What not to eat with a colicky baby?

Understanding Colic in Babies
Colic is a term that describes prolonged periods of excessive crying in otherwise healthy infants, typically defined as crying for more than three hours a day, at least three days a week, for three weeks or longer. This condition often manifests in the evening and can be distressing for both the baby and the parents. While the exact cause of colic remains unclear, it is believed to be linked to factors such as gas, indigestion, or overfeeding.
The Impact of Maternal Diet on Colic
For breastfeeding mothers, what they consume can significantly affect their baby’s comfort and well-being. Certain foods may contribute to colic symptoms in infants, leading to increased discomfort and crying. Therefore, it is crucial for nursing mothers to be mindful of their diets.
Foods to Avoid:
1. Dairy Products: Many babies are sensitive to cow’s milk protein, which can lead to gas and discomfort. Mothers may need to eliminate dairy from their diets to see if it alleviates their baby’s colic symptoms.
2. Caffeine: Found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and some sodas, caffeine can be stimulating for babies and may lead to increased fussiness and difficulty sleeping.
3. Spicy Foods: Spices can irritate a baby’s digestive system, potentially leading to gas and discomfort. Mothers should consider avoiding spicy dishes to see if it helps reduce colic symptoms.
4. Cruciferous Vegetables: Foods like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage are known to produce gas in adults and can have a similar effect on infants. These should be limited in a breastfeeding mother’s diet.
5. Beans and Lentils: While these are excellent sources of protein and fiber, they can also cause gas and bloating, which may exacerbate colic symptoms in babies.
6. Certain Fruits: Some fruits, particularly those high in fructose like apples and pears, can lead to gas and should be consumed in moderation.
Additional Considerations
In addition to avoiding specific foods, breastfeeding mothers should ensure they are well-hydrated and consume a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. This not only supports their health but also contributes to the overall well-being of their baby.
It’s important for mothers to monitor their baby’s reactions to their diet and consult with a healthcare provider if colic symptoms persist. Keeping a food diary can also help identify any potential triggers related to the mother’s diet.
Conclusion
Caring for a colicky baby can be a challenging experience for parents. By being mindful of dietary choices, breastfeeding mothers can play a crucial role in alleviating their baby’s discomfort. While the journey may require patience and experimentation, understanding the connection between maternal diet and infant colic can lead to more peaceful days and nights for both baby and parents.

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.

How I cured my baby’s colic?

Lay your baby tummy-down across your knees and gently rub their back. The pressure against their belly may help comfort them. If they fall asleep this way, place them in their crib on their back. You can also try some baby massage strokes that help with colic.

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.

What foods should babies avoid with colic?

Overview

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

What is the best feed for colic?

Feeding Recommendations – Tympanic (gaseous) Colic

• Hay is preferable over haylage which, like grass, ferments more quickly in the hindgut producing more gas.
• Take care with access to spring or rich pasture.
• Avoid long spells of inactivity and keep the horse moving to encourage gut motility.

How do you calm down a colic baby?

Hold your baby near low, rhythmic noises, like the sound of the washing machine or a recording of a heartbeat. The steady hum of a fan or a white noise machine can also be soothing. Go for a ride in the car. The motion and noise of a car ride helps to calm some babies.

What should a mother eat when a baby has 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.

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].

Does mom diet affect baby colic?

In reality, numerous studies have demonstrated that altering a mother’s diet can significantly reduce the severity of colic symptoms, namely the amount of time that babies cry each day. Other studies have discovered a connection between the breastfeeding mother’s ingestion of particular meals and the infant’s colic.