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Possible CMPA or digestive immaturity in 4-month-old with feeding discomfort

1 reply

Gg55 · 02/05/2026 16:05

Hi, wondering if anyone has any advice. I have a 4-month old baby with the following symptoms: very gassy, coming on and off the boob during feeds due to difficulty passing wind, crying and arching his back after most feeds (regardless of whether he’s breast or bottle-fed), his nose is constantly congested and eyes are watery, he’s got some dry skin but no rashes etc. His weight gain has been inconsistent since birth. Initially his latch wasn’t great and we thought that was the main problem with relation to weight gain. He was gaining weight fine when on strict schedule (fed every 2-3 hours even at night), but it became inconsistent again when we started feeding on demand rather than clock watching. No blood in poo but poos used to be very watery, and looking back I think resembled diarrhoa.

He is meeting all his developmental milestones and has had a few medical reviews with the gp with no issues identified. He’s generally a happy baby, but it’s clear that eating is causing him discomfort. The health visitor suggested cmpa. I eliminated dairy 4 weeks ago from my diet and we got prescribed hypoalergic formula. The main change we’ve noticed is his pooping. Now poops 1-2 per day and the consistency is less liquid. However, his is still gassy and uncomfortable during and after feeds.. We’ve tried infacol, probiotic, gripe water, tummy massage, keeping him upright after feeds with no improvement.

I’ve read that if his symptoms were only linked to cmpa they should have resolved or massively improved by now (4 weeks of dairy free diet). I’ve also read that cmpa often goes along with soy and egg allergy. Some people say other common allergens include beef, chicken, corn and even rice!

I really don’t know what to do now. Is it possible that the change in pooping has been coincidental and his symptoms are due purely to an underdeveloped digestive symptoms? Or is he allergic to cow’s milk but needs more time for his gut to heal? Or is there another allergen bothering him alongside cow’s milk? We’re going on holiday in a couple of weeks and I’m not sure whether to continue with my diet or start re-introducing dairy (I don’t want his tummy to get even more upset when we’re away, but I’m really not sure if this diet is making much difference).

Obviously, I’m not looking for medical advice on here (we have another medical appt booked before we go away), but for some advice from people with similar experiences. Thanks!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
SophieRules · 04/05/2026 09:51

Good that you have a medical app, based on what you’ve said it seems likely to be something he’ll grow out of. See how he gets on with weaning, when they have more food, of no allergies, the poo tends to settle and get more solid.

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