Why Breastfed Baby Gas Smells Like Rotten Eggs? (2024)

Why Breastfed Baby Gas Smells Like Rotten Eggs? (1)

Gas in babies is normal and not cause for concern. You might worry that your kid has a health issue if there is a strong gas smell, but this is not always the case. There are various reasons why baby gas may smell like rotten eggs. Additionally, your food could be the cause of your breastfed baby’s gas smells like rotten eggs.

Read along to find out everything about it!

What causes baby gas to smell?

Why Breastfed Baby Gas Smells Like Rotten Eggs? (2)

Many factors can cause a baby to pass gas. Air swallowing, which can occur while eating, may be a part of it. It’s possible that a mother’s diet plays a role in a baby’s foul gas smell. The development of the digestive system includes baby gas.

Your kid is developing a tolerance to certain components in formula or breast milk as they grow. There may be unpleasant but natural aspects of the process, such as extremely offensive gas, rotten egg farts, smelly poop, and others.

Babies may fart odorously after taking some medications. Do you both breastfeed and take medication? Has the baby’s pediatrician prescribed the medications? When you next visit your pediatrician, you can ask them specific questions about medications.

In addition, since babies spend a lot of time on their backs, digestion takes longer. Then, before the infant finally poops, you can anticipate a stinky fart if your baby is constipated! Ingredients broken down during digestion are the cause of the baby gas smell. Therefore, even though they can be unpleasant at times, scents are common.

Baby gas smells like rotten eggs

Why Breastfed Baby Gas Smells Like Rotten Eggs? (3)

Your baby’s digestive tract could be to blame if you smell rotten eggs when they pass gas. It may occur because a digestive system struggles to break down the lactose in formula or breast milk. The cause may be the same if a breastfed baby’s poop smells like rotten eggs.

If a baby is fed a formula that contains lactose, the same rules apply to them. To decide which baby formula to attempt, you can learn about the various formula constituents. A stomach condition called gastroenteritis can also appear as a rotten-egg smelly fart.

But in addition to those symptoms, your baby will also experience diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Consult a physician about your next steps if you experience any of the listed symptoms.

Preventing baby gas that smells like rotten eggs

Why Breastfed Baby Gas Smells Like Rotten Eggs? (4)

Here are several easy cures to stop babies from passing gas that smells like rotten eggs.

Watch Your Diet

The solid food you consume gets to the baby through breast milk. Simply put, the same meal that gives you the smelly gas will give your infant the same symptoms. Make sure your diet is varied and rich in healthy vitamins and nutrients. Avoid eating complicated, spicy foods, and difficult-to-digest meals as well.

Modify the baby’s diet

Change your baby’s diet if you’ve discovered which foods make him or her fart nastily. To guarantee a balanced diet for your child, find the appropriate replacements for such ingredients. For instance, periodically substitute another baby superfood, like spinach, if your baby has a lot of gas after eating.

Avoid dairy products

In breastfed babies, a diet high in dairy products might result in unpleasant gas. If your child has an allergy to milk proteins, you can reduce or eliminate your use of milk products.

Try a different feeding position

Sometimes, excessive gas that smells like rotten eggs may be caused by an inconvenient breastfeeding posture. For feeding, you can experiment with various postures to alter the milk flow. Try lying on your back while keeping the infant on your belly.

The head needs to be higher than the bottle or breast. As a result, gravity will cause the milk to flow more slowly and stop the infant from overfeeding and inhaling air during feedings.

Keep in mind that holding the baby above the breast or bottle is the optimal feeding position to prevent gas. Decide which feels most comfortable for you. The baby can be placed on the stomach to help with the gastric passage and ease abdominal discomfort.

10 foods that may cause rotten egg gas in babies

To assist you in adjusting your diet and the food for your baby below is a brief section with a list of major causes of baby smelly farts. You don’t have to cut these foods out of your diet. Limit your intake of the following ingredients if you are breast.

  • Beans
  • Broccoli
  • Cauliflower
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Garlic
  • Onion
  • Dried fruits
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Asparagus
  • Eggs

Other baby bowel issues

Why Breastfed Baby Gas Smells Like Rotten Eggs? (5)

The majority of babies deal with gastrointestinal problems in addition to offensive gases. Some of the potential issues can be temporary and disappear as the infant’s colon and digestive system mature, while others would necessitate medical intervention.

Here are some of the most typical gastrointestinal problems that babies have. Let’s debunk the notion about how frequently babies poop first, though.

Baby doesn’t poop

Babies don’t need need to go potty every day, particularly in the first few months. If you only give your baby breast milk, you should anticipate the baby going for many days without pooping. It is typical because the infant needs the milk’s nutrients for growth.

