During pregnancy, expectant mothers always care for the life in their womb very carefully. If the baby feels slightly uncomfortable, mothers may blame themselves for not taking good care. However, it is inevitable that babies may feel unwell at times, so mothers should not feel excessively guilty. Faced with the situation of baby bloating, mothers may wonder: Which foods should they avoid at this time?
For mothers who breastfeed, if the baby is bloated, they may need to review their dietary habits. It is advisable to reduce the intake of legumes, cauliflower, and spicy foods, as these may cause gas in the baby’s stomach. Also, if there is too much sugar in the breast milk, it may lead to gas in the baby’s intestines due to over-fermentation.
Parents who use formula milk, when dealing with baby bloating, may consider switching to formula milk that does not contain lactose, legume components, or has low allergenicity, which may help alleviate the baby’s discomfort. However, it’s important to note that the effects of changing milk formula may take at least around two weeks to show.
Moreover, certain solid foods such as high-fiber grains, bean puree, and most fruit juices with high sugar content may also cause gas accumulation in the baby’s abdomen, leading to discomfort.
As for methods to help the baby pass gas, firstly, if the baby’s abdomen often makes “gurgling” sounds, and they pass gas and stool more vigorously, accompanied by frequent unexplained crying, this is known as colic. It is a common phenomenon in a baby’s growth process and typically improves gradually after one or two months as the digestive system matures. Secondly, maintaining a comfortable position for the baby or laying them on their stomach can facilitate gas and stool passing. Holding the baby upright and patting their back gently after feeding to burp is also an effective method to relieve discomfort.
In short, when the baby is bloated, mothers who breastfeed should pay attention to a light diet, avoiding excessive oily and sugary foods. If the baby’s bloating is severe, besides gentle massage on the baby’s abdomen, if the situation does not improve, it is advisable to consult a doctor to ensure the baby’s safety, as babies are still young and unable to express discomfort in words.
