If you’re a new parent, you know that every little thing can cause concern when it comes to your baby’s health. One of the most common issues parents face is gas and bloating in their little ones.
As a breastfeeding mother, you may be considering switching to almond milk to cut out dairy from your diet, but you’re wondering if it could cause gas in your baby.
In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between almond milk and gas in babies and provide you with some helpful information to make an informed decision.
So, let’s dive in!
Does Almond Milk Cause Gas In Babies?
Yes, it is possible for almond milk to cause gas in babies. This is primarily due to the stabilizers that producers add to the milk to extend its shelf life. Among these stabilizers is carrageenan, which has gained a reputation for inflammation, bloating, and stomach ulcers. Other stabilizers include Gellan Gum and Lecithin, which can be problematic for those with intolerances.
Additionally, almonds are quite high in fiber, with 11 grams of fiber per 100-gram serving. Due to their high fiber content, almonds can easily lead to excessive gas production. Even if almonds only make up a small part of almond milk, this may still play a role in almond milk causing gas.
If your baby is showing signs of gas and bloating after consuming almond milk, it may be best to eliminate it from their diet and see if their symptoms improve.
The Benefits Of Almond Milk For Breastfeeding Mothers
Despite the potential for causing gas in babies, almond milk offers several benefits for breastfeeding mothers. One of the most significant benefits is that it enhances breast milk production. Almonds are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which may stimulate the hormones responsible for lactation. While scientific evidence is lacking, regular consumption of almond milk may have psychological effects that enhance breast milk production.
Another benefit of almond milk is that it boosts immunity. It contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that can improve the functioning of the immune system, helping to keep both mother and baby healthy. This can be especially important during the postpartum period when mothers are more susceptible to infections.
Almond milk also supports bone health. It contains calcium and phosphorus, which are essential for strong and healthy bone development in growing babies. Additionally, almond milk is rich in Vitamin A, which can improve eye health and protect against macular degeneration.
Finally, almond milk can improve skin health. It contains Vitamin E, which can give mothers a glowing complexion and lustrous hair without any additional effort. This can be especially beneficial for new mothers who may not have much time for grooming.
The Connection Between A Mother’s Diet And A Baby’s Gas
Breast milk is the gold standard for infant nutrition, providing babies with the necessary calories, fats, and nutrients for growth and development. However, some breastfeeding mothers may experience concerns over their baby’s fussiness and gas, wondering if their milk is causing these issues. While gas is a normal part of the gastrointestinal system, breastfed babies may experience gas due to eating too fast, swallowing too much air, or digesting certain foods.
Mothers may also worry about how their diet contributes to their baby’s gas and fussiness. While limited scientific research proves that certain foods in a breastfeeding mother’s diet cause intestinal issues in their babies, some babies may react to particular foods. However, this does not mean there is a special list of foods for mothers to avoid while breastfeeding. Most babies tolerate the food consumed by their mothers, but it’s important to keep a close eye on patterns. If you notice that each time you eat something your baby becomes fussy, try avoiding the food for a while and see what happens.
While most foods won’t cause GI issues in breastfed babies, any foods containing cow milk protein are the most commonly reported food substance to cause gas and fussiness in infants. Some babies may experience a temporary intolerance to dairy from mom’s diet, but most will begin to tolerate cow milk proteins once they get older and move out of infancy. If your baby has a true allergy to milk proteins, you might notice symptoms including dry/irritated skin, rashes, colic, persistent gas, fussiness and green stool with mucus or blood.
It’s important to note that breastmilk is made from what passes into mom’s blood, not what is in her stomach or digestive track. Therefore, drinking carbonated sodas or having gas in mom’s body cannot pass into breastmilk.
Almond Milk And Gas: What The Research Says
Research suggests that almond milk can cause gas in babies, primarily due to the stabilizers added by producers to extend its shelf life. Carrageenan, one of the most common stabilizers, has been linked to inflammation, bloating, and stomach ulcers. Other stabilizers like Gellan Gum and Lecithin can also be problematic for those with intolerances.
Additionally, almonds are high in fiber, which can lead to excessive gas production. While almonds may only make up a small part of almond milk, their high fiber content can still contribute to gas production.