Babies older than six weeks old occasionally go a week without pooping! It is not the same as constipation – so don’t worry. Additionally, babies who are fed formula have the propensity to poop more frequently than those who are breastfed.

Constipation

Constipated babies have enlarged bellies and exert greater effort to poop, yet nothing happens. Babies that are constipated are unhappy and in agony from their cramps. Some infants who have constipation have irregular bowel movements and particular stool patterns.

The poop may be too liquid, too hard, too mushy, or hard and little, like pebbles. Solids that hinder bowel movement are passed around in liquid stools. Sometimes the poop is clay-like or sometimes contains blood Baby’s belly is difficult to touch, and most constipated babies don’t seem to be hungry.

Baby with constipation has foul gas but no stool. As part of its normal developmental phase, the baby experiences gas and constipation as he or she gets used to eating, digesting food, and going to the bathroom.

If you experience the symptoms mentioned, you can try a belly massage, increase your intake of fiber, or drink gripe water. The babies’ poop might be made easier by giving them a modest bit of fruit juice produced from skinless apples and plums.

Newborn babies pass gas excessively

For both adults and babies, farting is natural. There isn’t a rule in a textbook that specifies the acceptable level of farting. The frequency of farting is individual and does not imply that your baby has any potential health issues because every baby develops at his or her own rate.

Some babies may fart a few times a day, while others may do so more than 20 times. Don’t worry if you wonder why your baby farts so frequently. Once your baby’s digestive tract matures, the excessive farting phase should end.

Final Thoughts:

The little angel farts. The fact that it’s not always rainbows and unicorns while parenting a child is brought home to us every day. You should be aware that infant gas issues may have a strong smell like rotten eggs.

The causes of the stinky smell of baby farts include food, dietary sensitivities, allergies, overfeeding, and an underdeveloped digestive system. Most of the time, you shouldn’t be alarmed if your baby has smelly baby farts. But if your baby has a fever, erratic stools, blood in the stools, or smelly baby farts, you should consult a doctor.

Faqs:

What does stomach gas smell like?

Your baby gas may smell bad because of the sulfurous compounds in fiber-rich foodstuffs. Sulfate is a naturally occurring chemical that smells like rotten eggs. Many vegetables contain sulfates. If this is causing you to belch, then changing your diet might help.

Why is my baby’s gas so stinky?

Gas produced from sulfur is often compared to the odor of a rotten egg. The gases your baby produces through burping are usually the result of breaking down compounds in either human milk or formula.

Can an infection cause smelly gas?

There are several common causes of foul-smell gas. Some of these include food intolerances, high fiber, certain medications and some types of antibiotic use, and constipation. More serious causes include bacterial infection in the digestive tract or possibly colon cancer.

Reference:

https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/features/infant-gas

Why Breastfed Baby Gas Smells Like Rotten Eggs? (2024)

FAQs

Why does my breastfed baby have smelly gas? ›

For breastfed babies, gas might be caused by eating too fast, swallowing too much air or digesting certain foods. Babies have immature GI systems and can frequently experience gas because of this. Pains from gas can make your baby fussy, but intestinal gas is not harmful.

What causes passing gas to smell like rotten eggs? ›

Your gas may smell like rotten eggs because of the sulfur in fiber-rich foods. Sulfur is a natural compound that smells like spoiled eggs. Many vegetables are sulfur-based. If this is causing your flatulence, simply modifying your diet could be enough to reduce it.

Why does my breastfed babies poop smell like rotten eggs? ›

It can happen because a digestive system has trouble breaking down the lactose from breast milk or formula. If a breastfed baby poop smells like rotten eggs, the reason might be the same. The same applies to formula-fed babies if the formula contains lactose.

How do I know if my baby has digestive problems? ›

The following symptoms may indicate the baby is having gastrointestinal problems: Vomiting: Spitting up and dribbling milk with burps or after feedings is fairly common in newborns. This is because the sphincter muscle between the stomach and the esophagus (the tube from the mouth to stomach) is weak and immature.

What foods make breastfed baby gassy? ›

Foods That Make Breastfed Babies Gassy
  • Fiber. Foods like bran, beans, and whole grains.
  • Fruit. Citrus fruits, prunes, plums, peaches, or apricots.
  • Vegetables. Broccoli, cabbage, and Brussel sprouts.
  • Garlic. Garlic-seasoned foods like pasta dishes or garlic bread.
  • Dairy. ...
  • Carbonated beverages.

What bacteria smells like rotten eggs? ›

Hydrogen Sulfide and Sulfur Bacteria in Well Water. Hydrogen sulfide gas (H2S) can give water a “rotten egg” taste or odor. This gas can occur in wells anywhere and be: Naturally occurring - a result of decay and chemical reactions with soil and rocks.

