Why your baby may not settle at your photoshoot

There is that saying, you are what you eat. You’ve heard it, right? Well never is it more true than when you are breastfeeding. Especially in the first 6 weeks of your baby’s life outside the womb.

You may wonder what on earth qualifies me to talk about feeding your baby. Admittedly I don’t have children of my own, nor am I a qualified paediatrician. But, I have photographed hundreds of babies and undertaken many many hours of training from baby experts. And this is what I have learned.

Breast Vs Bottle

Before I go any further can I reassure you this isn’t a blog that suggests one way of feeding your baby is better than another. There are lots of valid arguments for either method of feeding your baby – it should be all about personal choice.

But if you are breastfeeding and you find that your baby is crying a lot or struggling to settle and you are tearing your hair out having tried everything. It could simply be a result of what you had to eat last night for your supper.

Citrus & Acidic Foods

Here’s the bad news. These foods might be what is unsettling your new bundle of joy.

Citric fruits like oranges, pineapples, and grapefruits along with strawberries and pretty much all berries can affect newborns under 6 weeks old.

 

As can tomatoes and tomato-based products. Think pasta sauces, ketchup, pizza toppings, and so on (sorry). Whilst I’m piling on the bad news peanuts, in fact, nuts in general are best avoided.

Probably easier to understand is that spicy food also can unsettle. So say bye bye to chilies, curries, Mexican food, etc 🙁

Gas Attack

One of the biggest reasons babies cry and fuss when they are brand new is because they are gassy.

Now we are always told to eat our veggies but the following vegetables can cause your baby to have gas if you eat them whilst breastfeeding.

Asparagus, onions, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and brussels sprouts.

Drinkies

It may also help to restrict certain cold drinks such as fizzy juice, wine, and beer. Oh and caffeinated tea and coffee.

Take As A Guide

Of course, you should seek the advice of your doctor and health visitor if your baby struggles to settle regularly. But if it is out of character for your little one, think about what you’ve had to eat in the last 48 hours. Any of the things I’ve listed above?

Preparing For Your Newborn Photoshoot

Likewise, if you are breastfeeding and want the best possible chances of a settled baby for their photos, consider avoiding the above food and drinks for 48 hours before the shoot. Having invested in a professional photographer it’s going to be worth it.

Let’s Finish On A High Note

From what I have read and been told chocolate rarely affects babies. Result! Break out the Dairy Milk and rejoice!