Foods to Help Your Baby Thrive with CMPA

If your baby has cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA), feeding can feel confusing and exhausting. Maybe your baby is gaining weight but still seems unsettled, has rashes, reflux, or digestive issues. It’s easy to feel worried, especially when it seems like no one is truly listening.

The good news is that avoiding cow’s milk is just the first step. The next step is to fill your baby’s diet with milk-free, nutrient-rich foods that support growth, gut health, and positive mealtime experiences. With the right approach, your baby can thrive — and you can feel confident and calm along the way.

Breastmilk or specialised formula

For breastfeeding parents, IMAP guidelines suggest a cow’s milk-free diet for both mother and baby if reactions occur. Many parents also worry about their own nutrition. It’s important to supplement with calcium, vitamin D, and other nutrients recommended by a dietitian, so you stay healthy while supporting your baby’s growth.

For formula-fed babies, first-line options include extensively hydrolysed formulas or hydrolysed rice-protein formulas, which are well-tolerated and support growth. In more severe or persistent cases, or when multiple allergies are suspected, amino acid formulas may be recommended.

Top Tip: Monitor your baby carefully when switching formulas and allow a 2–4 week trial to see how they respond.

Starting solids

Solid foods should be introduced between around 17 weeks and six months, depending on your baby’s readiness. A wide variety of foods is important to support growth, feeding skills, and gut health. Focus on soft vegetables, fruits, and starchy foods like potato or rice-based cereals, keeping textures and tastes varied.

Top Tip: Repeated exposure is key — even if your baby rejects a food at first, trying it again over time helps them accept new flavors and textures.

Nutrients to focus on

When cow’s milk is excluded, certain nutrients require attention. Calcium and vitamin D are essential for strong bones, while iron supports energy and brain development. Iodine, B12, and B2, often found in dairy, may also need to be included through milk-free sources. Healthy fats support growth and brain function.

To simplify meal planning, our Must-Have Nutrition Checklist for Children with CMPA can take the guesswork out of shopping and meal prep. It includes nutrient guidance, allergy-friendly food lists, and daily intake recommendations to support healthy growth.

Supporting breastfeeding parents

If you’re breastfeeding, you might be worried about your own nutrition while feeding a baby with CMPA. Our 4 Steps to Keep Breastfeeding with CMPA guide provides evidence-based support so you can nourish yourself, protect your milk supply, and help your baby feel better.

It walks you through how long cow’s milk protein takes to leave your system, step-by-step support for going dairy-free confidently, nutrient checklists, and tried-and-tested dairy-free swaps. Bonus resources include a 7-day dairy-free meal plan, grocery shopping tips, and advice for eating out.

Top Tip: Prioritising your own nutrition helps both you and your baby thrive.

Mealtime strategies for calm, happy feeding

Feeding isn’t just about nutrition — it’s about connection. Try dropping expectations and comparisons. Your baby is an intuitive eater, and repeated exposures to new foods without pressure help them develop healthy eating habits. Keep mealtimes positive, relaxed, and connected.

Top Tip: If your baby shows weight loss, faltering growth, or major feeding issues, contact a dietitian. At Nishti’s Choice, we offer feeding assessments to support families navigating CMPA.

Quick Takeaways

Excluding cow’s milk is just the start. Focus on what to include: a variety of nutrient-rich foods, appropriate solids, and strategies for calm, confident feeding. Tools like our Must-Have Nutrition Checklist and 4 Steps to Keep Breastfeeding with CMPA guide can help you feel supported and empowered.

With the right formula, nutrient-rich foods, mealtime strategies, and professional support, your baby can thrive — and you can feel confident in your parenting journey!

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