If your baby has persistent tummy troubles, you may have heard the terms CMPI (cow’s milk protein intolerance) and CMPA (cow’s milk protein allergy). The symptoms can overlap with colic and reflux, which makes things confusing, especially when you’re exhausted and looking for answers.
This guide explains what CMPI and CMPA are, the common signs to look for, and gentle ways to support your baby while you work with a health professional.
CMPA & CMPI
Cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) is an immune reaction to proteins found in cow’s milk. It can trigger skin, gut, or respiratory symptoms and ranges from mild to severe.
Cow’s milk protein intolerance (CMPI) is not an allergy. It refers to a digestive sensitivity to cow’s milk protein. Symptoms are typically confined to the gut (e.g., wind, diarrhoea, mucus in stools) and do not involve an IgE (Immunoglobulin E)-mediated immune response (so you may not see hives or immediate reactions).
Key points to keep in mind:
- CMPA = immune response; CMPI = digestive sensitivity.
- CMPI may not involve IgE or hives.
- Both can affect breastfed and formula-fed babies.
- Severity can vary (mild to more pronounced).
- Symptoms can overlap with colic, reflux, or general newborn wind—so professional assessment matters.
Common Symptoms of CMPI & CMPA in Babies
Because CMPI/CMPA often looks like other common newborn issues, a clear list of signs can help you track patterns for your GP or child health nurse. Parents frequently report:
- Excessive wind and gut pain (unsettled, drawing knees up, difficult to burp)
- Mucus or blood in stool
- Frothy, green, or frequent stools
- Arching back or discomfort after feeds
- Crying during or after feeding
- Reflux-like symptoms (spitting up, irritability when lying flat)
- Skin rashes or eczema
- Poor weight gain or feeding difficulties
Many of these also occur in colic and general wind. If you’re unsure, our guide to the signs your baby might have colic may help with context while you seek professional advice.
What Does CMPI Poop Look Like in Babies?
Parents often first notice CMPI in the nappy. CMPI baby poop (sometimes called CMPI poo) can be:
- Green, frothy, or very loose
- Mucousy (slimy)
- Occasionally streaked with blood
For babies with a dairy allergy, breastfed baby poop looks similar when the mother consumes dairy. Because other issues can cause unusual nappies, always seek medical input for assessment and diagnosis.
Does CMPI Affect Breastfed Babies Too?
Yes. Even if your baby doesn’t receive formula, cow’s milk protein can pass through breast milk. If CMPI or CMPA is suspected, your health professional may suggest a short-term elimination diet (removing obvious and hidden dairy from the breastfeeding parent’s diet) and tracking symptoms. Many breastfed CMPI baby cases show similar symptoms to formula-fed babies (e.g., wind, mucus in stools, fussiness after feeds).
Always speak with a GP, paediatrician, child health nurse, or dietitian before making dietary changes—especially when breastfeeding—so your nutritional needs are supported.
Diagnosing CMPI/CMPA
There isn’t a single definitive test for CMPI, and CMPA diagnosis can also be nuanced. In many cases, clinicians rely on:
- Symptom history and growth patterns
- Dietary trial (temporary elimination of cow’s milk protein)
- Reintroduction/challenge under guidance to confirm the relationship between cow’s milk protein and symptoms
For formula-fed babies, a clinician may recommend a specialised formula for the trial period.
Supporting Babies with Suspected Cow’s Milk Protein Sensitivity
While you work through assessment with a health professional, these gentle strategies may help comfort your baby:
- Feeding positions that reduce wind (keep baby more upright, especially if reflux-prone)
- Burp frequently during and after feeds; use different holds to help release trapped air
- Upright holds after feeding (15–30 minutes) to ease reflux-like discomfort
- Keep a simple food + symptom diary to share with your clinician (note nappies, crying spells, feeds)
- For breastfed babies: only trial dairy elimination under professional guidance to maintain a balanced diet
- For formula-fed babies: your clinician may suggest partially or extensively hydrolysed or amino-acid-based formulas, depending on symptoms
If wind and colic-like discomfort are part of the picture, some parents also use Infants’ Friend Colic & Wind Oral Liquid, which contains ingredients traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to relieve wind, bloating and digestive discomfort in babies. It’s free from alcohol and sugar, and suitable from birth.
AUST L 367810. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
For more wind-easing ideas, see relieve trapped wind in babies.
When to Seek Additional Support
Contact your GP, paediatrician or child health nurse if you notice:
- Persistent crying, poor feeding, or poor weight gain
- Blood or persistent mucus in stools
- Worsening skin rashes/eczema or breathing concerns
- You suspect CMPA/CMPI and want help with a structured plan
You can also contact us for product-related questions or to be pointed toward helpful resources.
Final Thoughts
CMPI and CMPA are more common than many parents realise, and the symptoms often improve with time as your baby’s gut matures—especially with the right support. Keep notes, work closely with your health professional, and make small, gentle changes that keep your baby as comfortable as possible.
Explore Infants’ Friend Colic & Wind Oral Liquid for traditionally used support with wind and digestive discomfort, or contact us if you have questions.
AUST L 367810. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