If your baby is experiencing gas and bloating after consuming almond milk, it may be best to eliminate it from their diet and observe if their symptoms improve. It is always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your baby’s diet.
Other Potential Causes Of Gas In Babies
Aside from almond milk, there are many other potential causes of gas in babies. One common cause is the consumption of dairy products by the mother if the baby is breastfed. Dairy products can cause gas and other digestive problems in babies, so it may be necessary to eliminate them from the mother’s diet to see if this helps.
Other potentially allergenic foods such as eggs, wheat, peanuts, soy, fish, and tree nuts may also cause gas and other symptoms in breastfed babies. However, studies have come to conflicting conclusions on whether eliminating these foods from the mother’s diet will help with the baby’s gas.
In addition to dietary factors, there are other potential causes of gas in babies. Formula-fed babies may be more prone to gas due to swallowing excess air when feeding from a bottle. Bubbles formed when shaking the bottle can also contribute to gas. In some cases, babies may be intolerant or allergic to ingredients in the formula, which can cause severe digestive issues.
It’s important to note that every baby is unique and may have different triggers for gas and bloating. Keeping a diary of your baby’s symptoms and reactions to potential triggers can help narrow down what is causing their tummy troubles. It’s always best to consult with a pediatrician if you have concerns about your baby’s digestion or if their symptoms persist despite dietary changes.
Introducing Almond Milk To Your Baby’s Diet: Tips And Precautions
Introducing almond milk to your baby’s diet can be a tricky process, and it’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your baby’s health and safety. Here are some tips and precautions to keep in mind:
1. Wait until your baby is at least 12 months old: According to leading children’s health organizations in the United States, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies under the age of 12 months should stick exclusively to breast milk or infant formula, whereas children 1 year old and up should only drink cow’s milk. Almond milk should not be given to babies under 12 months old.
2. Check with your pediatrician first: If your child is at least 1 year old and has lactose intolerance or a milk allergy, or if your family doesn’t consume animal products, you can give them fortified, unsweetened soy milk or almond milk. However, it’s important to check with your pediatrician first and ask which brand would be best for your little one.
3. Choose a low-sugar or unsweetened option: When selecting almond milk for your baby, make sure to choose a low-sugar or unsweetened option. Many manufacturers add sweeteners to their almond milk products, which can be harmful to your baby’s health.
4. Ensure that the milk is fortified with calcium and vitamins A and D: Almond milk may lack essential nutrients, such as vitamin D, protein, and calcium. To ensure that your baby is getting the necessary nutrients, make sure that the almond milk you choose is fortified with calcium and vitamins A and D.
5. Limit the amount of almond milk your baby consumes: While almond milk can be a safe supplement to your baby’s diet, it should not be used to replace breast milk or formula. It’s important to limit the amount of almond milk your baby consumes to avoid filling up their tiny tummies and leading them to have less of an appetite for nutritious meals and snacks.
6. Watch for signs of gas and bloating: Almond milk can cause gas and bloating in babies due to its high fiber content and stabilizers. If you notice that your baby is experiencing gas and bloating after consuming almond milk, it may be best to eliminate it from their diet and see if their symptoms improve.
Conclusion: Is Almond Milk Safe For Your Baby?
In short, almond milk should not be offered as a beverage to babies under 12 months of age. The World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that babies be exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life, and if breastfeeding is not possible, infant formula should be used. After six months, complementary foods can be introduced while breastfeeding or formula feeding continues. Once a baby turns one year old, they can start drinking cow’s milk or a high-quality, plant-based milk alternative as a beverage. However, almond milk does not have enough of the nutrients needed to serve as an adequate replacement for whole cow’s milk. For vegan babies or babies with lactose intolerance, cow’s milk protein intolerance, or cow’s milk protein allergy, unsweetened and fortified soy and/or pea milk are better options.
It is important to note that small amounts of almond milk in recipes are fine for babies under 12 months old. However, if your baby is showing signs of gas and bloating after consuming almond milk, it may be best to eliminate it from their diet and see if their symptoms improve. As always, it is important to consult with your pediatrician before making any changes to your baby’s diet.
