The Baby GAPS Diet
Following Baby GAPS is one of the most instrumental ways you can help foster balanced gut microbiome for your baby.
Here's why it's beneficial:
Early Gut Development: Once baby starts showing interest in food other than breast milk or formula at around 4-6 months, starting Baby GAPS is a wonderful way to set your babies tastebuds towards nutrient dense foods. By focusing on nourishing, gut-healing foods and avoiding potential gut irritants, the diet contributes to a balanced and thriving microbiome right from the start.
Gut Healing: Baby GAPS prioritizes gut healing by addressing issues such as leaky gut syndrome early on, that may have been already jumpstarted by exposure to toxins including medications or vaccines This proactive approach helps in maintaining a robust gut lining, preventing harmful substances from entering the bloodstream, and fostering a diverse and balanced gut microbiome.
Immune System Support: A well-balanced gut microbiome, nurtured through Baby GAPS, contributes to the development of a strong and responsive immune system in infants. This support can reduce the risk of allergies, infections, and autoimmune conditions as the child grows.
Digestive Wellness: The diet's focus on easily digestible, nutrient-dense foods in Baby GAPS encourages optimal digestive health in infants. It minimizes the chances of digestive discomfort, gas, and bloating, ensuring a smooth transition to solid foods.
Check out this Baby GAPS weaning protocol straight out of the yellow book (p352).
*This is for you to get a general overview of how Baby GAPS works and is not a substitute for reading the book.
Baby GAPS begins when your baby starts showing interest in food other than breastmilk or formula around 4-6 months, and can last until your baby is at least 1 year old. The amount of time on Baby GAPS depends on the needs of the child and family. It can extend if a breastfeeding parent is also on Full GAPS, or if baby needs more healing after 1 year. This extended period provides ongoing support for gut healing and immune system strengthening.
Parents' health plays a pivotal role in shaping their baby's microbiome. If either parent has a history of digestive issues, allergies, mental health concerns, heart conditions, chronic pain, fertility challenges, skin conditions, or recent medication use, Baby GAPS is a helpful start for food introduction. With Baby GAPS, parents can address potential genetic and environmental factors that might affect their child's microbiome, thereby setting the stage for a healthier start in life.
By emphasizing gut healing, immune system support, and digestive wellness, Baby GAPS provides a strong foundation for a lifetime of better health and well-being.
