New Moms Ask: Why Do My Farts Smell Like My Baby's?
Do Your Farts Smell Like Your Baby's? Here's What We Discovered About This Weird Phenomenon
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Hello, parent-whose-farts-now-smell-like-your-baby’s, welcome to a corner of the internet you never expected to find yourself on. If you’re anything like me, you ended up here from Googling why the fragrance of your flatulence has changed (and why the heck does it match your baby’s?!) — Welcome, welcome, you are not alone.
Many new parents, just like you, have taken to online forums and social media to discuss this unusual yet common experience. On platforms like Reddit and parenting sites such as The Bump, moms and dads alike have shared their surprise and curiosity about why their flatulence smells similar to their baby's.
One Reddit user noted, "My farts smell like my baby’s farts too. I’m glad to see I’m not the only one noticing this". Another chimed in, "Here I am googling the same question. Mine too! I’m no longer breastfeeding, so no idea why – but it’s so funny that this is not an unusual phenomenon!" Clearly, this isn't just happening to you — lots of folks are noticing the same strange phenomenon.
And it’s not even limited to just parents! I have seen all kinds of caretakers write that they have noticed this!
Amazingly, one Reddit user, Mary Halltltotbar, shared this nugget of amazement on the “Do your farts smell like your baby's?” thread, which actually sent me down the rabbit hole trying to figure out how on earth any of this could be possible:
“As I understand (I am told, I may be wrong) you pick up some of the gut bacteria from your infant. That affects your gut. and therefore the smell of your gas.
A male friend of mine said one time that he could go into the men's room at work and tell from the smell if someone else, in one of the stalls, had a young infant at home. The smell from their farts and also from their poop and a particular smell similar to what he smelled from his infant's diaper when the infant was being breastfed or only consuming milk of some kind.”
One forum post on The Bump titled "My couch smells like farts" is actually all about in-family farts! (It’s funny, go read it if you have a few minutes.) Moms laugh about it (and are grossed out of course) but also express genuine curiosity about the underlying reasons. Cheers to having an entertaining shared postpartum experience, I suppose?
It’s not just the forums either; health and parenting blogs are also buzzing with information (although friendly reminder that some of that information will always be wrong, so use whatever brain cells you have left after all that interrupted sleep to make good decisions when reading these kinds of blogs). Websites like Mother Inc. and MyloFamily provide insights into the possible causes of smelly gas in both babies and new mothers, suggesting that diet, gut bacteria, and hormonal changes play significant roles, as do issues with constipation and a damaged pelvic floor. Another helpful resource, Patient.info, discusses how postpartum gas can be influenced by diet and changes in the body after giving birth.
As far as I can tell, there hasn’t been ANY direct research on this particular topic. (Hello, medical community? Priorities?) So, we have to look at what is available and try to draw connections. There’s information available about flatulence in general, the gut microbiome, the influence of hormone changes on it, and other related topics, but nothing specifically examining why and how our fart smells have synchronized. I, for one, absolutely did not have baby farts before having a kid; I noticed the change in my smell almost right away.
These discussions are more than just funny anecdotes — they underscore our need for more information on this peculiar postpartum phenomenon. As we delve deeper, we’ll explore the scientific reasons behind why we might notice this similarity in our flatulence and our baby's, drawing on expert insights and research findings.
Please, if you do have any research to share, I’d love to read it! Email me or leave a comment and I’ll get back to you.
Next, we'll dive into understanding the basics of flatulence and the factors that influence its smell.
Understanding the Basics
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of flatulence. What actually causes the smell? At a basic level, farting is a normal part of digestion. Our bodies produce gas during the breakdown of food, and it has to come out somewhere. This is where your lovely farts enter the scene.
Most of the gas we produce is odorless — think nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen. But that distinctive smell comes from sulfur-containing compounds. Foods that are high in sulfur, like broccoli, cabbage, and eggs, can make your gas smell stronger and more unpleasant. It's like adding a particularly pungent spice to a recipe; a little goes a long way in the smell department.
Apart from sulfur compounds, other factors can also influence the smell of farts. For instance, certain foods and their byproducts, such as those from meat digestion, can contribute to the odor. Additionally, the presence of feces in the rectum when flatulence occurs can intensify the smell. Bacteria in the gut play a significant role as well. When bacteria digest undigested food, especially carbohydrates, they produce various gases. Some of these, like hydrogen sulfide, indoles, and skatoles, are particularly potent in creating smelly farts.
