What foods cause reflux in breastfed babies?

Understanding Reflux in Breastfed Babies
Reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux (GER), is a common condition in infants, characterized by the backflow of stomach contents into the esophagus. While many babies experience this condition, it can be particularly concerning for breastfeeding mothers who want to ensure their diet does not exacerbate their baby’s discomfort. Certain foods consumed by breastfeeding mothers can contribute to reflux symptoms in their infants.
Foods to Avoid
Caffeine is one of the primary culprits linked to increased reflux in breastfed babies. It can lower the pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), which is crucial for preventing stomach contents from flowing back into the esophagus. Common sources of caffeine include coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, and energy drinks. Mothers may want to limit or eliminate these items from their diet to see if it alleviates their baby’s reflux symptoms.
Spicy and Fatty Foods are also known to trigger reflux. Spicy meals can irritate the digestive system, while high-fat foods can slow down digestion, leading to increased pressure in the stomach. This pressure can cause reflux episodes. For instance, red meat, particularly fatty cuts, can be problematic. While it may not be necessary to completely avoid red meat, opting for leaner cuts can be a beneficial compromise.
Dairy Products are another common source of reflux issues. Some infants may be sensitive to proteins found in cow’s milk, which can pass through breast milk. Mothers who consume dairy may notice that their babies exhibit more reflux symptoms. In such cases, reducing or eliminating dairy from the diet can be helpful.
Citrus Fruits and Juices can also contribute to reflux. The acidity in these foods can irritate the esophagus and lead to discomfort for the baby. Mothers might consider avoiding oranges, lemons, and other citrus products to see if there is an improvement in their baby’s symptoms.
Eggs are another potential trigger. Similar to dairy, some mothers may not fully digest the proteins in eggs, which can then affect their breast milk and lead to reflux in their infants.
Monitoring and Adjusting Diet
It’s important for breastfeeding mothers to monitor their diet and observe any changes in their baby’s behavior. Keeping a food diary can help identify patterns between what the mother eats and the baby’s reflux symptoms. If a particular food seems to correlate with increased reflux, it may be wise to eliminate it from the diet temporarily.
In conclusion, while reflux in breastfed babies can be distressing, understanding the dietary factors that contribute to this condition can empower mothers to make informed choices. By avoiding caffeine, spicy and fatty foods, dairy, citrus, and eggs, mothers may help reduce their baby’s reflux symptoms, leading to a more comfortable feeding experience for both mother and child.

What can be mistaken for reflux in babies?

Colic and silent reflux are two very difficult conditions to deal with in your baby’s early stages of development. Both of these conditions are extremely common in newborns and share some similar symptoms, hence why they are often confused with one another.

How I cured my baby’s reflux breastfeeding?

Helping your baby with reflux

1. get advice about your baby’s breastfeeding position.
2. hold your baby upright during feeding and for as long as possible after feeding.
3. burp (or wind) your baby regularly during feeds.
4. make sure your baby sleeps flat on their back (they should not sleep on their side or front)

Does mother’s diet affect baby reflux?

Research has shown a link between symptoms of reflux and an allergy or intolerance to cows’ milk protein. If you want to find out if your diet may be causing your baby’s reflux, first see your doctor to rule out any other causes of symptoms.

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 are the top foods that 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 causes acid reflux in breastfed babies?

Babies who are not latching effectively for breastfeeds may have reflux. This can be because they are taking in air when feeding or when crying. Sometimes, babies just need to be in a slightly different position to latch more deeply. Sometimes it can be a result of physiological issues such as a tongue tie.

What foods should I avoid if my baby has reflux?

Foods that can trigger reflux:
Food allergies can cause swelling in the lining of the esophagus. Your healthcare provider might recommend eliminating some foods, such as dairy, wheat, soy, egg, nuts, and fish. It is important to work with your healthcare provider to make sure the diet meets your child’s needs.

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 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 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.