What foods cause gas in babies while breastfeeding?

Understanding Gas in Breastfed Babies
Breastfeeding is often heralded as the best source of nutrition for infants, but it can sometimes lead to discomfort for babies, particularly in the form of gas. Many breastfeeding mothers find themselves puzzled when their little ones exhibit signs of fussiness or discomfort after feeding. Understanding the potential dietary triggers can help alleviate these issues.
Common Dietary Culprits
While breast milk is primarily derived from a mother’s blood and not directly from her digestive tract, certain foods in a breastfeeding mother’s diet can still influence her baby’s digestive comfort. Common foods that may cause gas in breastfed babies include:
– Cruciferous Vegetables: Foods like broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts are known for their gas-producing properties. These vegetables contain complex carbohydrates that can be difficult for some babies to digest.
– Legumes: Beans and lentils are notorious for causing gas in both adults and infants. The sugars in these foods can ferment in the gut, leading to increased gas production.
– Dairy Products: Some babies may be sensitive to dairy, which can lead to excessive gas and discomfort. Symptoms of a dairy allergy can include colic, abnormal stool colors, and rashes. If a mother suspects dairy is the culprit, eliminating it from her diet may be beneficial.
– Spicy Foods: Spices can sometimes irritate a baby’s digestive system, leading to gas. Mothers who consume spicy foods may notice their babies being more fussy.
– Allergenic Foods: Foods such as eggs, wheat, fish, and nuts can potentially cause allergic reactions in some infants, resulting in gas and other digestive issues. Although the evidence is not robust, it is worth monitoring the baby’s reactions to these foods.
Signs of Gas in Babies
Recognizing the signs of gas in a breastfed baby is crucial for addressing the issue. Common indicators include:
– Fussiness or Squirming: If a baby seems unusually fussy or squirms during or after feeding, it may be a sign of gas discomfort.
– Excessive Crying: Babies may cry more than usual if they are experiencing gas pain, leading to distress for both the infant and the mother.
– Difficulty Feeding: A gassy baby may have trouble latching or may pull away from the breast frequently.
Managing Gas in Breastfed Babies
To help manage gas, mothers can consider adjusting their diets. Keeping a food diary can be an effective way to identify potential triggers. If a particular food seems to correlate with increased gas in the baby, it may be wise to eliminate it for a period and observe any changes.
Additionally, ensuring that the baby is properly latched during breastfeeding can help minimize the amount of air swallowed, which can also contribute to gas. Gentle tummy massages and bicycle leg movements can provide relief for gassy babies.
Conclusion
While gas in breastfed babies can be a common concern, understanding the dietary factors that contribute to this discomfort can empower mothers to make informed choices. By being mindful of their own diets and observing their baby’s reactions, breastfeeding mothers can help create a more comfortable feeding experience for their little ones.

What foods should breastfeeding mothers eat to prevent colic?

It is most important to consume a diet with plenty of water and an adequate consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy sources.

Can mother’s diet affect baby colic?

The preliminary data suggest a correlation between infantile colic in breastfed infants and their mother’s consumption of cow’s milk and allergenic products (evidence level A). Use of hypoallergenic diets by breastfeeding mothers may help to reduce colicky symptoms in some infants.

Which food is best for breastfeeding mothers?

Include protein foods 2-3 times per day such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, nuts and seeds. Eat three servings of vegetables, including dark green and yellow vegetables per day. Eat two servings of fruit per day. Include whole grains such as whole wheat breads, pasta, cereal and oatmeal in your daily diet.

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.

What foods upset babies while breastfeeding?

What not to eat and drink when breastfeeding

• 1 mug of filter coffee = 140mg.
• 1 mug of instant coffee = 100mg.
• 1 mug of tea = 75mg.
• 1 (250ml) can of energy drink = 80mg (larger cans may contain up to 160mg caffeine)
• 1 (354mls) cola drink = 40mg.
• 1 (50g) plain chocolate bar = up to 50mg.

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.

How do I know if my breastfed baby has a food intolerance?

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. Babies can develop allergies to foods that you are eating while you are breastfeeding.

Why is my breast milk making my baby gassy?

Causes of baby gas
Your baby’s tummy is still developing and learning to digest, so food doesn’t break down completely yet. Swallowing air. Babies often swallow air when sucking on the breast or a bottle, especially if they drink too quickly or don’t have an optimal latch on the nipple.

Does cutting out dairy help a gassy baby?

Dairy Or Milk Products
The intake of certain milk or soy proteins can potentially cause gas in breastfed infants. However, if you discover that dairy is the culprit for your little one’s gassiness, they may just have a dairy allergy.

What foods make breastfed babies gassy?

Food sensitivities and gas in breastfed babies
Some moms swear that when they eat foods such as dairy products, broccoli, cabbage, bananas, eggs, or garlic, their babies are gassy and fussy for up to the next 24 hours.