Babies have a still immature digestive system and are very sensitive to the food they eat, so it is normal for them to suffer from constipation. If the baby is constipated, he is usually upset, crying insistently and turning red from pushing so much. This is usually for functional reasons and is usually a nuisance that goes away over time if treated. Let's see the constipation in babies how it works and tips to treat it.
What is constipation?
Constipation is the difficulty passing stool. It is a fairly common disorder in babies. Your baby's stools will vary based on his age and diet, but it is quite common while breastfeeding with formula or when starting solid foods. A baby is considered constipated when bowel movements are two or more days apart.
Babies when they are breastfeeding have semi-liquid and very abundant stools, and their stools decrease as they grow. In contrast, babies who drink formula have harder stools, which promotes constipation. They cause a lot of discomfort to the infant who writhes in pain, suffers from colic and gas, kicks and becomes very nervous. It is very important to detect it as soon as possible to remedy it and that the baby stops suffering. The more time passes the more painful it will become.
When to worry?
Your baby's first bowel movement after birth will be within 24 hours. While they are very small and breastfeed will have bowel movements after each feeding, that is to say about 6-7 times a day. If they are less frequent, it is necessary to check that the baby is suckling or nursing well. As the evacuations grow, they will spread out over time.. If it takes a few days to have a bowel movement and your stools are hard and dry, you may have constipation. You may also notice that they get sick, have colic, or cry more than normal.
Instead with formula milk make fewer bowel movements, maybe only once a day every two or three days. This is because your digestive system takes longer to digest formula milk than breast milk.
In case you suspect that your baby has constipation consult with your pediatrician to recommend the best option for your baby and check that there is indeed constipation. Also check with your doctor if you find blood in your stools or if they are black.
What is recommended if your baby has constipation?
- More water. In case of constipation it is usually recommended to drink a lot of water when they already eat solid food to make stools softer and promote their evacuation. If you are breastfeeding, nothing since breast milk has the water it needs. It will be the pediatrician who decides the most appropriate. If you drink formula milk you can put a little more water in the mixture, but check with your doctor.
- Massages. Massages can promote bowel rhythm. To achieve this, the baby's legs have to be flexed on his belly, making circular movements counterclockwise. In the abdomen we can also give a gentle massage from top to bottom to alleviate your discomfort.
- Special milk. There are specific milks on the market to avoid constipation. Check with your doctor if they are appropriate for your baby.
- Hot baths. Hot baths, in addition to relaxing them, promote bowel movements.
Your baby's digestive system is very delicate, so do not try to try things, however natural they seem, you do not know if they would hurt him even more. Laxatives are totally contraindicated. Seeing a baby suffer makes us break our hearts. Parents must be attentive to the signs to remedy it as soon as possible so that the baby does not suffer, and also check that it is nothing more serious.
Because remember ... Babies are very sensitive to changes and their bowel rhythm suffers.