Tomatoes are a healthy food that is packed with nutrients. However, some parents wonder if tomatoes can cause diaper rash.
In this blog post, we will explore the possible connection between tomatoes in the diet of your baby and diaper rash. We will also provide tips on how to prevent tomato-related diaper rash.
Are tomatoes healthy for babies?
Yes. Tomatoes are high in vitamin C, making them healthy to add to your baby’s diet. It is an excellent partner for foods high in plant-based iron, such as beans, lentils, and peas. (Vitamin C improves iron absorption from plant diets.)
Tomatoes are also high in carotenoids, a type of phytonutrient that gives plants their color and provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects to human bodies.
Phytonutrients differ per tomato type, and each has unique benefits ranging from improving eyesight, immunity, and heart health to protecting skin from the sun.
If possible, buy organic tomatoes while shopping for them, as tomato plants are generally sprayed with pesticides. Pesticide residues at high levels may affect the endocrine system, contribute to obesity, and have a negative impact on neurodevelopment. For these reasons, always thoroughly wash tomatoes before serving.
Note that even if a tomato is sweet, it is still acidic. Another good example of this is strawberries.
When are children allowed to eat solid foods such as tomatoes?
Tomatoes can be offered as soon as your baby is ready to begin solids, which is usually about 6 months. Tomatoes and other acidic foods can induce a mild rash on the skin that comes into touch with the fluids, and they can even lead to diaper rash in some cases. Tomato is usually not included in baby-led weaning.
Why can’t babies have tomatoes?
Tomatoes are typically not recommended to be introduced to an infant until somewhere between 10 and 12 months of age. The reason for this is not due to possible allergies but rather, the acidity of tomatoes may prove harsh for an immature tummy. Many parents offer children tomatoes as early as 8 months old but many like to hold back until their digestive systems are a little bit more mature.
Can tomatoes cause bad diaper rashes?
Tomatoes and tomato-based products are very acidic ingredients that might aggravate diaper rash symptoms and if left can cause bleeding with the diaper rash. Your baby should also avoid tomato-based food that includes foods with spaghetti sauce, tomato soup, ketchup, and anything else with a tomato base.
These foods tend to give babies a diaper rash and should be completely avoided in a baby’s diet especially if the baby is suffering from perpetual diaper rash. The acid in these foods affects the composition of a baby’s stool, causing his bottom to crack when he eliminates.
New foods are always exciting but parents should be extremely cautious when introducing them to their infants. When you introduce solid foods to your baby, which happens at 6-8 months when she is ready to start eating solid foods, serve them in small amounts. This way you will know if the food triggers diaper rash and if it does you can stop giving it to your baby.
Most toddlers love fruit and that is great because fruits are generally nutritious and full of vitamins. However, toddlers or babies prone to developing diaper rashes after eating certain foods, in this case, tomatoes (tomato based sauces), should not be served with these foods.
Other Acidic Solid Foods Not to Eat with Tomatoes
Other foods to avoid include more acidic citrus fruits and food with high acid content like strawberries, oranges and lemons. Wait until your baby’s digestive system is mature enough to digest these foods before putting them back into your little one’s diet.
A mild reaction is developing rashes. But in some cases, it could be more severe like loose stools, inflamed skin, diarrhea and serious pain.
Swap acidic foods with starchy foods because these foods are more likely to calm the rashes down. At every baby’s diaper change, apply a barrier or ointment on the bottoms of your little one.
Can tomato sauce cause diaper rash?
Yes. If your baby is allergic to tomatoes or develops a diaper rash from eating tomatoes then she is most likely to develop a diaper rash after eating foods with tomatoes sauce in them.
Can pizza sauce cause diaper rash?
Your little one can start eating pizza when she is at least 1 year of age. If your baby develops a diaper rash from eating acidic foods and other tomato based products then she might develop a diaper rash after eating pizza. Pizza is made from pizza sauce which contains tomatoes.
Conclusion
Does eating tomatoes cause a diaper rash?
Many studies have found a link between the consumption of tomatoes and diaper rash. This may be surprising news for many parents, but it’s important to note that this isn’t just about tomato sauce or ketchup; any type of tomato can cause problems. The reason behind this is thought to be due to the acidity levels in these foods which can irritate sensitive skin and make things worse for your baby.
If your baby experiences severe reactions like diarrhea to tomatoes, consult your doctor or a medical professional right away.