Now, here’s where it gets interesting for us moms. Our bodies undergo a ton of changes during and after pregnancy, including hormonal shifts that can affect digestion. Hormones like progesterone slow down your digestive tract, which can lead to more gas production. Fun, right? Another key hormone is estrogen, which also increases during pregnancy and can influence gut motility and microbiota composition. Plus, the foods we eat while breastfeeding can influence our baby’s digestion and gas production. Maybe this helps sync our fart smell profiles??
Imagine this: you and your baby are like artists sharing a palette of paints and having the same art instructor who teaches you similar painting techniques. The colors (food components) you use and the techniques (gut bacteria) you apply create a masterpiece (your farts) that ends up with a surprisingly similar feel (smell). We don’t have any studies to show this, but hopefully in the future we will!
As we delve deeper, we’ll explore how these hormonal changes, diet, and the gut microbiome contribute to our shared scent adventure. So, stay with me as we break down these concepts further, and remember, you're definitely not alone in this smelly situation.
Now, let’s dive into the fascinating world of the gut microbiome and how it changes during and after pregnancy. Full speed ahead!
The Gut Microbiome and Its Changes During and After Pregnancy
Now that we’ve covered the basics of what influences the smell of our farts, let’s dive into the fascinating world of the gut microbiome and how it changes during and after pregnancy.
Your gut microbiome is like a bustling city of microorganisms living in your intestines. These bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microbes play a crucial role in digestion, immune function, mood regulation, body weight, and hunger. When you're pregnant, this bustling city undergoes some significant transformations.
During pregnancy, hormonal changes, particularly the rise in estrogen and progesterone, impact the composition and activity of your gut microbiota. These hormones can influence gut motility — the movement of the digestive system that helps process and move food along the gut. The types of bacteria that thrive in your digestive tract are also affected. Research has shown that the gut microbiome becomes more diverse and adaptable during pregnancy to support both the mother and the growing baby.
Additionally, studies indicate that gut microbiota changes during pregnancy include an increase in certain bacteria like Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium, and Firmicutes, which are associated with enhanced energy storage. The increase in these bacteria helps accommodate the higher energy demands of pregnancy, supporting both the mother's and the fetus's needs.
After giving birth, the gut microbiome continues to evolve. The physical act of giving birth, whether vaginally or via C-section, introduces different bacteria to the baby. Vaginal births expose babies to beneficial bacteria from the mother’s birth canal, while C-sections expose them to bacteria from the skin and hospital environment. Additionally, it is common for mothers to poop during vaginal birth, which can further introduce beneficial gut bacteria to the baby, helping establish their microbiome early on.
When you breastfeed, you pass along not only nutrients but also beneficial bacteria and prebiotics that shape your baby’s gut microbiome. This shared bacterial environment can lead to similarities in the digestive processes and gas production between you and your baby. Essentially, you’re both working with a similar set of gut bacteria, which could result in similar-smelling farts.
Picture your gut microbiome as a constantly evolving garden. Pregnancy and childbirth are like major gardening events — planting new species, enriching the soil, and sometimes introducing unexpected elements. Breastfeeding is like watering the garden with a special nutrient mix that helps both the new and existing plants thrive in harmony. The result? A unique, shared scent profile in the farts produced by both you and your baby.
As we continue, we’ll explore more about the diet’s role and other fascinating aspects of this shared journey. Stay with me as we uncover more of these intriguing connections, and remember, every eyebrow-raising moment has a science-backed explanation.
Next, we’ll delve into the specific dietary factors that can influence both your and your baby’s gas production and how to manage them for a more pleasant-smelling experience.
Dietary Factors and Their Influence on Gas Production
Now that we've explored how hormonal changes and the gut microbiome contribute to the similarities in our farts, let's talk about the role of diet. What you eat plays a significant part in gas production, both for you and your baby.
Common Gas-Producing Foods
Certain foods are notorious for causing gas. These include high-fiber foods, such as beans, lentils, broccoli, cabbage, and whole grains. Fiber is excellent for digestion, but when it reaches the large intestine, bacteria ferment it, producing gas. Foods high in sulfur, like eggs, meat, and garlic, can also lead to more pungent gas.
When you consume these foods, your body breaks them down, and the byproducts include various gases. Your baby’s diet, especially if they are breastfed, mirrors your own in many ways. The nutrients and compounds in your food can affect your breast milk composition, thus influencing your baby's digestion and gas production.
