Foods To Avoid When Your Baby Has Colic

Colic is uncontrollable crying that usually lasts for more than three hours in a row several days a week. If your baby has colic, he may be inconsolable around the same time every day. Colic peaks around 6 weeks of age and typically improves on its own between 3 and 4 months of age. According to Babycenter, it affects about 20 percent of babies. The exact cause of colic is unknown, although it may be triggered by painful gas or overstimulation. Colic affects babies who are breast-fed and formula fed, but making some changes to your diet and your baby's may help soothe him.

Breast-feeding

Your baby is exposed to the foods you eat through your breast milk, so eating certain foods may irritate her digestive system and trigger colic. Dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, may cause a problem. Try avoiding spicy foods, wheat products, caffeine, nuts, strawberries, garlic, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and onions.

Reintroducing Foods

To help determine the foods that trigger your baby's colic, eliminate potential food triggers from your breast-feeding diet. Reintroduce each food one at a time and wait a few days. If your baby suddenly starts becoming colicky again, you will know which food is the culprit.

Formula

According to Medline Plus, switching formula types is not helpful for most babies with colic, but can be important for some. Your baby may have trouble digesting the cow's milk protein in most formulas, causing him to cry out of discomfort. Talk to your baby's doctor about protein hydrolysate formula, and always check with the pediatrician before suddenly switching your baby to a new formula.

Recommendations

In addition to eliminating foods that can aggravate colic, try soothing your baby in other ways. Try rocking her gently or singing her lullabies. You can also place a warm towel on her abdomen to ease discomfort, or try soothing her with a pacifier.

Warnings

If you are unsure what is causing your baby's colic, take him to the doctor to rule out urinary infections or intestinal problems. Kids Health states that you should also call your baby's doctor if he is crying and isn't feeding well, has diarrhea, is vomiting, is losing weight or has a fever.