Elimination Diet for Unsettled Babies Starting Solids: A Holistic Approach for Parents

Introducing solids to your baby is an exciting milestone, but for some parents, it can also bring challenges. If your baby seems unsettled, experiences digestive discomfort, or shows signs of food sensitivities, an elimination diet may help identify potential triggers. This blog will guide you through the basics of an elimination diet for unsettled babies while also exploring the benefits of a holistic approach to support your baby’s overall health and well-being.

What is an Elimination Diet?

An elimination diet involves removing specific foods from your baby’s diet that are common allergens or irritants, then gradually reintroducing them to observe any reactions. This process can help pinpoint foods that may be causing discomfort, such as:

• Cow’s milk protein

• Soy

• Eggs

• Wheat

• Nuts

• Fish

Signs Your Baby May Benefit from an Elimination Diet

Before starting an elimination diet, it’s essential to identify whether your baby’s symptoms may be linked to food sensitivities. Common signs include:

• Persistent crying or irritability after feeding

• Skin rashes or eczema

• Diarrhoea, constipation, or mucus in stools

• Vomiting or excessive spit-up

• Poor sleep patterns

Steps to Implement an Elimination Diet

1. Consult a Healthcare Professional: Always seek advice from a paediatric dietitian, naturopath, or qualified health practitioner before starting an elimination diet. They can guide you on safe practices and ensure your baby’s nutritional needs are met.
2. Remove Potential Triggers: Eliminate one food group at a time (e.g., dairy) for 2-4 weeks. During this period, monitor your baby’s symptoms closely.
3. Keep a Food Diary: Record everything your baby eats and any symptoms they experience. This will help identify patterns and potential triggers.
4. Reintroduce Foods Gradually: After the elimination phase, reintroduce the removed food slowly, one at a time, over 3-5 days. Observe any adverse reactions.
5. Monitor Nutritional Intake: Ensure your baby is receiving adequate nutrients during the elimination diet. For example, if dairy is removed, consider calcium-rich alternatives like fortified plant-based milks (if age-appropriate).

What to Include in a Baby’s Diet During an Elimination Diet:

When following an elimination diet, focus on simple, whole foods that are less likely to trigger sensitivities. These include:

• Fruits: Pears, apples, bananas, and blueberries.

• Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, zucchini, carrots, and green beans.

• Proteins: Lamb, turkey, or chicken (if tolerated).

• Grains: Rice, quinoa, millet, or gluten-free oats.

• Healthy Fats: Avocado, coconut oil, or olive oil.

• Dairy Alternatives: Coconut yoghurt or other fortified, non-dairy options (if dairy is eliminated).

How to Implement an Elimination Diet:

1. Start with a Few Basic Foods: Choose hypoallergenic foods like rice, turkey, and zucchini as a base.
2. Introduce One Food at a Time: Add a new food every 3-5 days, watching for any signs of intolerance (e.g., rashes, digestive upset, or behavioural changes).
3. Monitor and Record: Keep a food diary to track what your baby eats and any symptoms.
4. Reintroduce Foods Gradually: After eliminating potential triggers, reintroduce them one at a time to confirm any reactions.

Sample Meal Ideas for Baby's Elimination Diet

Breakfast
- Mashed pear with gluten-free oats and a drizzle of coconut oil.
- Quinoa porridge with pureed apple and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Steamed sweet potato cubes with a side of mashed banana.

Lunch
- Ground turkey with mashed zucchini and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Quinoa with steamed carrots and green beans.
- Rice with pureed pumpkin and a side of avocado slices.

Dinner
- Baked lamb with mashed sweet potato and steamed broccoli.
- Turkey and rice soup with finely chopped vegetables.
- Millet with pureed zucchini and a drizzle of coconut oil.

Snacks
- Zucchini sticks.
- Steamed apple slices with a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Rice cakes with mashed avocado.

Tips for Success
- Batch Cook: Prepare and freeze small portions of meals to save time.
- Stay Consistent: Stick to the elimination diet for at least 2-4 weeks to allow time for symptoms to improve.
- Be Patient: Babies may need multiple exposures to accept new foods, so keep offering them.

By focusing on simple, nutrient-dense foods and carefully monitoring your baby’s reactions, you can identify potential triggers and support their health. Always consult a paediatric dietitian or naturopath for personalised guidance when implementing an elimination diet.

A Holistic Approach to Supporting Your Baby

While an elimination diet can help identify food sensitivities, it’s important to take a holistic view of your baby’s health. This includes addressing the body-brain connection and overall well-being.

How Paediatric Dietitians Help Unsettled Babies

Elimination diets in babies can be very different from those for adults. Little people can't communicate how they are feeling except for crying (or screaming hysterically). That's why you want to see someone who is experienced with postgraduate training in paediatric dietetics, like our team at Body & Brain Centre.

How Paediatric Naturopaths Help Unsettled Babies

Naturopaths have a whole-body approach and will assess your baby's gut microbiome and other factors that may be influenced by preconception, pregnancy, birth and early life. Naturopaths will recommend dietary changes as well as healing herbs or supplements to support an unsettled baby.

How Chiropractic Can Help Unsettled Babies

Whilst Chiropractors don't treat food sensitivities, they do help sensitive nervous systems. Chiropractic care focuses on the nervous system, which plays a vital role in digestion, sleep, and overall comfort. Gentle chiropractic adjustments can help support your baby’s nervous system, potentially improving symptoms like colic, reflux, and unsettled behaviour.

A small amount of research has been done in the area. This suggests that chiropractic care may be beneficial for infants experiencing musculoskeletal imbalances that could contribute to discomfort. A study published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics (2012) found that chiropractic care for infants with colic resulted in reduced crying time and improved comfort. Another study in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice (2018) highlighted the potential benefits of chiropractic care in addressing musculoskeletal issues in infants.

Key Considerations for Parents

• Patience is Key: Identifying food triggers and addressing underlying issues can take time, so be patient and consistent.

• Avoid Over-Restricting: Removing too many foods at once can lead to nutritional deficiencies. Always work with a professional to ensure balance.

• Focus on Whole Foods: Offer a variety of fruits, vegetables, and proteins to support your baby’s growth and development.

• Seek Holistic Support: Consider consulting a paediatric dietitian, naturopath, and/or chiropractor to create a comprehensive plan tailored to your baby’s needs.

Final Summary

An elimination diet can be a valuable tool for identifying food sensitivities in unsettled babies starting solids. When combined with a holistic approach, including chiropractic care, you can address both the symptoms and underlying causes of your baby’s discomfort. Always consult a healthcare professional, such as an Accredited Practicing Dietitian, to ensure the process is safe and tailored to your baby’s needs.

If your baby is unsettled or showing signs of food sensitivities, book an appointment with a paediatric dietitian, naturopath, or chiropractor at the Body & Brain Centre. Our team of experts can guide you through an elimination diet and provide holistic care to support your baby’s health and well-being.