The Role of Fermentation
Fermentation is a process where bacteria in the gut break down undigested food. This is a significant source of gas. Carbohydrates that aren't fully digested by the time they reach the large intestine are fermented by gut bacteria, producing gases like hydrogen, methane, and carbon dioxide. Some of these gases, such as hydrogen sulfide, are responsible for the characteristic odor of farts.
Shared Diet, Shared Scents
As a breastfeeding mother, what you eat directly impacts your baby's diet. If you consume a lot of gas-producing foods, your baby might experience similar digestive effects. This might lead to a similar scent profile in your gas and your baby’s gas. For example, if you enjoy a diet rich in beans and cruciferous vegetables, both you and your baby might produce more gas. But this alone doesn’t explain our changing fart-smell phenomenon, because it happens to people who aren’t breastfeeding, too!
Managing Gas Through Diet
While it's essential to maintain a healthy diet, there are ways to manage and reduce excessive gas. Here are some tips:
Introduce High-Fiber Foods Gradually: If you’re adding more fiber to your diet, do it slowly to give your digestive system time to adjust.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps fiber move through your digestive system more efficiently.
Consider Probiotics: Foods like yogurt and supplements can help maintain a healthy gut microbiome, potentially reducing gas production.
Monitor Your Baby’s Reaction: If you notice that certain foods increase your baby’s discomfort, try adjusting your diet accordingly.
Imagine your diet as the menu for a shared meal. Both you and your baby are dining on similar dishes, which means you’re likely to experience similar digestive results. By carefully choosing what goes on the menu, you can manage and reduce the less pleasant side effects. More on this topic later!
The Power of a Mother's Kiss
There is an incredible thing our bodies do: When a mother kisses her baby, she comes into contact with the germs on the baby’s skin. These germs are transferred to the mother, whose immune system then analyzes them and produces the necessary antibodies. These antibodies are incorporated into the mother’s breastmilk, providing tailored immune protection for the baby.
Even mothers who are not able to produce much breastmilk can still benefit from this process. The act of kissing and close contact allows for the exchange of germs, which helps the mother’s body create specific antibodies. This means that any breastmilk she does produce is more effectively tailored to her baby's current health needs.
I wonder how this process might also influence our guts, and the smell of our farts?
Environmental Microbes and Gut Microbiome
Environmental microbes can also play a role in shaping the gut microbiome of both the mother and baby. Exposure to various microbes in the environment, such as those found in soil, water, and air, can lead to a more (or less) diverse microbial community in the gut. This shared exposure can contribute to similarities in their gut microbiomes, and consequently, in the composition and smell of their gas. Additionally, giving birth and the weeks after often have a profound influence on how we go about our lives, leading to changes in our normal routine. Altogether, these changes might also add to why we might experience a change in smell.
As we continue, we’ll explore more about how to balance a nutritious diet while keeping gas production in check. Stay with me as we uncover more of these intriguing connections, and remember, every eyebrow-raising moment has a science-backed explanation.
Next, we’ll look into practical strategies and lifestyle changes that can help reduce gas production for both you and your baby, ensuring a more pleasant experience for everyone.
Practical Strategies to Reduce Gas Production
Let me preface this section by saying that normal gas production is …well, normal. You’re literally on a blog called “FartForever,” so it should be no surprise that I hope we all have very healthy guts and live on forever, like vampires, happily passing gas. That said, there is a point when it gets uncomfortable, and gut health is super important for our overall health, so I do think it’s important to fart in moderation.
So now that we've covered the dietary factors and their influence on gas production, let's dive into some practical strategies to help reduce gas for both you and your baby, in case you need this for your daily comfort and overall well-being.
1. Stay Hydrated
As I like to remind anyone who will listen whenever this topic comes up, the widely held belief that you need to drink eight cups of water a day is actually a myth. There have been exactly zero scientific studies that recommended this. This recommendation originated from a 1945 publication by the U.S. Food and Nutrition Board, but wasn’t backed by research and was immediately misinterpreted, and has then continued to be repeated. Amazing.
The likely origin of the oft-quoted advice may be a 1945 publication from the National Research Council’s Food and Nutrition Board that stated that an “ordinary standard” of water for adults is 1 mL for each calorie of food. So, a person who eats 2,000 calories per day would require 2,000 mL of water, or roughly 8 cups.
