% instead of whole (direction of my pediatrician).
Right now, I think I would lay off the milk for a week or so and see if his tummy works itself out. If he gets to feeling better then you give him milk again, but just the milk, not milk and formula mixed and if he gets sick, it may be an intolerance and I would discuss it with the dr. I have a cousin who's son has to drink Soy as he is lactose intolerant.
I wish you all the luck with this.

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V.A.

answers from Atlanta on

Ann, hi,
I have had experience with my sons and vomit, fine for a day or two, then vomit again. Just figuring viral. They have even behaviored normally between, just when you think it is safe again it starts again. However, you can't really rule out cow milk allergy. Sometimes there is a gi component. Does he also have eczema patches too? Try soy or rice milk and see if that helps. Has your formula been cow milk based too though? If so then it probably isn't a cow milk allergy. Even so, soy milk won't hurt. (if he doesn't drink it try a flavored one, plain can be kind of yucky). Hope he feels better.

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A.B.

answers from Atlanta on

Dear Ann,

This may have no relevance to your situation, however I wanted to respond, just in case it does.

I have a friend whose son did the same thing...turn out that he can't drink ORGANIC milk. Regular milk is fine, but when someone tries to "give him the slip", he vomits...

Good luck! A.

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B.P.

answers from Charleston on

I wonder if it is because you are mixing the formula and milk together. I know that you aren't supposed to mix formula and breast milk and I wonder it that is the case for cows milk too? I would call and ask the nurse and if you don't get helpful information from them I would go into see the doctor. You need expert advise I think and I also think it is better to er on the side of caution. You need to know if this is an allergic reaction so you can avoid milk if so. I personally wouldn't automatically jump to soy/rice milk until you know that is what is the problem. Call the experts!

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C.C.

answers from Honolulu on

In starting a new food (or liquid) to the baby, my pediatrician suggested adding Primadophilus, a digestive formula. You can get it at any health food store and it's safe. My baby had the same problem; he was vomiting and had diarehha. A half teaspoon a day is all you need. Good luck and hope it helps. It did for us.

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T.R.

answers from Columbus on

Ann,
I do not want to discourage you but this is how my best friend discovered that her girl was highly allergic to milk. I would wait a few days and if it happens again take her to the doctor to discuss it.
I hope it all works out.
PS.
My five year old has the same birthday as your child

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L.Y.

answers from Atlanta on

There is a good chance that it's a tummy virus that just happened to come during your switch. A virus can last a week or more with breaks in the vomiting. I would put him back on to formula for a week or two to let him fully recover and then try again. If it returns then you will know it's related to the milk and not a virus.

My kids were on soy for their first years, but they could not tolerate milk based formula. If your formula is a regular milk based one, the chances are your son is not allergic to cows milk. I have recently taken my kids off soy because of the studies I 've read concerning the hormone levels in soy.

I hope that your son feels better soon.

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R.D.

answers from Atlanta on

Good morning, I had to put my daughter when she was almost a
year old on Soy milk. That was expensive milk but it worked. After about 4 to 5 months on that milk, i started to give her the prevacid from the doctor and it worked. I kep Mylanta and gave it to her at least once a day then later once every other day to help her pass gas. I refused to allow her to hurt and pain inside at wee hours of the morning. Sometimes, milk does sour on your stomach and it is not a joke, it hurts. Seek your pediatrician for this. There may be something better now for them than 7 years agol.

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D.P.

answers from Atlanta on

It sure does sound like he's reacting to the milk, doesn't it? I'd be in touch with his pediatrician. The whole milk is so good because it's so fatty and fat is very important for their neurologic development. (the myelin sheaths in our brains are made up of fat -- it has nothing to do with supporting the dairy industry!!! -- I'm laughing right now... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myelin) I wouldn't want to do soy or rice milk as an even swap for that reason.

There is a formula for toddlers Next Step I think. Maybe you should try that for a while and reintroduce the milk in 3 or 4 months. I'm really not sure, though -- would definitely be in touch with the pediatrician or seek a children's nutritionist. (Kudzu.com lists four in the Atlanta area.) They may do something as simple as switching you to goat milk to solve the problem.

Good luck!

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K.R.

answers from Atlanta on

Hello! It could just be a little virus, but many children do have reactions to milk. I suggest switching him to 2% and if he still acts the same way then switch him over to lactaid. I'd start with the blue lactaid and then over to red (the red is whole milk) and then ween him on to whole milk. It took my 6 months to ween my oldest on to whole milk from a year to 18 months.
good luck

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S.B.

answers from Atlanta on

Hey Ann, I personally give my daughter who is 2 1/2 cow's milk. I know that there are other options, I just haven't ever personally used them. I have a friend that uses rice milk or the soy, especially the vanilla, and her daughter is perfectly healthy. I also have a friend who uses goat's milk which is the closest milk to mother's milk than any other. Although, my daughter at 8 months caught a stomach virus that lasted almost 2 weeks. It was HORRIBLE, she threw up for over a week and had dirarea (can't spell that) before it was all over. So unfortunately your son could have a yucky virus or an intolerance. I would lay off of the milk all together for a while until he is all better and then introduce some yogurt and things like that. Best of luck!

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L.F.

answers from Atlanta on

Follow your instincts and STOP FEEDING YOUR CHILD COW'S MILK!
Humans are the only warm-blooded animals that continue on other animals milk following being weaned from mother's milk! Your child's body is telling you something. Don't force it to change it's mind by continuing to feed it milk until it BREAKS DOWN and FINALLY ACCEPTS IT. I have fed my children Rice milk for years now. It is fortified with Calcium but I have to supplement with calcium-rich foods too. You're in an enviable position though - the beginning! You can start off the right way and not have to try to break old habits. Good luck with feeding your child properly. Your worst enemy will be others that don't want to make the effort and will try to convince you otherwise.