What does rotten fart smell mean? ›

Although high sulfur foods are an essential part of a healthy diet, eating a lot of them can lead to your farts smelling like rotten eggs. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, garlic, onions, legumes, cheddar cheese, dried fruits, nuts, beer and wine are often to blame.

Why does my breastmilk smell rotten? ›

Most of the time, lipase is undetectable in the mother's milk. However, once her expressed milk is left to stand out or is stored in the refrigerator or freezer, lipase brakes down the fats more quickly and can create an unpleasant or soapy odor. This smell (or the altered taste) can be objectionable to some babies.

Is it normal for baby's poop to smell like eggs? ›

The bottom line: If your child poops 10 times a day or once a week, has watery poop, seedy poop, play-do consistency poop, soft serve ice cream consistency poop, poop that smells like roses or poop that smell like rotten eggs, or poop that is green or yellow or brown—IT IS NORMAL.

What does normal breastfed baby poop smell like? ›

After they pass meconium, many parents claim their breastfed infant's poop still doesn't smell very foul. In fact, it may smell slightly sweet or have a smell resembling popcorn. Other parents have reported their infant's stool smells like hay or porridge.

How do I know if my breastmilk is upsetting my baby's stomach? ›

11 Signs Breast Milk Is Upsetting Your Baby's Tummy
  1. Your Baby Gets Fussy After Certain Foods.
  2. Your Baby Gets Gassy.
  3. Your Baby Seems Fussy.
  4. Your Baby May Have Colic.
  5. Your Baby Has Diarrhea or Loose Stool.
  6. Your Baby Seems Uninterested in Eating.
  7. Your Baby Make Faces After Meals.
  8. Your Baby Spits up Often.
2 Feb 2022

How do I know if my baby has a stomach infection? ›

The most common signs of gastroenteritis are vomiting and diarrhea. Many children also have a fever. When kids have diarrhea or vomiting, they lose lots of fluid in their poop or vomit. This can lead to dehydration (not having enough water in the body).

How can I test my baby's digestive system? ›

EGD (upper endoscopy) is a procedure that allows the doctor to look at the inside of the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum. A thin, flexible, lighted tube called an endoscope is guided into the mouth and throat, then into the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

What foods should breastfeeding moms avoid to prevent gas? ›

Gassy foods to avoid while breastfeeding to prevent discomfort and tummy aches
  • Leafy greens. In some cases, vegetables like kale, spinach, and darker lettuces might cause your baby to get gas. ...
  • Beans. ...
  • Peppers and spicy food. ...
  • Garlic. ...
  • Foods with milk or soy proteins. ...
  • Seafood. ...
  • Supplements. ...
  • Alcohol.
24 Nov 2022

How can I reduce gas in my breastfed baby? ›

What are the treatments for breastfed baby gas?
  1. Burp frequently. Adding a few extra burps to feeding times is typically an easy adjustment to make. ...
  2. Turn to tummy time. ...
  3. Perform baby massage. ...
  4. Bicycle their legs. ...
  5. Feed while baby's upright. ...
  6. Check your latch. ...
  7. Try to reduce baby's crying. ...
  8. Consider over-the-counter remedies.
27 Oct 2020

How do you get rid of rotten eggs in gas? ›

Taking medications with enzymes like galactosidase (lactase) and alpha-galactosidase (Beano) helps reduce gas and bloating. If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) taking tegaserod maleate (Zelnorm, Novartis) can also relieve foul-smelling gas.

How do you treat rotten egg smell? ›

Chlorine bleach can effectively remove medium to high levels (over 6 mg/l) of hydrogen sulfide. The chlorine in the bleach chemically reacts with (oxi- dizes) the hydrogen sulfide eliminating the "rotten egg" odor.

What does smells like rotten eggs mean? ›

If you come home one day and smell rotten eggs, it's most likely hydrogen sulfide — the smell of sewer gas. If the issue isn't one of the ones mentioned above, then it's likely a sewer gas leak. Our noses tend to adjust to this smell quickly, so even if it disappears, there still could be a sewage problem.

Which gas has a rotten gas smell? ›

The gas that has a rotten egg-like smell is hydrogen sulphide.

Is smelling a fart healthy? ›

Researchers from Exeter University in the United Kingdom have found evidence that smelling farts has been linked to warding off diseases such as heart attacks, strokes, and cancer. Most importantly, it is connected to controlling inflammation, which is ultimately the culprit of many dangerous illnesses.

Does rotten egg smell always mean gas leak? ›

Gas companies add a harmless chemical called mercaptan to give it its distinctive “rotten egg” smell. All natural gas and propane pipeline gas in Connecticut is odorized. If you smell gas near an appliance, it may be just a pilot light that has gone out or a burner valve that is open slightly.

