baby's farts stink like rotten eggs

Newborn Farts Smell Like Rotten Eggs – 10 Ways to Help Gas

ByJoyce Dawson Updated on
Home » Newborn Farts Smell Like Rotten Eggs – 10 Ways to Help Gas

Caring for babies demands a strong stomach as you navigate through sticky and odorous challenges such as vomit and diaper changes. In this enlightening exploration of the less glamorous aspects of infant care, we dive deep into the world of baby farts.

Flatulence, passing gas, or simply, farting, is a completely natural human occurrence. Whether discreetly at home or amidst a public gathering, we’ve all experienced the release of a tiny toot. Babies, it turns out, are no exception to this universal phenomenon.

In fact, brace yourself for the revelation that your little one is likely to emit gas anywhere from 13 to 21 times a day! Yes, infants are indeed gassy beings by nature. Typically, these gas emissions aren’t known for their unpleasant odor.

But what if they are? What do you do when your baby’s farts take on a scent reminiscent of a Tex-Mex feast? And most crucially, is this something you should be concerned about? Join us as we delve into this aromatic dilemma and discover ten effective remedies to help both you and your baby breathe easier.

 

Why Do Babies Fart? 

Flatulence is when gas inside your baby’s digestive system leaves through their bottom. It’s the same thing that happens to older children, adults, and seniors.

 

Babies pass gas for many reasons, some simple and some not. The most basic answer is that your baby’s digestive system is developing. Your infant’s guts lack good bacteria that can aid in digestion, so you might expect some gas here and there.

 

Babies also get gassy while you feed them. When gas is stuck inside your baby’s belly, and you didn’t give them a round of burping, it goes out the other end. Similarly, your child might be swallowing too much air from crying.

 

Farting can feel weird for your baby. They might even look uncomfortable while passing wind. But if their discomfort is short-lived and they go back to being happy, then all is well.

 

However, if their discomfort doesn’t go away, something is wrong.

 

Farting can be a symptom of food intolerance (including lactose intolerance), infection, celiac disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. Constipation and diarrhea might also be culprits.

 

But how will you know which is which? There are many symptoms that can help you assess if this is a medical or a plain ol’ bathroom situation. But one thing you should consider is the smell.

 

What Makes Baby Farts Stink?

We all know how bad our farts smell after eating food with a pungent smell. Well, the same logic applies to babies. What they eat is what their farts will smell like (most of the time).

 

Usually, baby farts are odorless. Unscented farts happen when your baby swallows too much air. You will still hear them fart, but it won’t come with any stench.

 

But sometimes, they can produce a sulfur-like smell. Expect some stink if your baby is eating beans and veggies. Red meat can also be blamed for those smelly farts.

 

But what about stinky gas that doesn’t have a sulfur scent? If you’re smelling something foul, then it might be a sign of an infection or intolerance. You might want to reduce the dairy down a notch.

 

The only way to find out if your baby has ‘normal’ gas is by smelling it. When it comes to stinky farts, though, you might also see other signs and symptoms as well.

 

When is Farting No Longer Normal? 

Conditions in the digestive system come with a host of other symptoms. You’ll notice blood in your kid’s stool, fever, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhea, and vomiting. More than likely, you will also hear them crying a lot.

 

The thing to do is to bring your kid to their doctor. You’ll also want to find the root cause of their illness. Food is usually the main culprit to any problems in the digestive tract. Your child might have eaten something they can’t tolerate, or they ate something that has already expired.

 

How to Help Your Baby and Their Gassy Problems

Healthy infants don’t need treatment just because they keep farting. But it is a good idea to help them out when they feel uncomfortable. You can:

 

Burp Your Baby During and After Feeding

Burping gets the gas out of your baby’s mouth before it comes out where the sun doesn’t shine. Make sure to burp your baby during and after feeding. Just get ready for some spitting up. You should also make sure your baby isn’t eating or drinking too fast. That can also cause air build-up.

Avoid Food that Causes Flatulence

Milk, beans, certain vegetables, soda, artificial sweeteners, and gum can also cause farting. You will want to limit these products if your baby is too gassy.

 

Get Rid of the Bubbles from Junior’s Bottle

Sometimes, your formula will have bubbles. And what are bubbles full of? Gas! So pop those bubbles before your baby has a chance to swallow them.

 

Give Your Baby a Massage

You can gently massage the farts out of your baby. A massage can also help ease any stress that your baby is feeling. Soft circular motions on your baby’s belly will do the trick.

 

Exercise Your Infant

Finally, you can exercise your infant to get those trapped gas out of their body. Moving your baby’s body allows their digestive system to-well-digest better and release more wind.

Ways to Help Babies Alleviate Gas Discomfort

When it comes to caring for your little one, managing gas discomfort and those smelly farts can be a common concern, especially as your baby’s diet evolves from breast milk to solid foods. A baby’s immature digestive system can sometimes lead to excessive gas, but there are steps you can take to help alleviate their discomfort and reduce the foul odor associated with their gas.