However, the subsequent sentence by the Food and Nutrition Board—“Most of this quantity is contained in prepared foods”—may have been ignored, and so this recommendation was likely misinterpreted as an instruction to drink 8 glasses of water each day.
-John Murphy, MDLinx
The original recommendation included water from all sources, such as food, which contributes significantly to our daily intake. For most people, drinking when they feel thirsty is usually sufficient. Here is my favorite video on this topic (and please let me turn you on to Dr. Glaucomflecken on Tiktok and YouTube if you aren’t already a fan. He’s hilarious.)
Proper hydration helps fiber move through your digestive system more efficiently, reducing the likelihood of gas and bloating. Aim for adequate hydration but remember that your body gets fluids from various sources, not just plain water.
"Regular bowel movements require hydration, and dehydration is one of the most common causes of constipation. While fiber is key to creating bulky stools, water is essential to soften them enough for easy elimination." — Dr. Erica Matluck, Naturopathic Doctor at St. Luke’s Pediatric Gastroenterology.
If you have trouble remembering to drink enough fluids and would benefit from carrying a thermos or tumbler with you, I recommend either one with a straw (like this Stanley Quencher H2.0) because using a straw means you end up drinking more, or else one that seals shut, keeps your cold drinks cold and hot drinks hot for a long time, and doesn’t leak if you chuck it into a bag. I like Muji for this (for example, this Muji Stainless Steel Water Bottle) because my partner and I both bought a Muji thermos about 10 years ago and it changed our lives. Still have them, too!
"Hydration is essential for digestive health and function. It plays an important role in gastrointestinal tract secretions, the digestion and absorption of nutrients, waste elimination, and gut microbiome support." — Dr. Sarah Robbins, Gastroenterologist at Johns Hopkins Children's Center.
2. Consider Probiotics
Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help maintain a healthy gut microbiome. They can be found in foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi, or taken as supplements. Probiotics can aid digestion and reduce gas production by balancing the gut flora.
I’ve used the Culturelle Kids Probiotic Packets before, and really liked that they were so easy to carry because I was traveling a lot and rushing around all the time. Just add to water and drink. And a more recent best-selling brand that has good reviews is this Physician’s Choice one.
Popular Probiotic Supplement (Physician's Choice - 60 Billion Probiotic): Physician's Choice - 60 Billion Probiotic
Easy-to-Use Probiotic (Culturelle Kids - Purely Probiotic Packets): Culturelle Kids - Purely Probiotic Packets
3. Monitor Your Baby’s Reaction
Pay close attention to how your baby reacts to different foods in your diet. If you notice that certain foods seem to cause more discomfort or gas for your baby, consider eliminating or reducing those foods temporarily. Keep a food diary to track any patterns and discuss them with your pediatrician if needed. Try MyFitnessPal if you want a digital option; it’s free!
Best Food Diary App (MyFitnessPal): MyFitnessPal
"If you think your baby is reacting to something in your diet, the most reliable way to test for sensitivity is to eliminate the suspected food and observe if symptoms improve. Consult with your pediatrician to rule out other potential causes." — Dr. Kathy Chen, Pediatric Gastroenterologist at Golisano Children's Hospital, University of Rochester Medical Center.
4. Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals
Eating smaller meals more frequently can help reduce the amount of air you swallow and prevent overloading your digestive system. This can lead to less gas production and a more comfortable digestive process. (Are you surprised by this one? I was, too! Who knew that there were enough people swallowing air while eating that this is an actual recommendation.)
5. Avoid Carbonated Drinks
Carbonated beverages, like soda and sparkling water, can introduce excess air into your digestive system, leading to increased gas. Opt for still water or other non-carbonated beverages to minimize this effect. And this goes without saying, but we don’t give babies carbonated drinks, ok?
6. Practice Proper Feeding Techniques
For breastfeeding mothers, ensuring your baby latches on correctly can help reduce the amount of air they swallow during feedings. If you're bottle-feeding, consider using bottles designed to reduce air intake. Burping your baby frequently during and after feedings can also help release trapped air and reduce gas discomfort.
I used (and loved, and recently gifted to a new mom) Dr. Brown’s glass baby bottles. They don’t shed microplastics when heated (because they’re glass) and I never had any cracks from plopping them into a pot to boil. I even dropped them a few times and they usually held up. And no, they weren’t too heavy, it just might feel like a bit of an adjustment if you’re used to plastic.
