Misdiagnosed as a "High-Need Baby": Delayed Diagnosis of Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy in an Exclusively Breastfed Infant

Background: The term "high-need baby" has gained popularity among parents and on social media, but lacks clinical recognition. This non-medical label can delay the diagnosis of underlying medical conditions. Case Presentation: We report the case of a 7-month-old exclusively breastfed infant with persistent irritability and sleep disturbances, diagnosed by his pediatrician as a "high-need baby." Clinical evaluation revealed symptoms compatible with cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA). Elimination of dairy from the maternal diet led to full symptom resolution. A subsequent oral challenge confirmed the diagnosis. Conclusion: This case illustrates the importance of maintaining clinical rigor when evaluating persistent infant symptoms and avoiding reliance on non-medical labels such as “high-need baby.”