Many parents face such ailments in their babies as constipation and tummy pain after formula feeding. This article covers all the ins and outs of baby formulas related to constipation: how to choose and prepare the formula when to change it, and how to help the little one if it is constipated.
How to recognize tummy pain and constipation after baby formula?
The baby will not complain to you about tummy pain. However, you can recognize that your little one suffers from this by characteristic symptoms: the baby does not poop for several days in a row, and when it finally does, there are hard balls of stool in the diaper. Their excretion also causes severe pain. Constipation that recurs regularly can damage the lining of the anus — in such a case, a little blood will appear in the diaper. However, these problems can be solved by feeding the baby correctly.
Which formula to choose to avoid constipation?
If your infant has a sensitive tummy, check if the formula contains ingredients supporting intestinal flora development and reducing the risk of tummy problems. These are primarily probiotics and lactic acid bacteria that convert lactose into lactic acid. It is also great if the baby formula contains prebiotics. These are carbohydrates, specifically oligosaccharides, which are probiotic nutrients. Besides, their addition softens the stool, making it easier for the baby to defecate. More and more infant formulas add prebiotics, so you will easily find one your baby will accept.
The most important criterion when choosing a baby formula is the baby’s age because kids of different ages have different nutritional needs. The age is marked on the package with a number (1, 2, 3, or 4) and a description of the month from which the product can be used. You can check all these details and shop Lebenswert formula from a reliable supplier.
How to prepare the formula?
The manufacturer’s instructions on the packaging are not just suggestions that can be followed. You must strictly adhere to them because the method of preparing a formula significantly affects your baby’s well-being.
Putting too much powder in the water will make the meal too thick and hard to digest. After eating such a meal, your little one may have a tummy ache, and the stool will be very hard. Constipation will occur, and the infant cannot poop after improperly prepared baby formula.
When to change the baby formula?
It is best to choose the formula after consultation with a pediatrician who knows the baby’s nutritional needs, previous diet, the tendency to allergies, or food intolerance. During the conversation, the doctor may also ask if anyone in the family has allergies and check if the baby is gaining weight properly and developing well. If the doctor assesses your little one is healthy, the parents can choose the appropriate baby formula.
A common mistake in parents is quickly experimenting with different baby formula types. However, it’s healthier for the tummy when it gets the same baby formula.
To assess whether a selected product suits your infant, you need to observe it. For a day or two after the change, your baby may suckle unwillingly but should not be irritated or crying. The proof of the right choice is the baby’s satisfaction and good weight gain. Such symptoms, as well as sleep problems with introducing the new formula, abdominal bloating, stinky poop, or vomiting, may indicate the need to change the formula to a different one.
How to help a baby if it is constipated?
In case of constipation, give your baby a lot of water. Serve it before, after a meal, or between meals. If your little one gets enough fluids, the water will help keep the intestines’ contents loose and make defecating easier. Drinking is especially important when the child sweats more, for example, during fever, heat, or in winter, when it stays in rooms with very dry air.
Exercise or gentle massage may also be helpful. This helps relax the muscles and stimulate digestion. Gently massage your baby’s tummy in a clockwise direction. For the baby, these are often nice moments of relaxation that positively affect it.
Beneficial bacteria soften the stool, so in addition to prescribing the appropriate formula, the doctor may recommend supplementation with pharmacy probiotics. For toddlers, introduce products such as yogurt or kefir to the diet, which naturally contain live bacteria cultures. If your baby is constipated for longer, you can ask for glycerin suppositories at the pharmacy. However, please don’t use them too often. The toddler should learn to defecate without additional support.
How to introduce new products into the baby’s diet?
Constipation may result from introducing new food to the baby’s diet. Therefore, introduce new products one at a time. This will help you easily notice which product is not tolerated by your baby well.
Also, be sure to include products rich in fiber. It is a plant-derived substance not digested by digestive enzymes. It ensures the proper functioning of the digestive system due to its ability to bind water, thanks to which it softens the fecal masses. Products of high fiber are apples, pears, currants, raspberries, peaches, dried plums, figs, apricots, beets, cauliflower, broccoli; wholemeal and rye bread, groats, cereal bran. A lot of fiber is contained in legumes, such as soybeans, broad beans, peas, and beans. These products should be overcooked and given to the baby in small amounts, observing the child’s reactions. Avoid introducing them to the diet before ten months of age.
Also, avoid products that may promote constipation, including white rice, boiled carrots and carrot juice, cooked apples, white bread, bananas, sugar, chocolate, and cocoa.
We’ve covered the critical information about constipation in formula-fed babies and some advice for solving this problem. Hopefully, this article will help ensure your baby’s health and well-being.