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M.H.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi Ann,

The ladies here gave you some great advice. I'll just add a little to it.

First of all wait a while since there was a bug. Milk has fat and it will curdle and he will throw it up if there is any kind of temp above normal. Then, either buy organic (not Wal-Mart organic) or raw milk. I thought my daughter was allergic to milk but it was the pesticides, the preservatives and the hormones in the milk that she had the reaction to. If your son is tolerating cow's milk formula then there shouldn't be a problem with milk.

Rice milk is always a good alternative. It is probably healthier too. Soy should NEVER be an option. Girls shouldn't have soy til they have passed puberty and boys never because of the estrogen. Soy should be in a fermented form also.

God bless!

M.

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R.M.

answers from Atlanta on

Dear Ann,

You should definitely stop giving him the cow's milk. Soy may give him a hard time, too. Talk to your pediatrician about almond or rice milk. They both have lots of calcium and is not as acidic as the cow's or soy milk. In the meantime, don't feel bad about giving your son's tummy a break and just giving him water. God Bless you!

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B.K.

answers from Atlanta on

I had similar problems when I was a baby, namely diarrhea and vomiting. It turns out I was allergic to milk. I'm no doctor, but this sounds very similar.

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E.P.

answers from Augusta on

I have 3 children of my own, all teenagers now. When my oldest was 11 months old, the doctor said I could take her off the formula (she didn't like it and wouldn't drink it).
At any rate, she could not tolerate whole milk and would just throw up each time, the pediatrician suggested 2% milk instead. I have never gone back to whole milk. So maybe try that instead of the whold milk. Wish I had better advice. Good luck with your son.

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R.A.

answers from Sumter on

It seems to me he may be allergic, I would make an appt to see a doctor so they can recommend an alternative. Until then I would contiune formula only. I would not try soy or rice milk just let the doctor decide. Something similar happened to my son, except he was constipated instead of vomiting so we had to use an alternative. Hope this helps.

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S.D.

answers from Atlanta on

Understand your concerns. It is possible he does have an intolerance to the whole milk. Is he using a sippy cup at all? Sometimes the smmall amounts there make the best transistion. This way you would know if it was an incompatability with the formula and the milk together. My son was only able to tolerate 2% milk for a year or so then was able to graduate up. Hope this helps.

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M.M.

answers from Columbia on

Ann, My son is about to turn one too. I am worried about allergies to whole milk because I had them. However, I know that there is a HORRIBLE stomach virus going around. I've had it 3 times myself. It seems like everyone has had it. My suggestion would be stop the whole milk for a week or so and try again. As with any new food, pay close attention to everything else he eats etc. I hope this passes. I know how hard it was on my mom when I had food allergies. M.

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D.M.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi Ann,
It may be that he has some sort of virus or he's lactose intolerant or allergic to milk. When I switched my son over the milk he had the same symptoms. My doctor did blood work and found out that he was allergic to milk and eggs. Iwould have never known. He's 3 now and has been on soy milk since he was one and is the healthiest kid! He's NEVER sick. You may want to try to give him soy milk and see if he reacts the same. Soy will not hurt him at all and is really good for him. Good luck!

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C.S.

answers from Atlanta on

Try goat's milk first and see if he tolerates that better.

Just FYI my youngest daughter did not do milk at all, no matter what kind we gave her (we drink raw milk because the proteins and fats are not destroyed with the process of pasteurization and therefore easier to tolerate). We ended up giving her calcium fortified juices and now after months of this she is starting to drink chocolate flavored milk. We supplemented her fat intake with cheeses and other dairy products that she liked. Children need the high fat content of whole milk of some type for brain development in the first couple of years at least for brain development. Just personally speaking I am not a fan of vitamin supplementation separate from actual food sources as most of these are not used effectively by the body which is why we shy away from fortified milk products and other food products. But I know other people have different opinions about this.

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C.C.

answers from Atlanta on

Hi Ann,

Sounds like it could be allergy or intolerance to milk or a GI virus, just like you stated. I would call your pediatrician asap. Tell the nurse that you want the physician to call you back OR just set up an appt and take him in to discuss with the MD face to face. That is what I would recommend.

C.

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C.E.

answers from Atlanta on

One, what did the doctor say at his one year appt? 2, I wouldn't give my child "whole" milk. My kids pediatrician recommended Reduced fat milk. What nurse line did you call? That's scary. Bottom line, if you think the child is about to be dehydrated, go back to the formula. Then call the doctor again and let them know what's going on.
If they can't give you an answer, get another doctor.

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H.B.

answers from Atlanta on

I would just take him off of the formula.Then after a day and night with out the formula.I would start just milk no formula.If he starts up again with the vomiting then take him off of it and try the soy and rice mike with out the formula with both of them it could be to heavy on his stomach.One thing at a time.My daughter also did that and it was to heavy.We put her on 2% milk with out formula and gave her a vitiman and she is just fine.One thing at a time and you and your son will be fine.god bless

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R.D.

answers from Atlanta on

there is no reason not to go back to formula until you and your ped figure out what is wrong.

just a tip, if you have to get a blood draw for a food allergy test, go to the lab that your insurance will approve of (Lab Corp, etc) because they are SO good at getting a baby vein on the first try. that way it can be an almost pain-free experience for you both!

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