What foods are breastfed babies sensitive to?

Understanding Food Sensitivities in Breastfed Babies
Breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial way to nourish infants, but it can also present challenges, particularly when it comes to food sensitivities. While most babies tolerate a wide range of foods consumed by their breastfeeding mothers, some may react negatively to certain items, leading to discomfort and fussiness.
Common Foods That May Cause Sensitivities
Dairy Products: One of the most frequently reported sensitivities in breastfed babies is to dairy. Many mothers notice that when they consume milk, cheese, or yogurt, their babies may experience increased gas, diarrhea, or vomiting. This reaction is often attributed to lactose intolerance or a sensitivity to the proteins found in cow’s milk.
Soy and Other Common Allergens: Soy is another food that can cause issues for some infants. Alongside dairy, other common allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, eggs, fish, and shellfish. These foods can lead to allergic reactions or intolerances, manifesting as fussiness or gastrointestinal distress in babies.
Cruciferous Vegetables: Foods like broccoli and cabbage, known for their health benefits, can also lead to gas in breastfed babies. Mothers have reported that consuming these vegetables can result in their babies being gassy and fussy for up to 24 hours.
Garlic and Spicy Foods: Interestingly, some mothers find that eating garlic or spicy foods can alter the taste of breast milk, potentially leading to a baby’s aversion or discomfort. While these foods are generally safe, they may affect individual babies differently.
The Role of Trial and Error
Navigating food sensitivities while breastfeeding often requires a process of trial and error. Mothers may need to eliminate certain foods from their diet to see if their baby’s symptoms improve. This can be a frustrating but necessary step to identify specific triggers.
It’s important to note that most babies do not have problems with the foods their mothers eat. However, for those who do, the symptoms can mimic those of food allergies, even if they are not true allergic reactions.
Conclusion
In summary, while breastfeeding is a wonderful way to bond with and nourish a baby, it can also involve careful consideration of the mother’s diet. Foods such as dairy, soy, and certain vegetables may cause sensitivities in some infants, leading to discomfort. By observing their baby’s reactions and adjusting their diet accordingly, mothers can help ensure a more comfortable breastfeeding experience for both themselves and their little ones.

Why avoid cinnamon while breastfeeding?

Coumarin, an ingredient in some cinnamon products, can cause liver problems, but the amount you’d get is so small that it probably won’t be a problem. Given the lack of evidence about its safety, children, pregnant women, and women who are breastfeeding should avoid cinnamon as a treatment.

What are the top foods that bother breastfed babies?

Now, in certain uncommon situations, babies can have a reaction to something in the breastfeeding parent’s diet. The top three culprits are dairy, soy, and wheat. But we don’t see too many babies reacting to foods like broccoli, cabbage, etc.

Why avoid strawberries while breastfeeding?

A quart or more of orange juice or a diet heavy in seasonal fruits such as strawberries, melons or cherries have been associated with diarrhea and colicky symptoms in some infants. Foods containing many preservatives, additives or dyes have been associated with signs of discomfort in some babies.

What are the most common food sensitivities in breastfed babies?

Common problem foods which may be eaten by a baby or a breastfeeding mother include:

• Milk and other dairy products such as butter, yoghurt, cheese, whey, casein, caseinate, lactose.
• Egg.
• Peanut.
• Soy.
• Wheat.
• Fish.
• Sesame seeds (in tahini and hummus)
• Lupin/lentils (including chickpeas which are in hummus)

What foods cause reflux in breastfed babies?

Citrus fruit, tomatoes, caffeine containing drinks (tea, coffee, coke) and chocolate may also need to be avoided by the breast-feeding mother of a reflux baby. Remember that all babies are different and different babies react to different foods – the list above is a guideline only.

What foods should I avoid while breastfeeding a baby gassy?

If you notice that each time you eat something your baby becomes fussy, try avoiding the food for a while and see what happens. Many mothers have reported foods such as kale, spinach, beans, onions, garlic, peppers or spicy foods cause infant gas, while many babies tolerate these foods just fine.

How do I know if my breastmilk is upsetting my baby’s stomach?

If symptoms occur such as fussiness, irritability, crying, gas, increased spitting up and/or drawing their legs up due to tummy pain, write down everything you ate that day. This lets you carefully look at your diet instead of getting rid of foods that may not be the cause of your baby’s distress.

How to tell if baby is allergic to something in breast milk?

Even a baby who has never been formula fed, and has never had any food besides breast milk may show signs of food allergy including: diarrhea, bloody stools, vomiting, colic, eczema, constipation and poor growth.

What foods are not good for breast milk?

Caffeine – coffee, black tea, green tea, etc. Excess Vitamin C & Vitamin B –supplements or drinks with excessive vitamin C Or B (Vitamin Water, Powerade, oranges/orange juice and citrus fruits/juice.) Peppermint or spearmint: (food, gum or candy with mint flavor) Sage: (sausage, dressing, wild rice mix, etc)

What foods make reflux worse in breastfed babies?

Citrus fruit, tomatoes, caffeine containing drinks (tea, coffee, coke) and chocolate may also need to be avoided by the breast-feeding mother of a reflux baby. Remember that all babies are different and different babies react to different foods – the list above is a guideline only.