Constipation does not just mean missing the seat for a while, but also eliminating it with difficulty. It is said that babies fed with powdered milk are prone to have intestinal transit problems because the milk formula is digesting harder. Instead, breastfeeding does not happen too often to constipation, breast milk is easily digestible, but may have problems with the onset of dietary diversification.
What are the causes of constipation?
– introduction of solid foods; babies are used to digging milk, and when solid foods get into the stomach, they digest them more slowly;
– lack of liquid from food; the baby needs hydration (if breast-fed, breast milk is sufficient, but if it is fed with milk powder, the doctor may also be offered water). Otherwise, the body absorbs water from ingested foods, and the stool becomes strong;
– changing the type of milk consumed;
– changing the program, the place where it stands; if we go on holiday, for example, the baby may have problems with intestinal transit;
– medical problems; constipation can also be caused by allergies to various foods, metabolism problems. That’s why it’s good for the doctor to be consulted whenever we see changes to the little ones.
How do we realize that the baby is constipated?
Here are some signs:
– cry before they have a chair
– the seat is loud
– has less than 3 chairs per week
– has no appetite
– has a strong belly
– has no energy
How do we treat constipation?
We can prevent or treat constipation:
– By balancing the baby’s diet with high fiber foods, we offer more often pears, plums, apricots, peaches, broccoli, spinach (taking into account the age of the child and the diversification table);
– avoid bananas, rice, rice cereals;
– by moisturizing with water and fruit juices (apples or plums)
– by movement; we lift our knees to the chest, we do the “bicycle” or, if we go, we encourage him to take several steps
– by massaging the bustle clockwise
– put the baby on the pot / toilet (if he / she allows his / her age) more often, especially after eating
– in more serious cases, by medical treatment (laxatives, suppositories) prescribed by the doctor after a consultation.
Increased attention, a healthy diet, and a pediatrician consultation should solve the problems.
Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/infant-constipation/AN01089
http://www.drgreene.com/qa/babies-and-constipation?pagination=1
http://www.babycenter.com/0_constipation_79.bc?page=2
http://pediatrics.about.com/cs/conditions/l/aa070501a.htm
http://wholesomebabyfood.momtastic.com/constip.htm#.URe4vx2Exi9
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