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Which Baby Formula Is Best for Cow’s Milk Allergy? (UK 2025 Update)

  • Admin
  • Nov 18, 2025
  • 3 min read
By The Test Clinic — UK Experts in Baby & Toddler Intolerance Testing


Introduction

Cow’s milk allergy and intolerance are now among the most common feeding issues faced by babies in the UK. Many parents find themselves moving from formula to formula, hoping that one will finally suit their little one — yet symptoms often continue.

At The Test Clinic, after analysing thousands of Baby & Toddler Intolerance Test results, we see a consistent pattern:

👉 Around 95% of babies we test show sensitivity to cow’s milk.

The problem?
Nearly all baby formulas contain milk in some form — even those labelled comfort, gentle, or hypoallergenic.

In this updated 2025 guide, we’ll walk you through the different types of formulas available for milk-sensitive babies, what parents should know, and how to make an informed choice.





What Does “Cow’s Milk Allergy” Actually Mean?

Babies can react to milk in several ways:

  • True allergy (IgE or non-IgE)
  • Milk intolerance (protein sensitivity)
  • Digestive or skin reactions triggered by milk proteins
  • Sensitivity to the fats/oils frequently paired with milk in formula


Symptoms can include:

  • Reflux or vomiting
  • Excessive crying after feeds
  • Bloating or gassiness
  • Mucus in stools
  • Constipation or diarrhoea
  • Eczema or rashes
  • Poor sleep
  • Discomfort during/after feeding

Many parents assume switching formulas will help — but the majority of alternatives still contain some form of milk protein.


Types of Baby Formula for Cow’s Milk Allergy


1. Standard Milk-Based Formulas (NOT suitable)

These include:
  • Aptamil 1
  • SMA 1
  • Cow & Gate 1
  • HIPP Organic 1
  • Kendamil 1

These all contain cow’s milk, so they are NOT suitable for any form of milk allergy or intolerance.


2. Comfort, Gentle or Anti-Reflux Formulas (Still contain milk)

Products like:

  • Aptamil Comfort
  • SMA Comfort
  • Cow & Gate Anti-Reflux

These reduce lactose or partially break down proteins, but:
❌ They still contain milk proteins
❌ They still contain common trigger oils (sunflower, rapeseed)
❌ Often worsen symptoms in milk-sensitive babies


3. Partially Hydrolysed Formulas (Not milk-free)

These include:

  • Aptamil Pepti 1
  • Aptamil Pepti 2
  • SMA Althera

Hydrolysis breaks milk proteins into smaller fragments — but it is still milk, and many babies still react.

Important notes:
❌ These are NOT halal or kosher (due to porcine enzymes)
❌ Many GP-prescribed formulas fall into this category
❌ Many babies continue to react to them



4. Amino Acid (100% Milk-Free) Formulas

These are the only formulas suitable when true milk allergy or severe milk intolerance is confirmed.

Examples:
  • Neocate LCP
  • Nutramigen Puramino
  • SMA Alfamino

These formulas contain:
✔ No milk protein
✔ No casein
✔ No whey

However:
  • They still contain oils like sunflower or rapeseed, which some babies also react to
  • They usually require GP prescription
  • Taste and smell may be challenging for some babies



So Which Formula Is “Best”? The Honest Answer


There is no single best formula for cow’s milk allergy —
because each baby reacts differently.

A formula that suits one baby may cause eczema or reflux in another.

At The Test Clinic, what we see consistently is:

👉 Babies are often reacting not only to cow’s milk, but also to other ingredients like sunflower oil, rapeseed oil, coconut oil, soy and fish oils — which appear in nearly all formulas.

That’s why our comparison guide is so valuable: it lets parents see exactly what each formula contains.


How to Choose a Formula Safely


Here is the step-by-step approach we recommend:

  1. Identify your baby’s sensitivities
(via Baby & Toddler Intolerance Testing)

  1. Match those sensitivities to formula ingredients
(using our ingredient comparison guide)

  1. Shortlist formulas that avoid known allergens

  1. Introduce new formula gradually over 3–5 days

  1. Record changes in reflux, skin, stools and behaviour

This approach avoids guesswork and gives clarity far quicker.



Download the Guide That Makes This Easy


We created the UK’s first full baby formula ingredient comparison resource.




✔ Free 2-Page Quick Guide
Snapshot of top UK formulas + major allergens.

👉 Download the Free Guide







✔ Full 12-Page Guide (£6.99)
40+ formulas, halal/kosher info, allergen explanations, and a printable worksheet.

👉 Get the Full Guide




Prefer Certainty Instead of Guessing?


Our Baby & Toddler Intolerance Test identifies exactly which ingredients your baby is reacting to — safely and non-invasively.




👉 Book a Baby & Toddler Test (order online or visit one of our Clinics)










 
 
 
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