What not to eat if baby has colic?

Understanding Colic in Babies
Colic is a term used to describe excessive crying in infants, typically defined as crying for more than three hours a day, at least three days a week, without an apparent cause. While the exact reasons for colic remain unclear, many parents and caregivers seek ways to alleviate the discomfort associated with it. One area of focus is the diet of breastfeeding mothers, as certain foods can potentially contribute to colic symptoms in babies.
Foods to Avoid While Breastfeeding
If a breastfeeding mother is dealing with a colicky baby, it may be beneficial to reconsider her diet. Certain foods are known to potentially trigger allergic reactions or digestive issues in infants, which can exacerbate colic symptoms. Here are some key dietary considerations:
1. Dairy Products: Milk and other dairy products are common allergens. Many babies are sensitive to the proteins found in cow’s milk, which can lead to increased gas and discomfort. Mothers may want to eliminate dairy from their diet for a period to see if it helps reduce colic symptoms in their baby.
2. Eggs: Similar to dairy, eggs can also be a source of allergens. If a breastfeeding mother consumes eggs, it might be wise to remove them from her diet temporarily to assess any changes in the baby’s behavior.
3. Nuts: Nuts are another potential allergen that can affect infants. Mothers should consider avoiding nuts, especially if there is a family history of allergies.
4. Wheat: Wheat and gluten-containing products can also lead to digestive issues in some infants. Mothers may find it helpful to eliminate these from their diet to see if it alleviates colic symptoms.
5. Caffeine and Spicy Foods: While not allergens, caffeine and spicy foods can sometimes irritate a baby’s digestive system. Reducing or eliminating these from the diet may help soothe a colicky baby.
6. Cruciferous Vegetables: Foods like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage can cause gas and bloating, which might contribute to discomfort in infants. Mothers may want to limit these vegetables to see if it makes a difference.
The Importance of Monitoring Diet
It’s essential for breastfeeding mothers to monitor their diet closely when dealing with a colicky baby. Keeping a food diary can help identify any correlations between what the mother eats and the baby’s crying episodes. If a particular food seems to coincide with increased colic symptoms, it may be worth eliminating it for a few weeks to observe any changes.
Conclusion
While colic can be a challenging experience for both infants and their caregivers, dietary adjustments may provide some relief. By avoiding certain foods known to cause allergic reactions or digestive discomfort, breastfeeding mothers can potentially help soothe their colicky babies. As always, it’s advisable for mothers to consult with a healthcare provider before making significant changes to their diet, ensuring that both mother and baby receive the necessary nutrients for health and well-being.

What should a mother avoid when a baby has colic?

There is no evidence that changing your diet will help – however, some breastfeeding mums say that cutting down on spicy foods, caffeine and alcohol has made a difference for them.

What should mom eat for a colic baby?

List of Foods You Should Eat If On An Elimination Diet

• Apples.
• Pears.
• Papaya.
• Coconut.
• Mango.
• Watermelon.
• Honey Dew.
• Melon.

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 is the 3-3-3 rule for colic?

The most commonly accepted definition of colic, which originated in 1954,4 describes using the “rule of three”: crying for more than three hours per day, for more than three days per week, and for more than three weeks in an infant that is well-fed and otherwise healthy.

How I cured my baby’s colic?

Treatment

1. Using a pacifier.
2. Taking your infant for a car ride or on a walk in a stroller.
3. Walking around with or rocking your baby.
4. Swaddling your baby in a blanket.
5. Giving your baby a warm bath.
6. Rubbing your infant’s tummy or placing your baby on the tummy for a back rub.

How to calm a colic baby?

How can you soothe a baby with colic?

1. Hold and cuddle your baby.
2. Walk with your baby.
3. Swaddle your baby in a soft blanket.
4. Sing and talk softly to your baby.
5. Sway back and forth while you hold your baby, or find other ways to gently rock her.
6. Gently rub your baby’s back.

What not to eat with a colicky baby?

Diet, Breastfeeding, and Colic

• Garlic, onions, cabbage, turnips, broccoli, and beans.
• Apricots, rhubarb, prunes, melons, peaches, and other fresh fruits.
• Cow’s milk.
• Caffeine.

Are eggs bad for colic?

If you’re breast-feeding, you may try a diet without common food allergens, such as dairy, eggs, nuts and wheat. You may also try eliminating potentially irritating foods, such as cabbage, onions or caffeinated beverages.

What makes colic worse in babies?

A colicky infant may be overfed in an effort to stop the crying, which might make the colic worse.

What does colic poop look like?

Parents of infants with colic correlated crying to stomach aches and a disturbed gut function [2,16]. In a qualitative study they remarked that their infants had bowel movements more than ten times/day or hardly at all and that the stools were green, explosive and foul-smelling [2].