From colic to diarrhea to constipation, disorders of digestion are very common in infants, whether they are bottle-fed or breastfed. A 2006 study by Hyman PE found that " 50 to 90% of infants 2- to 4-months-old have symptoms of mild functional digestive problems ."
Among these disorders, baby constipation often worries parents. Yet, very few children suffer from true intestinal dysfunction.
Summary
What is constipation?
The constipation of the infant is characterized by the irregular production of hard stools, with amalgamated pieces. But if your child's stool is simply irregular with no other symptoms, then there is usually no need to worry.
According to Dr. Peter Bähler, Chief Medical Officer of Paediatrics at Payerne Hospital in Switzerland, "stool frequency can vary greatly from one individual to another. Most infants go for stool 5 to 6 times a day while others go for bowel movements every 2 to 3 days. It is also normal for infants to grow and become red when they have stools of normal consistency. "
If bottle-fed infants are more often constipated, breastfed children may also suffer from this dysfunction. Constipation occurs most often around 5 months at the time of dietary diversification, then around 2 years during the training of cleanliness.
To make the diagnosis of constipation, a child must have at least two of the following three symptoms: rare (less than twice a week) and hard stools, severe pain, and a clear desire for the child to restrain himself. Sometimes baby constipation may be accompanied by vomiting or bloating.
If not, it may be assumed that your child's transit simply shows signs of laziness. Inadequate fluid intake, too concentrated a bottle, consumption of solid food without fiber or family predispositions can nevertheless explain what the doctors call then a "functional constipation", without organic or anatomical anomaly.
In all cases, you must confirm this diagnosis with your pediatrician or family doctor.
Infant constipation: 10 tips to flight it
To get rid of baby constipation, it is usually enough to apply simple tips and follow some common sense rules. In most cases, everything should get back to normal quickly.
TOP 1 | A diet rich in water
To reduce the risk of baby constipation, offer him a diet rich in water. Baby should drink about 1 liter of fluid a day or more if he weighs more than 6 kg. Remember to make baby drink as regularly as possible. You can also offer your child a magnesium-laden water to help eliminate it.
TOP 2 | Massages
The massage is often effective in relieving constipated babies. In a soothing atmosphere, massage baby with two fingers that you gently put on your stomach by moving them clockwise. Then turn it to rub his back gently. You will also find baby massage oils here .
TOP 3 | Orange juice
If your child loves orange juice, it would be a shame to deprive yourself of this simple remedy. Depending on his age, offer him some unsweetened juice diluted in his bottle, or offer him a glass, preferably iced. Quick effect!
TOP 4 | Vegetables soup
Like orange juice, vegetable broth can relieve baby constipation. Pour a small amount into the bottle if it is still small, or offer a complete bowl.
TOP 5 | Long live the fibers
Between 6 months and 2 years, do not hesitate to adapt the diet of your child if he regularly suffers from functional constipation. Offer him some compotes without sugar - with prunes for example - fresh fruit if he accepts them, and high fiber vegetables such as green beans, spinach, peas, lentils ... on the other hand, avoid starchy foods and carrots.
TOP 6 | Time is time
To avoid constipation, the easiest advice to apply is to eat at fixed times. The regularity of the meals would indeed make it possible to avoid the digestive disorders.
TOP 7 | Mom: take care of your diet
You are breastfeeding? Your diet may be causing your child's troubles. To relieve baby constipation, go for a high-fiber diet, consume more fruit and vegetable juices, and drink regular water. At least 2 liters a day.
TOP 8 | Multiply physical activities
To prevent your child from being constipated, make sure he is active all day. The lack of physical activity is a factor that promotes constipation.
TOP 9 | The habit of toilets
To prevent your child from suffering from constipation, make sure he goes to the bathroom regularly as soon as he feels like it, without stopping. Suggest that you visit at set times, especially after meals when the settler is active, and teach them how to get there by laying their feet flat on the ground (or on a running board). You will find a selection of baby pots here , and toilet reducers there .
TOP 10 | Choose a suitable milk powder
You will find on the market many powdered milk suitable for children who suffer from digestive disorders. These products often have the effect of limiting or completely eliminating the inconvenience, such as milk Aptamil comfort 1 (for babies up to 6 months) or Aptamil comfort 2 (after 6 months) that you can find here . Specifically designed for infants with constipation, it promises improvement after 5 consecutive days of use. It must be used on the advice of a health professional.
Be careful never to use laxative, mineral oil, suppository or enema without medical advice. In any case, if the symptoms last more than a week, consult your doctor.
And you ? What are your tips for fighting baby constipation?
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