Most babies enjoy the flavor, color and texture of sweet potatoes, according to AskDrSears.com. Sweet potatoes are a smart choice for your baby, because they provide an abundance of nutrients, including beta carotene and vitamin B-6. Also, your infant might be more likely to eat them than other vegetables, because they are sweeter. However, the flip side is that sweet potatoes can cause diarrhea in some infants; talk to a health care provider if this happens.
Diarrhea in Infants
It can be difficult to discern when your baby has diarrhea because their stools are often loose, frequent and soft. However, you should start to recognize what is normal for your baby. When she experiences more frequent or watery stools, or she has more than one bowel movement per feeding, she might have diarrhea.
Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome
Sweet potatoes can cause food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome, or FPIES, in infants, an April 2003 article in the journal "Pediatrics" explains. This syndrome is a gastrointestinal hypersensitivity to certain foods, which can cause diarrhea and other symptoms. The article explains that this syndrome is more likely to be the cause of diarrhea from sweet potatoes if the infant already has FPIES associated with soy or cow's milk.
Allergic Reaction
Diarrhea is one symptom exhibited from an allergic reaction to a food, so your infant might be allergic to sweet potatoes. MedlinePlus recommends giving your infant one new food for a few days at a time so you can know the source of the allergy if one develops. Visit your doctor or an allergy specialist if you suspect your child is allergic to sweet potatoes.
Additional Causes
Although sweet potatoes are a potential cause, your baby's diarrhea might be caused by something else. Other dietary changes, your diet if you are breast-feeding, antibiotics and some health conditions like cystic fibrosis, are all potential causes of diarrhea in your baby. Keep your infant hydrated and talk to your doctor for more information.
FAQs
Also, your infant might be more likely to eat them than other vegetables, because they are sweeter. However, the flip side is that sweet potatoes can cause diarrhea in some infants; talk to a health care provider if this happens.
Are sweet potatoes good for baby diarrhea? ›
Sweet potato nutrition has strong anti-inflammatory properties and is packed with potassium, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin B6. Sweet potatoes are more nutritious than white potatoes, and they still provide insoluble fiber, helping firm up stool and reduce the symptoms of diarrhea.
What are the side effects of sweet potatoes for babies? ›
If baby is allergic to sweet potatoes, he will likely react shortly after consuming the food. Symptoms vary, but there could be facial swelling, a rash or itchiness, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. In severe cases, baby could even have trouble breathing.
Can babies be intolerant to sweet potatoes? ›
Sweet potatoes are considered low in risk for food allergies. However, any food has the potential to trigger an irritation or allergic reaction, so it is good to be mindful of what is happening when a baby tries sweet potato for the first time. Typically, signs of an allergic reaction happen soon after eating.
Is sweet potato hard for babies to digest? ›
Easy to digest first foods are ideal first foods because they have been mindfully introduced and do not provoke a reaction. Some examples of common easy to digest first foods may include avocado, sweet potato, apple, carrot, banana, and goat's milk*. Of course, every child is unique so easy to digest foods may differ.
What foods stop diarrhea fast in babies? ›
Diet for Children With Diarrhea
- Baked or broiled beef, pork, chicken, fish, or turkey.
- Cooked eggs.
- Bananas and other fresh fruits.
- Applesauce.
- Bread products made from refined, white flour.
- Pasta or white rice.
- Cereals such as cream of wheat, farina, oatmeal, and cornflakes.
- Pancakes and waffles made with white flour.
Things Your Child Should Avoid Eating or Drinking
Children should avoid certain kinds of foods when they have diarrhea, including fried foods, greasy foods, processed or fast foods, pastries, donuts, and sausage. Avoid giving children apple juice and full-strength fruit juices, as they can loosen their stools.
Can you give a baby too much sweet potato? ›
In short, children who eat sweet potatoes will be provided with nutrients as well as vitamins and minerals that are good for the body. However, children should not eat sweet potatoes often and often. Eating too much or too little of any food will be harmful to human health.
Does sweet potato cause hard stool in babies? ›
*Baby food low in fiber and high in starches, which may worsen constipation, include carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, bananas, applesauce, and rice cereal. You do not need to avoid these foods, but rather avoid pairing them at a meal. Instead, balance these foods with foods that are high in fiber and low in starch.
Can a 6 month old baby eat sweet potatoes? ›
With its natural sweetness and stellar nutritional profile, sweet potato is an ideal first food to introduce at 6 months and beyond. Offer mashed, pureed, or in safe finger foods allowing your little one to explore in on their own.
However, the flip side is that sweet potatoes can cause diarrhea in some infants; talk to a health care provider if this happens.
Can too much sweet potato cause diarrhea? ›
Consuming sweet potatoes in excess can result in sweet potato side effects such as Vitamin A toxicity, which is manifested in skin rashes and headaches. Due to high fibre content, excess intake of sweet potatoes can result in bloating, stomach pain and diarrhoea.
Why is my baby pooping a lot after eating sweet potatoes? ›
Sweet potatoes are delicious just about any way you prepare them, and they are also magic for a baby who needs to poop. They're high in insoluble fiber, which will help your baby go right away. Try making your own baby food by cooking and mashing a sweet potato or roast fries in the oven for fun finger food.
What are the disadvantages of sweet potatoes for babies? ›
However, sweet potatoes can be a trigger for FPIES—Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome, a relatively uncommon food allergy in children that can be severe and life-threatening.
What foods help babies poop? ›
If your baby becomes constipated, use whole wheat or barley cereal instead of rice cereal and avoid bananas and sweet potatoes, which are constipating. All the fruits which begin with “P” (prunes, plums, pears, peaches) will help soften your baby's stool, so give them often if your baby is having hard stools.
Do sweet potatoes make babies gassy? ›
Having said that, some babies may truly be allergic to sweet potatoes, so look out for signs of vomiting, rashes, and diarrhoea. The most common allergic reaction is bloating and stomach gas due to indigestion. Babies, sometimes, spit the feed out also.
Do sweet potatoes affect diarrhea? ›
Consuming sweet potatoes in excess can result in sweet potato side effects such as Vitamin A toxicity, which is manifested in skin rashes and headaches. Due to high fibre content, excess intake of sweet potatoes can result in bloating, stomach pain and diarrhoea.
Can I give potatoes to my baby during diarrhea? ›
For loose motion, boiled potatoes are considered good as they are easily digestible and provide adequate energy due to their high carbohydrate content. Avocados have great health benefits. Not only are they an excellent source of potassium, but they are also rich in healthy fats, vitamin K, and folate.
What kind of potatoes are good for diarrhea? ›
Baked potatoes: Potatoes without the skin are easy on the stomach and contain potassium, an electrolyte that's lost through diarrhea.2.
What foods stop diarrhea? ›
What foods help diarrhea go away? Eating bland foods can help diarrhea clear quicker and prevent stomach upset and irritation. This can include bananas, plain white rice, applesauce, toast, boiled potatoes, unseasoned crackers, and oatmeal.