1. Balanced Diet for Breastfeeding Mothers: If you’re breastfeeding, be mindful of your diet as certain foods can lead to gas in breastfed babies. Keep a food diary to identify potential triggers like cruciferous vegetables, high-fiber foods, and dairy products. Adjusting your diet may help alleviate your baby’s gas symptoms.

2. Consider Food Sensitivities: In some cases, babies may have food sensitivities or lactose intolerance, which can contribute to stinky farts. Consult with your baby’s pediatrician to explore potential dietary triggers and discuss possible solutions.

3. Proper Burping Techniques: Efficient burping is crucial to release air bubbles trapped in your baby’s digestive tract. Experiment with different feeding positions and burp your baby frequently during and after feeds to minimize gas buildup.

4. Slow-Flow Bottle Nipples: For formula-fed babies, opt for slow-flow bottle nipples to reduce the amount of air your baby swallows while feeding, thereby preventing excess gas.

5. Tummy Time and Gentle Massages: Encourage tummy time when your baby is awake and incorporate gentle belly massages in a clockwise motion. These activities can help stimulate digestion and relieve gas discomfort.

6. Probiotics and Gut Health: Discuss the use of infant-friendly probiotics with your healthcare provider. Probiotics can aid in establishing a healthier gut flora in your baby’s digestive system, potentially reducing gas-related issues.

7. Monitor for Underlying Causes: Keep an eye out for unusual symptoms like abdominal pain, changes in bowel movements, or other signs that may indicate underlying medical conditions such as infant gastroenteritis, celiac disease, or irritable bowel syndrome. If you observe any concerning symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.

8. Different Feeding Positions: Experiment with various feeding positions to find the one that works best for your baby and minimizes the ingestion of excessive air during feeds. Avoid awkward feeding positions that can lead to gas discomfort.

9. Gas-Reducing Baby Formula: If you’re using baby formula, consider using specially designed formulas that are formulated to reduce gas and fussiness in infants.

10. Air Bubbles and Bottle Preparation: Ensure that baby bottles are prepared in a way that minimizes the presence of air bubbles, which can lead to gas. Shake formula bottles gently and allow any bubbles to settle before feeding.

Remember that while smelly gas is a common issue among babies, it is usually a part of their developing digestive system. Most of the time, these issues resolve on their own as your baby’s digestive system matures. However, if gas discomfort persists or is accompanied by concerning symptoms, consult your healthcare provider for guidance and appropriate interventions to support your baby’s health and well-being.

Why do babies emit odorous farts in the absence of bowel movements?

Babies can produce smelly farts even when they haven’t had a bowel movement due to various factors. One significant contributor is their developing digestive system, which may not efficiently process certain foods, leading to the production of gases with distinctive odors. Additionally, the ingestion of air during feeding, coupled with the presence of food sensitivities or intolerances, can result in foul-smelling gas. As their gut microbiome evolves and matures, so does the composition of bacteria in their intestines, further influencing the odor of their farts. Understanding these factors can help parents better navigate the often perplexing world of baby digestion.

Types Of Foods That Can Cause Babies To Have Smelly Farts

Cruciferous Vegetables

Foods like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage are known to produce gas when digested, which can result in smelly farts in both adults and babies.

Beans and Legumes

Beans, lentils, and peas are high in fiber and complex carbohydrates, which can lead to increased gas production and odorous farts when consumed by babies.

Dairy Products

Dairy items such as milk, cheese, and yogurt can cause gas and smelly farts in babies who have lactose intolerance or a sensitivity to the proteins found in dairy.

High-Fiber Foods

Foods rich in fiber, like whole grains and certain fruits, can contribute to gas production and potentially result in foul-smelling gas in babies as their digestive systems adjust to these foods.

Spicy or Strongly Flavored Foods

Spices and strong flavors in foods, while not directly causing smelly farts, can influence the odor of gas when they’re ingested and metabolized by a baby’s digestive system.

 

Conclusion

Babies fart, and they fart a lot. It’s a part of their growth to release a lot of gas from their body. But sometimes, they can get very stinky.

 

But don’t just cover your nose when your baby releases some wind. The smell of their flatulence can be an indicator of an illness. Foul-smelling farts are a sign of sickness in your baby’s guts.

 

But sometimes, stinky and sour farts are just the byproduct of the food you and your baby have been eating. Beans, veggies, and red meat can make your baby’s fart smell awful! But it’s something you shouldn’t be alarmed about.

 

Babies regularly fart every day, but some babies do it more often than others. Sensitive babies need extra care to get those farts out. Burping, massaging, and exercising are some nifty tricks you can do.

 

Babies are a bundle of joy and gross bodily function. But that’s part of raising kids. And don’t worry, they will someday learn how to say ‘excuse me.’