How to Control and Prevent Baby Yeast Infection

Baby yeast infection (baby thrush) is a type of yeast infection (candidiasis) that manifests mostly among two month old babies or even younger newborns, although it can infect older babies as well. Baby yeast infection is usually harmless, however its symptoms can cause an affected baby a great deal of discomfort.

Baby yeast infection is mostly asymptomatic. The very first and most easily identifiable sings of thrush in a baby are behavioral. A baby that suffers from thrush may become grumpy, frustrated and angry, especially when fed. In addition to that, an affected baby is very likely to spit out his or her pacifier. Clinical presentation of thrush in a baby usually includes the white or gray lacy curd-like patches on the oral mucosal surfaces and tongue.

Yeast species are normally present in everyone’s body in very small concentrations, while in an infected body yeast multiplicate itself rapidly. A baby, whose immune system is usually weak, can suffer from this condition due to certain triggering conditions/factors.  For instance, during pregnancy excessive yeast production is very common and affects up to 20% of women. These women can pass an infection to their baby during pregnancy or childbirth, through the birth canal.

A baby can also become infected with yeast as a result of the following conditions:

1. Taking antibiotics. Antibiotics contribute to candida overgrowth by weakening immune system function.

2. Using unclean pacifiers or bottles.

3. Breastfeeding by a yeast infected mother.

4. Warm or humid weather environment.  

At its early stages, baby yeast infection is usually harmless. However, its side effects, such as malnutrition and dehydration, can become a cause of great concern. On the very first stage of infection, the common side effects are mostly pain and difficulty to suck or swallow experienced by the baby. On the advanced stages, baby thrush can spread through the gastrointestinal system and cause diaper rash. Moreover, candidiasis  related complications could result in extremely high fever, demanding an immediate medical treatment.

An additional problem associated with candidiasis in babies is that breastfeeding can often infect both the mother and the infant which can cause a great deal of pain to the mother, and often leads to premature weaning.

If baby yeast infection causes pain and malnutrition, parents should contact a pediatrician for an appropriate treatment. However, in most cases baby yeast infection clears itself up on its own without the need for medical intervention.

Generally speaking, the best yeast infection treatment for a baby is preventing it in advance. Sterilizing the artificial nipple and pacifier prior to use is widely recommended by both physicians and paraprofessionals. Some lactation consultants recommend rinsing the nipples before nursing and keeping them rinsed and dry at all times, since yeast thrives in a moist environment. Either way, complementing the routine treatment with an alternative/holistic yeast infection treatment is strongly recommended in case of recurrence.

When it comes to babies, I recommend eliminating all candida-aggravating foods from your child's diet (e.g. the elimination of all refined carbohydrates and gluten grains. Non gluten grains such as amaranth and quinoa can be eaten in moderation.

You should also avoid or limit the consumption of red meat, all fruit (with the exception of cranberries, lemons and limes), all preserved and canned foods, moldy veggies like corn, yeasty foods like mushrooms and vinegar (Apple Cider Vinegar is an exception) all dairy products (especially from cow's milk while goat's milk and sheep's milk products can be eaten in sparing moderation), egg whites and caffeine.

I also recommend feeding your children with anti-Candida and cleansing foods, while supplementing their diet with immune strengthening vitamins and minerals including the daily intake or probiotics.