How to Help Babies and Toddlers with Gas & Gassy Foods to Avoid

All people pass gas! In fact, it is normal to pass gas anywhere from six to twenty times a day. Additional gassiness is typically not related to a serious health problem and will often resolve without any intervention. When gas becomes painful or bothersome for your little one, it is important to get in touch with your pediatrician.

Gas when Starting Solids 

As your little one gets older and you start to introduce solid foods, you may find that certain foods increase gassiness. It is important to differentiate between gas that is painful and gas that is not. If your little one is passing gas frequently but seems happy and playful and without abdominal pain then there is no reason to intervene or make changes.

Foods that break down more slowly, such as beans, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, kale, etc..), and other high fiber containing foods can cause additional gas. These foods are rich in nutrients and fiber and an important part of your little one’s diet. It may take some time for your little one’s digestive system to adjust to these foods and that is okay. If your baby is in pain, vomiting, irritable or has blood in the stool you should always call your pediatrician.

Making sure your little one is well hydrated as you introduce solid foods and particularly high fiber foods, can minimize gassiness and prevent constipation.

Gas in the Older Infant and Toddler Diet 

Common culprits for increasing gas in older children are:

• Fried and fatty foods.
• Beans.
• Vegetables such as artichokes, asparagus, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumbers, green peppers, onions, peas, radishes, and raw potatoes.
• Fruits such as apricots, bananas, melons, peaches, pears, prunes, and raw apples.
• Wheat and wheat bran.

Keeping a food and symptom log can help determine if specific foods are increasing your child’s symptoms. Symptoms of gas can include, passing gas, bloating, mild abdominal discomfort, and belching. If you are finding certain foods are causing your child to have these symptoms or feel uncomfortable, it is best to discuss this with their pediatrician.

Drinking lots of water and getting regular exercise and movement can help decrease symptoms of gas and bloating. Avoiding carbonated beverages and drinks containing sorbitol or xylitol is another helpful way to prevent gas build up.  As always, if you have any concerns and before making dietary changes it is best to talk to your pediatrician.

Sources

American Gastroenterological Association http://www.gastro.org/wmspage.cfm?parm1=689

The American College of Gastroenterology http://www.acg.gi.org/patients/gihealth/belching.asp

American Academy of Pediatrics: “Abdominal Pain.”

American Academy of Family Physicians: “Feeding Problems in Infants and Children.”