Your infant is straining, crying, but he can't poop. Are you looking for a way to bring him relief? Read our advice on baby’s constipation.
This problem is more common in formula-fed babies. Breast milk is better absorbed and more easily digested, so if a mother is on a proper diet, breast-fed babies usually don’t have this problem. However, around the age of 5–6 months, i.e. at the beginning of diet expansion, constipation can occur regardless of the type of milk and feeding method.
We talk about constipation in babies when:
If you suspect that the formula is causing the problems, change it to a product enriched with probiotics and prebiotics.
It is also important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for preparing the formula. Sometimes parents, to increase the caloric content of milk, for example, before the baby goes to sleep, change the proportions of powder and water on their own. It's a mistake that can cost your baby a stomach ache.
Generally, when feeding with baby formula, there is no need to give your baby extra water. The situation changes when there is a hot summer or your child is in a warm room. In such circumstances, giving a child extra water becomes a must. Similarly, when there are problems with bowel movements. The liquid is necessary to obtain the right consistency of the stool, which will facilitate its passing. Therefore, if you notice that the stool is hard and lumpy, start giving the baby water between formula meals. The best will be boiled spring water. To an older child you can give juice squeezed from fresh, previously thoroughly washed in warm water, fruit or vegetables.
Abdominal muscle movement is important to stimulate bowel functions. You can stimulate it with a massage and/or simple exercises. Just raise the baby's legs so that the elbows touch the tummy, repeat this motion several times.
As we have already mentioned, baby formula enriched with pro- and prebiotics is recommended for children with tummy problems. These beneficial bacteria and stimulating substances (prebiotics) introduce beneficial changes in the bacterial flora of the large intestine.
If this is not enough, after consulting a doctor, you can give your child pharmacy probiotics for the youngest children.
Due to their beneficial effects, it is worth introducing their natural form to the infant's diet. Under the new baby nutrition scheme, you can introduce dairy products like natural yoghurt from the age of 7 months.
Stomach problems, including constipation, may be the result of adding new foods to your child's menu. Therefore, introduce novelties to the diet one at a time, thanks to which you will notice what has a negative effect on your baby.
Dietary fibre is plant components that are not broken down by human digestive enzymes. It is necessary for the proper functioning of the digestive system, including the intestines. It has the ability to bind water, thanks to which it softens faecal masses and, in addition, it increases the volume of bowel movements and reduces the time of intestinal passage. Its presence in the large intestine is essential for the development of probiotic bacteria.
Fibre-rich foods:
A large amount of fibre contain legumes, such as, soy, broad beans, peas, beans. However, we recommend to take special care when introducing them to your child's diet. You should boil them and give in very small amounts. Observe the child's reactions, because they are hard to digest and bloating. We do not recommend introducing them into baby’s diet before 10 month of age.
By carefully watching your child, you already know when it may have problems with bowel movements. In some babies, hard stools symptoms are strong smelling gases, in others problems begin when there has been no dirty diaper in the last two days. Then it is worth acting to facilitate bowel movement.
Soak 1-2 dried California plums in a little water. After a while, mix them with water into a velvety mousse. You can add other fruit or use mousse as an addition to a dish or dessert, for example, oat flakes cooked in a small amount of water. For young children it is better not to add plum mousse to milk desserts, because in their case it can even cause diarrhoea. Dried plum mousse is also available as a ready-made jar dessert.
If your infant is often constipated, don’t wait - see a doctor. In the case of long-term, troublesome constipation, it is important to find out its cause. Sometimes it is enough to change the diet and sometimes the problem is complex and may require detailed diagnostics.
In addition, for children with a tendency to constipation, it is a very good practice to give a few teaspoons of lukewarm, boiled water before meals. Mousse from grated apple (not sour) works very well. You can buy ready mousse in jar.
If constipation is a common condition, talk to your doctor about it. Maybe he will decide that you need to supplement yours baby diet with pharmacy preparations with lactulose. This active substance directly reaches the large intestine, where, by a difference in solute concentrations on the two sides of the membrane (osmosis), it softens faecal masses. Lactulose is a synthetic disaccharide which cannot be digested by humans. Its action is gentle and spread over time.
In exceptional situations, when the child gets tired and is unable to poop, you can use glycerin suppositories. However, they should not be used too often, because the child's body should have time and opportunity to learn how to manage bowel movements.
Do not enter the thermometer tip into the child's anus as it can damage intestinal mucosa. Also by yourself do not use rectal tube and do not give your child enema. Enema should only be done and a rectal tube should only be used by a trained and experienced person. Therefore, if necessary, take your child to the hospital to a paediatric emergency department.
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