How do I know if my breast milk is rotten? ›

Some people describe a “soapy” smell or taste in their milk after storage; others say it is a “metallic” or “fishy” or “rancid” odor. Some detect a “sour” or “spoiled” odor or taste. Accompanying these changes are concerns that the milk is no longer good for the baby.

How do I get rid of lipase in my breast milk? ›

If you plan to use stored milk, there are a few methods for eliminating the flavor and smell issue caused by high lipase activity.
  1. Track your timing. The flavor of high lipase milk can change as quickly as 24 hours or over a few days. ...
  2. Adjust the pump. ...
  3. Mix it with freshly pumped milk or other foods. ...
  4. Scald the milk.
29 Jun 2020

How do I know if my milk is high in lipase? ›

How can you tell if you have high lipase breast milk?
  1. Milk that has a soapy smell or taste.
  2. Milk that has a metallic smell or taste.
  3. Milk that has a fishy or sour smell or taste after it's been thawed, or after about 24 hours of being stored it in the refrigerator.
23 Jul 2021

How can I make my breast milk more fatty? ›

How Can You Make Your Breast Milk Fattier?
  1. Incorporate More Healthy Fats into Your Diet.
  2. Consider Eating More Protein.
  3. Drain Your Breast After a Nursing Session.
  4. Consider the Time of Day and Use a Journal.
  5. Using a Breast Pump for Extra Pumping.
  6. Consider Separating Your Breast Milk.
  7. Incorporate Breast Compressions.
16 Feb 2022

How long does it take to get to hindmilk? ›

How Long Should Baby Nurse to Get Hindmilk? After 10 to 15 minutes of the first milk, as the breast empties, the milk flow slows and gets richer, releasing the sweet, creamy hindmilk.

What are the seeds in breastfed baby poop? ›

A breastfed baby's normal poop will be loose and, at times, grainy or seedy. Those little “seeds” are undigested milk fat—totally normal.

Why is my baby's gas so stinky? ›

Your baby's fart sometimes may smell like metal, and this is due to the high iron content in their diet. However, strange or foul-smelling gas could indicate food sensitivity or an even more severe underlying medical issue. Babies fart as much as a fully grown adult most times which is about 15-20 times a day.

Is it normal for newborns to have smelly gas? ›

If you haven't experienced the world of infant gas, you're in for a wild (and sometimes smelly) ride! But it's important to know that having a gassy baby is normal, especially during the newborn stage, when the digestive system is still maturing.

Is my breast milk causing baby gas? ›

This is due, on the most part, to baby's immature digestive system and has nothing to do with what mom does or eats. Because so many people promote the idea that food in mom's diet causes gas, many a breastfeeding mom will immediately assume it is due to something she has eaten if her baby is gassy.

When should I worry about baby gas? ›

The good news is that most gas issues resolve themselves over time. However, if your baby's irritability is severe and chronic, you should suspect something other than gas as the culprit. And if your child is not growing well, the gas may be an indication of a significant digestive problem.

How do you relieve smelly gas? ›

Prevention
  1. eating smaller portions.
  2. avoiding trigger foods.
  3. avoiding naturally smelly foods.
  4. eating slowly.
  5. drinking more water.
  6. avoiding carbonated drinks.
  7. including yogurt and other foods with probiotics.

How long does gas problems last in newborns? ›

Babies usually experience gas troubles almost right away, even after only a few weeks of life. Most infants grow out of it by around four to six months of age—but sometimes, it can last longer. Most infant gas is simply caused by swallowing air while feeding.

What sleeping position is best for gassy baby? ›

Many parents wonder about the best sleeping position for a gassy baby. You may have heard that side sleeping (particularly on the left side) is better for releasing gas. However, safe-sleep guidance calls for babies to be placed to sleep on their backs until the baby's first birthday.

How long do newborns have gas problems? ›

Gas discomfort from burps and farts typically peaks at six weeks and improves immensely by 3 months of age. At that point, even the fussiest babies tend to settle.

What foods to avoid while breastfeeding? ›

5 Foods to Limit or Avoid While Breastfeeding
  • Fish high in mercury. ...
  • Some herbal supplements. ...
  • Alcohol. ...
  • Caffeine. ...
  • Highly processed foods.
24 Apr 2020

What things should you avoid while breastfeeding? ›

What foods and drinks should I limit or avoid while breastfeeding?
  • Alcohol. There's no level of alcohol in breast milk that's considered safe for a baby. ...
  • Caffeine. Avoid drinking more than 2 to 3 cups (16 to 24 ounces) of caffeinated drinks a day. ...
  • Fish. Seafood can be a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.

What fruit should I avoid while breastfeeding? ›

Thus, some fruits to avoid while breastfeeding are citrus fruits, cherries, and prunes. Although they may not cause direct harm to the mother, they can induce undesirable reactions in the baby.

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