What foods to avoid while breastfeeding that make baby gassy?

Understanding Gassiness in Breastfed Babies
Breastfeeding is a beautiful journey, but it can come with its challenges, one of which is dealing with a gassy baby. Many new mothers find themselves puzzled when their little ones seem uncomfortable or fussy after feedings. While breast milk is generally well-tolerated, certain foods in a mother’s diet can contribute to gassiness in breastfed infants. Here’s a closer look at what foods to avoid to help keep your baby comfortable.
Common Culprits of Gassiness
1. Dairy Products: One of the most significant contributors to gassiness in breastfed babies is dairy. Many infants can be sensitive to the proteins found in cow’s milk, leading to increased gas and discomfort. If you notice your baby is particularly gassy, it may be worth eliminating dairy from your diet for a few weeks to see if symptoms improve.
2. Cruciferous Vegetables: Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are known for their gas-producing properties. While these foods are nutritious, they can lead to bloating and gas in both mothers and babies. If your baby is experiencing gassiness, consider reducing or avoiding these vegetables temporarily.
3. Beans and Legumes: Beans, lentils, and other legumes are high in fiber and can cause gas. While they are an excellent source of protein and nutrients, they can also lead to increased gassiness in your baby. Monitoring your intake of these foods may help alleviate your baby’s discomfort.
4. Carbonated Beverages: Sodas and other carbonated drinks can introduce gas into both the mother and the baby’s system. The bubbles in these drinks can lead to bloating and discomfort, making them a good candidate for elimination from your diet while breastfeeding.
5. Spicy Foods: Foods that are heavily spiced, such as those containing garlic, curry, or chili peppers, can also lead to digestive issues for some babies. While many mothers enjoy these flavors, they might want to consider reducing their intake if their baby shows signs of gassiness.
6. Sugary Foods: High-sugar foods can also contribute to digestive discomfort. Sugary snacks and desserts can lead to gas and bloating, not just for the mother but potentially for the baby as well.
7. Soy Products: Similar to dairy, soy can be a common allergen that affects some infants. If you consume soy products and notice increased gassiness in your baby, it may be beneficial to eliminate these from your diet.
Keeping Track of Your Diet
To effectively identify which foods may be causing gassiness in your baby, consider keeping a food journal. Document what you eat and any changes in your baby’s behavior or digestive comfort. This practice can help you pinpoint specific foods that may be contributing to the issue.
Conclusion
While breastfeeding is a natural and beneficial process, it can sometimes lead to challenges such as gassiness in infants. By being mindful of your diet and avoiding certain foods known to cause gas, you can help ensure a more comfortable experience for both you and your baby. If gassiness persists or if you have concerns about your baby’s health, consulting with a healthcare professional is always a wise step.

What foods cause colic in babies?

Some studies have found that particular foods eaten by the motherincluding cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, chocolate, onions and cow’s milkcan cause an attack of colic in her breastfed infant.

What foods can cause gas in breastfed babies?

Certain foods such as dairy, soy or wheat may contribute to gassiness in your little one. Keep a food journal while breastfeeding of what you eat to see if you can pinpoint the culprit in your diet.

What should a mother eat when a baby has gas?

Some babies also may become fussy with the consumption of gas-producing foods (broccoli, cabbage, beans, etc.). If you notice this you may want to substitute other vegetables and lean proteins into your diet. Some foods may cause an allergy in an infant also, although this area needs additional research.

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.

How to reduce gas in a breastfed baby?

Burp him throughout the feedings to help get rid of the gas. Try not to let your baby overfeed or feed too quickly. Keep track of when your baby is gassy and look back at your diet. Try to learn which foods work and don’t work for you and your baby, and remember, each baby is uniquely different.

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 decrease milk supply?

Top 5 food / drinks to avoid if you have a low milk supply:

• Carbonated beverages.
• 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.)

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 should a breastfeeding mother avoid eating?

Caffeine. It’s not just tea and coffee that contains caffeine – it’s in chocolate, and various energy drinks and soft drinks. It’s sensible to cut caffeine out while breastfeeding because it’s a stimulant so can make your baby restless. If you do drink caffeine, try not to have more than 300mg a day.

What foods should breastfeeding mothers eat to prevent colic?

Vegetables

• Avocado.
• Beets.
• Sprouts.
• Celery.
• Corn.
• Carrots.
• Pumpkin.
• Sweet Potato.