How to help a baby with constipation?

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Constipation in newborns and infants is the prolonged intervals between bowel movements and/or systematically incomplete bowel emptying. One in four babies in their first year of life suffers from constipation. Dense, infrequent (2 or fewer times a week), large-diameter stools are diagnostic signs of constipation. Painful sensations do not always accompany constipation; therefore, a small percentage of parents contact the pediatrician immediately.

Diagnosing constipation in a baby in his or her first year of life is not as simple as it sounds - stool frequency differs between breastfed and formula-fed infants.

 

Parents should not delay a visit to the pediatrician in case of constipation because constipation can be a symptom of many dangerous diseases and developmental disorders at this age. Particularly problematic is blood in the stool, meconium, and poor growth and development. A careful examination by the pediatrician is a significant first step in examining a baby with alarming symptoms. If the pediatrician does not see any disturbing signs, the parent will get recommendations for the treatment of constipation. The specialist's recommendations will primarily be about the baby's and mom's diet.

Nutritional therapy for constipation while breastfeeding

Diet therapy depends on the type of breastfeeding. The breastfeeding diet is quite important. Normalizing the child's diet is necessary- excluding deficiencies or overfeeding. Mothers should pay attention to the frequency of their stools - there is a correlation between the frequency of constipation in moms and babies. Colon motility is stimulated by the dietary fiber of fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain products, including them in your diet, and drinking enough water is also necessary. Use fermented milk products, but avoid whole milk products. If there is a suspicion of food allergy, dairy products should be excluded altogether.

Nutritional therapy for constipation on formula feeding

Sensitive digestion is common during the first weeks and months of a baby's life. During this period, the digestive system is still developing, and babies are often prone to bloating and constipation, which is accompanied by crying and anxiety for the baby. Similar to breastfeeding formula-fed infants, adjust the feeding schedule to solve the problem. Check the amount of formula you give to ensure you are not underfeeding or overfeeding. Also, check that you are diluting the formula correctly. In order to feed the baby more nutritious, constipation often occurs when a mom makes the formula thicker and adds less water than necessary. In addition, a more concentrated formula provokes regurgitation. 

There are different formula options for babies with constipation, such as comfort formulas, formulas with carob bean gum and lactulose, and, in the case of food allergies, baby formulas with high-protein hydrolyzed. 

The HiPP Comfort formula from birth helps with digestive problems and provides all the physiological needs for healthy development and growth. This organic formula contains specific fat (beta-palmitate) with a structure similar to fatty acids in breast milk, which helps soften stools and natural fatty acids LCP, Omega-3, Omega-6, and taurine, carnitine for better fat absorption and selenium for antioxidant action. Parents should choose formula based on the nutritional needs of their little ones. Your pediatrician can help you find out which product will help your baby.