Final answer:
If an infant is allergic to cow's milk, they should not be given cow's milk due to the difficulty in digesting its proteins. Lactose-free infant formula or breastfeeding are recommended alternatives, providing essential nutrients and antibodies for the infant's health. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
Step-by-step explanation:
If an infant is allergic to cow's milk, cow's milk should never be given to them because its composition and proteins are difficult for infants to digest. Instead, they should be provided with a suitable alternative. This could be a specialized lactose-free infant formula that has been designed to meet their nutritional needs without causing adverse reactions such as diarrhea and vomiting.
Infants may also suffer from conditions like lactose intolerance or galactosemia, which are due to deficiencies or absence of particular enzymes needed for the digestion of lactose and conversion of galactose to glucose, respectively. It is important to consult a healthcare professional to choose the correct lactose-free or galactose-free alternatives for the baby's diet.
Breastfeeding is another alternative to cow's milk, as the milk from the mother provides vital nutrients for development and growth, as well as antibodies through passive immunity that protect the infant from infections. When breastfeeding is not possible, or the mother's milk is also not suitable due to these or other genetic conditions, the pediatrician will guide on the proper alternative based on the infant's health requirements.