Colic is a common condition in infants, characterized by prolonged periods of crying, discomfort, and irritability. While the exact cause of colic is not fully understood, many breastfeeding mothers report that certain foods in their diet seem to exacerbate their baby’s symptoms. Understanding which foods might contribute to colic can help mothers make informed dietary choices, potentially alleviating some of the discomfort their babies experience. This article explores 18 foods that are commonly associated with colic in breastfed babies.
18 Foods That Cause Colic While Breastfeeding
1. Dairy Products
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are among the most common culprits. Many infants are sensitive to cow’s milk protein, which can pass through breast milk. Symptoms of dairy sensitivity include gas, bloating, and colic-like crying. If you suspect dairy is causing colic in your baby, try eliminating all forms of dairy from your diet for at least two weeks to see if symptoms improve.
2. Caffeine
Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, chocolate, and some soft drinks. It can be transferred to your baby through breast milk and might cause irritability, restlessness, and trouble sleeping, all of which can contribute to colic. It’s advisable to limit caffeine intake or opt for decaffeinated options while breastfeeding.
3. Spicy Foods
Spicy foods, such as those containing chili peppers, can alter the taste of breast milk, which might upset your baby’s stomach. Spicy foods can also cause gas and indigestion in some babies, leading to colic symptoms. Consider reducing the amount of spice in your diet if you notice your baby becoming more fussy after meals.
SEE ALSO: Can You Eat Spicy Food When Breastfeeding?
4. Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts are known to cause gas and bloating in adults, and these effects can be passed on to your baby through breast milk. These vegetables contain complex sugars that are difficult to digest, which can lead to increased gas production and colic symptoms in infants.
5. Legumes
Legumes, including beans, lentils, and peas, are high in fiber and can produce gas as they are broken down in the digestive system. This gas can cause discomfort for both the mother and baby. If your baby shows signs of colic after you consume legumes, consider reducing your intake or experimenting with smaller portions.
6. Garlic and Onions
Garlic and onions are flavorful additions to many dishes, but they can cause gas and bloating. These foods contain compounds that may alter the taste of breast milk, leading to fussiness in some babies. If you notice that your baby becomes more irritable after you eat garlic or onions, try eliminating them from your diet to see if there is an improvement.
7. Chocolate
Chocolate contains both caffeine and a compound called theobromine, which can have similar effects on babies as caffeine. In addition to causing irritability and restlessness, chocolate can also lead to gas and bloating in some infants, contributing to colic symptoms.
8. Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are high in acidity. While they are nutritious, the acidity can sometimes irritate a baby’s digestive system, leading to discomfort and colic-like symptoms. If you suspect citrus fruits are affecting your baby, try reducing your intake or switching to less acidic fruits like bananas or apples.
9. Tomatoes
Tomatoes and tomato-based products are also high in acidity, which can cause digestive upset in sensitive babies. If your baby experiences colic after you consume tomato sauces, soups, or fresh tomatoes, consider cutting back on these foods to see if there is an improvement.
10. Wheat and Gluten
Some babies are sensitive to gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains. If your baby has a gluten sensitivity or intolerance, they may experience colic symptoms such as gas, bloating, and irritability. If you suspect gluten might be the cause, try eliminating wheat and other gluten-containing foods from your diet and observe any changes in your baby’s behavior.
11. Soy
Soy is a common allergen and is found in many processed foods, as well as in soy milk and tofu. Like dairy, soy proteins can pass through breast milk and cause digestive upset in some infants, leading to colic symptoms. If your baby is showing signs of colic, consider avoiding soy products to see if there is an improvement.
12. Nuts
Nuts, particularly peanuts and tree nuts, can sometimes cause allergic reactions in babies, leading to colic-like symptoms. If there is a history of nut allergies in your family, it may be wise to avoid nuts while breastfeeding or consult with your healthcare provider about the best approach.
13. Eggs
Eggs are another common allergen that can cause digestive upset in sensitive babies. Symptoms of an egg sensitivity can include gas, bloating, and colic. If your baby seems to be more irritable after you consume eggs, try eliminating them from your diet for a few weeks to see if there is any improvement.
14. Shellfish
Shellfish is a potent allergen and can cause severe reactions in some individuals. While it is less common, some breastfed babies can react to shellfish proteins passed through breast milk. If your baby experiences colic symptoms after you eat shellfish, consider removing it from your diet.
15. Corn
Corn and corn products, including corn syrup and cornmeal, can sometimes cause digestive upset in babies, leading to colic symptoms. If you notice your baby becoming fussy after you consume corn, try avoiding it to see if there is any improvement.
16. Berries
Certain berries, particularly strawberries, can cause allergic reactions or digestive upset in some infants. The acidity and seeds in berries can also contribute to gas and bloating. If your baby shows signs of colic after you eat berries, consider reducing your intake or opting for less acidic fruits.
17. Alcohol
Alcohol can pass through breast milk and affect your baby’s developing nervous system. Even small amounts of alcohol can cause irritability, sleep disturbances, and colic-like symptoms in infants. It is recommended to avoid alcohol while breastfeeding or to wait several hours after consuming alcohol before breastfeeding.
18. Processed Foods
Processed foods often contain a variety of additives, preservatives, and artificial ingredients that can be difficult for a baby’s immature digestive system to handle. These foods can cause gas, bloating, and other digestive issues that contribute to colic symptoms. Eating a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods is beneficial for both you and your baby.
Conclusion
Colic can be a distressing experience for both infants and their parents. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent colic, being mindful of your diet and the potential impact of certain foods on your baby can make a significant difference. If you suspect that a particular food is causing colic in your baby, consider eliminating it from your diet and consult with a healthcare provider for further guidance. Remember that every baby is different, and what affects one may not affect another. Through careful observation and dietary adjustments, you can help reduce the likelihood of colic and provide a more comfortable breastfeeding experience for both you and your baby.
