Gas is a normal part of digestion and every baby experiences it. However, if your baby's gas is excessive or causes him extreme discomfort, it may be time to reevaluate his diet and see if you can make any changes to bring him relief. Whether he is eating formula, breast milk or has moved on to solid foods, you can try to determine which foods are causing him to experience gas.
Formula
Some formulas may make your baby gassy, especially if she has a sensitivity to cow's milk protein. If she drinks formula made from soy protein, she may experience gas and discomfort if her body does not tolerate soy protein well. Try switching formulas to see if that helps, but talk to your baby's doctor first. The doctor can help you determine which type of formula your baby is most likely to tolerate while still receiving necessary nutrients.
Breastfeeding
If you are breastfeeding, you may notice that some foods you consume can make your baby experience gas. Foods that may make you gassy, like cabbage and spicy food, will not affect your milk. According to Babycenter, typically gassy foods are a reaction in your own body. Likely culprits of gas in your nursing baby are dairy, wheat, fish, eggs and nuts. Try eliminating these foods to see if your baby's symptoms improve. Reintroduce the foods gradually to help identify the culprit. Once you find which foods make your baby gassy, avoid them while you are breastfeeding.
Solid Foods
Once your baby is eating solid foods, some may be more likely to make him gassy than others. Foods rich in fiber, like whole grains and bran, may cause gas. He may also experience gas after eating asparagus, Brussels sprouts and beans, according to the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. If you notice that these foods make your baby gassy and uncomfortable, avoid giving them to him.
Recommendations
If you are unsure what is causing your baby's gas, try keeping a food diary. Record what your baby eats and when she experiences gas. You may be able to see a correlation between her diet and her symptoms. Also try talking to her doctor about possible causes and ways to relieve her discomfort.
