Gassiness is a common issue in newborns, causing discomfort and distress. Understanding which foods can contribute to this problem is crucial for new parents. This article will explore ten foods that can make newborns gassy, providing insights into how they affect your baby and offering tips to manage and reduce gas.
10 Foods That Make Newborns Gassy
1. Dairy Products
Cow’s Milk
Cow’s milk and other dairy products can cause gassiness in newborns. Babies often have difficulty digesting the proteins in cow’s milk. This can lead to gas and other digestive issues. If a breastfeeding mother consumes dairy, it can pass through her milk and affect the baby. Signs of dairy sensitivity in babies include gas, fussiness, and sometimes even skin rashes.
Cheese and Yogurt
Cheese and yogurt are also common culprits. These dairy products contain lactose, which can be hard for some babies to digest. This undigested lactose ferments in the intestines, producing gas. Mothers may consider eliminating these from their diet if they notice increased gassiness in their baby after consuming these foods.
2. Caffeinated Beverages
Coffee and Tea
Caffeinated beverages like coffee and tea can also contribute to a gassy baby. Caffeine passes into breast milk and can cause irritation in the baby’s immature digestive system. It is advisable for breastfeeding mothers to limit their intake of caffeine to prevent gas and other digestive problems in their newborns.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains both caffeine and a compound called theobromine, which can cause gas in babies. Both of these substances can stimulate the baby’s digestive tract and lead to gassiness. Mothers who notice their baby is gassy after consuming chocolate may need to cut back or eliminate it from their diet.
3. Cruciferous Vegetables
Broccoli and Cauliflower
Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and cauliflower are known to cause gas. These vegetables contain raffinose, a complex sugar that the body has difficulty breaking down. When this sugar reaches the large intestine, it ferments and produces gas. Breastfeeding mothers should monitor their baby’s reactions to these vegetables and adjust their diet accordingly.
Brussels Sprouts and Cabbage
Brussels sprouts and cabbage are other cruciferous vegetables that can lead to gassiness. These vegetables are high in fiber and also contain raffinose. Both of these factors contribute to gas production in the digestive tract. If a mother notices her baby is particularly gassy after she eats these vegetables, it may be worth reducing their intake.
4. Legumes
Beans
Beans are a well-known cause of gas. They contain high amounts of fiber and oligosaccharides, which are hard to digest. These compounds ferment in the intestines, producing gas. Mothers who consume beans may find that their babies become gassy and fussy afterward. Reducing bean consumption can help alleviate this issue.
Lentils
Lentils, like beans, are high in fiber and oligosaccharides. These substances are difficult to break down and can lead to increased gas production. Breastfeeding mothers should be mindful of their lentil intake if their baby is experiencing gassiness.
See also: What to Increase in Diet During Lactation?
5. Spicy Foods
Peppers and Chili
Spicy foods, including dishes with hot peppers and chili, can contribute to gas in newborns. The compounds that give these foods their heat can pass into breast milk and irritate the baby’s digestive system. This can lead to increased gas and discomfort. Mothers may need to avoid spicy foods to help reduce their baby’s gassiness.
Spicy Sauces
Spicy sauces and condiments can also cause gassiness. These often contain a variety of spices and hot ingredients that can affect the baby. Limiting or avoiding these sauces can help prevent gas-related issues in newborns.
6. Carbonated Beverages
Soda and Sparkling Water
Carbonated beverages like soda and sparkling water can introduce excess air into the digestive system. This air can lead to bloating and gas. While it is primarily an issue for the person consuming the beverage, some of the gas-producing components can be passed through breast milk. Mothers should limit their intake of carbonated beverages to prevent gassiness in their newborns.
Beer
Beer, being a carbonated beverage, can also contribute to gas. Additionally, it contains alcohol, which can affect a baby’s digestion. It is advisable for breastfeeding mothers to avoid beer to prevent any adverse effects on their baby’s digestive system.
7. Onions and Garlic
Raw Onions
Raw onions are known to cause gas due to their high content of fructans, a type of carbohydrate that ferments in the intestines. This fermentation process produces gas. Breastfeeding mothers who consume raw onions may find that their babies become gassy and uncomfortable.
Cooked Garlic
Garlic, especially when consumed in large amounts, can also lead to gassiness. While cooking garlic can reduce its gas-producing properties, it can still affect sensitive babies. Monitoring the baby’s reaction to garlic in the mother’s diet can help manage gas issues.
8. High-Fiber Foods
Whole Grains
Whole grains are rich in fiber, which is beneficial for digestion but can also cause gas. The fiber in whole grains ferments in the intestines, producing gas as a byproduct. Mothers may need to moderate their intake of high-fiber foods if their baby is experiencing gassiness.
Bran
Bran, a component of whole grains, is particularly high in fiber. Consuming bran can lead to increased gas production in both the mother and the baby. Reducing bran consumption can help alleviate gas in newborns.
9. Certain Fruits
Apples and Pears
Fruits like apples and pears are high in fructose, a natural sugar that can cause gas. Fructose can be difficult to digest, leading to fermentation in the intestines and the production of gas. Mothers should monitor their baby’s reaction to these fruits and adjust their diet if necessary.
Prunes
Prunes are often used to relieve constipation due to their high fiber content, but they can also cause gas. The fiber in prunes ferments in the intestines, producing gas. Limiting prune consumption can help reduce gassiness in newborns.
10. Artificial Sweeteners
Sorbitol
Sorbitol is an artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free products. It can cause gas because it is not fully absorbed in the intestines. This leads to fermentation and gas production. Mothers who consume products containing sorbitol may find that their babies become gassy.
Mannitol
Mannitol is another artificial sweetener that can cause gas. It has similar effects to sorbitol and can lead to gassiness in babies. Avoiding products with mannitol can help prevent gas-related issues.
Managing and Reducing Gas in Newborns
Dietary Adjustments
Making dietary adjustments is one of the most effective ways to manage and reduce gas in newborns. Breastfeeding mothers can keep a food diary to track what they eat and how it affects their baby’s gassiness. By identifying and eliminating gas-producing foods, mothers can help their babies feel more comfortable.
Feeding Techniques
Feeding techniques can also play a role in reducing gas. Ensuring the baby has a proper latch and is not swallowing too much air can help. Frequent burping during and after feeding can also reduce gas buildup.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
Over-the-counter remedies, such as simethicone drops, can help break up gas bubbles in the baby’s intestines. These can be used in consultation with a pediatrician to ensure they are safe for the baby.
Conclusion
Gas is a common issue in newborns, but understanding which foods contribute to it can help parents manage and reduce their baby’s discomfort. By identifying and eliminating gas-producing foods from the mother’s diet, adjusting feeding techniques, and using appropriate remedies, parents can help their newborns feel more comfortable and content.
