Constipation problem in babies
Constipation, one of the most common disorders in babies, is a disease that is easy to treat. The disease, which affects the stomach and intestinal system, causes negativities such as nutritional problems, restlessness and abdominal pain. Constipation is defined as having hard and painful stools every 3-4 days; It may occur due to genetic predisposition, medications used, diet or iron drops. Newborn babies pass soft stools an average of 4 times during the first week after birth. In breastfed babies, the number of defecations may increase up to six, and the stools are soft, golden yellow and quite watery. The stools of babies fed with formula prepared using cow’s milk may be green in color, have a thicker consistency, and have a foul odor. The reason for this situation is the digestive system’s allergy or intolerance to the proteins in cow’s milk.
Causes and symptoms of constipation in babies
Constipation is less common in breastfed babies than in formula-fed babies. The probability that constipation occurs as a result of a disease is very low. Except for neurological abnormalities, constipation in babies is usually seen during the transition to solid food. Especially switching to floury foods and rice flour triggers constipation. Another cause of constipation is foods prepared with cow’s milk. Constipation is an important problem in babies who are allergic or intolerant to cow’s milk. Parents who experience constipation problems when switching to supplementary food should definitely have a food allergy test. As a result of the tests, foods that cause allergies should be removed from the diet for a few weeks and changes should be monitored. Constipation may occur if the baby has hardness in the abdomen, crying while pooping, smelly stools, and dry, hard and lumpy stools. A constipated baby is restless, has no appetite and is unhappy.
What is good for constipation in babies?
Treatment of constipation in babies is done according to the cause. If there is any underlying disease, the disease should be treated first. For constipation that develops due to malnutrition, foods with high fiber content should be added to the diet of babies and their water consumption should be increased. Introducing complementary foods little by little reduces the reaction of the baby’s digestive system to these foods. Bananas, carrots, potatoes, rice and peaches trigger constipation. Plum puree, apple juice, apricot juice and pear juice can be given along with water. 4-month-old babies can consume 6-120 milliliters of fruit juice per day. This amount can be increased to 180 milliliters for babies aged 4-8 months. To solve constipation, you can move your baby’s legs in a circular motion and give light massages to the abdominal area. If constipation continues despite the constipation-relieving nutrition program and other activities, a doctor should be consulted and constipation medication should be used under the supervision of a doctor.
