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Eczema (dermatitis) is a common reason for a baby or child’s skin to be just dry or red as well (inflamed). Eczema often runs in families as a part of the ‘atopic’ group of conditions that also include asthma, hayfever and food allergies. You do not inherit (pass down) a specific ‘atopy’ but more the tendency for ‘atopy’ which will be different in different people.

An assessment of your child’s allergy, medical history and/or results indicate that it is time to see if they have outgrown their food allergy. This can be done by adding milk into the diet gradually at home.

Milk is introduced into the diet by following a ‘milk ladder’ where each food contains increasing levels of milk protein. It is important to start with well-cooked/processed milk first before progressing to ‘raw’ dairy products. This ‘milk ladder’ is based on scientific research. Some of the foods may seem unusual to include in an infant’s diet, but it is because the type and amount of protein is suitable for the reintroduction process.

Remember, these foods are part of a mixed diet and are not expected to be a significant part of the child’s diet. The Milk Ladder should only be used in children with mild to moderate delayed (Non-IgE) cow’s milk protein allergy under the supervision of a healthcare professional.