I also liked the nipples and the system inside (yes, it’s plastic, but less plastic than if the whole bottle were plastic too!) that keeps air bubbles away from the nipple, so my kid took in less air when feeding. My baby had terrible colic—which was actually caused by an intolerance, which I’ll talk about later on—and really suffered because his guts hurt, so anything I could do to help reduce intestinal pain was a big plus. In trying to figure out what worked best, I actually bought and used several different bottle brands, and ended up liking these glass ones the best.
Anti-Colic Baby Bottles (Dr. Brown’s Anti-Colic Glass Baby Bottles): Dr. Brown’s Anti-Colic Glass Baby Bottles
7. Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity can help stimulate digestion and reduce gas buildup. Gentle exercises like walking, yoga, and stretching can be particularly beneficial. For babies, tummy time and gentle massages can help move gas through their system more effectively.
Now personally, my body worked hard to get my joints SUPER LOOSE, which I was grateful for when actually pushing the baby out… but afterward? Yuck. My hips took more than a year and a half to really start feeling stable again. So if you’re dealing with that, consider a hip or waist band to help stabilize everything. And check out workouts specifically made for post-partum parents on YouTube, there are several good free ones. Also, unless you were a super-mom who exercised through your pregnancy, you might want to take it super slow. Or just be realistic and just try to get in a few walks with the baby in a stroller when you can, because I remember how exhausting it was. Exercise was the last thing on the list.
Hip/Waist Band for Postpartum Support (Vriksasana Posture - Sacroiliac Hip Belt): Vriksasana Posture - Sacroiliac Hip Belt
As for tummy time? My kid kind of hated it. But we got this great mat, and the 1st setting on the keyboard actually sings different children’s songs! Very catchy. WITH A STOMP STOMP STOMP! We used it for a solid year, and it held up well enough that we will gift it on to another parent. :)
Tummy-Time Mat for Baby (Fisher-Price Baby Playmat for Newborn to Toddler): Fisher-Price Baby Playmat
8. Use Over-the-Counter Remedies
If dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes aren't enough, over-the-counter remedies like simethicone drops for babies or activated charcoal tablets for adults can help reduce gas. Always consult with a healthcare provider (and not me) before starting any new medication or supplement.
Simethicone Drops for Babies (Mylicon Gas Relief Drops for Infants): Mylicon Gas Relief Drops
Activated Charcoal Tablets (Nature’s Bounty Activated Charcoal): Nature’s Bounty Activated Charcoal
9. Aim for a Balanced Diet
Ultimately, we are supposed to maintain a healthy, balanced diet. I don’t really understand what this means, and it feels like the guidelines change, and every nutritionist has different information, so I personally have decided to aim for 30 different plants a week. And to try to increase my protein intake. And to eat more whole plants and less processed plants (like less zucchini noodles, and more straight-up zucchini, for example). If you know the secrets to a balanced diet, please teach me, oh nutrition wizards.
Imagine your digestive system as a finely tuned machine. By taking small, consistent steps to adjust your diet and habits, you can keep everything running smoothly and reduce the likelihood of gas-related discomfort.
10. Address Potential Milk or Formula Intolerance
If your baby seems colicky and cries excessively, it might be worth investigating whether they have a milk intolerance or allergy. This can often be missed by both doctors and parents, especially new parents who may not know what a normal amount of crying is for a baby. Approximately 2-3% of babies have a milk allergy, and milk protein intolerance can also affect infants.
"If you think your baby may have a milk protein allergy, it's important to seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid severe illness later on." — Dr. David Goldman, Pediatric Gastroenterologist at Cleveland Clinic.
Symptoms of milk allergies in babies can include frequent spitting up, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and colic-like symptoms. If you suspect a milk allergy, consult with your pediatrician who may recommend eliminating dairy from your diet if you’re breastfeeding or switching to a hypoallergenic formula. If they seem hesitant, you can be a little insistent and say that you’d feel a lot better and it’s for your peace of mind, and since you’re paying, you hope they’ll indulge a few tests. Persuasion is such a useful skill here! If they still refuse, ask them to document in the baby’s chart that they refused to run the tests you requested, and then go find a new pediatrician because yikes. But that’s a last resort! Pediatricians are used to working with parents and kids can’t advocate for their own health care. I’m sure you’ll be fine. :)
Thanks for reading! Don't miss out on part two where we dive into the science of how different foods and drinks interact with your gut bacteria. Subscribe to my blog to stay updated, so you know when new posts are live. Stay hydrated until next time, my fart-sniffing friends!
