At Biostime, we explain everything about infant constipation and give you tips to relieve your baby's discomfort.
Baby constipation: what can you do to relieve it?
Just like sleep and feeding, baby's bowel movements can become a source of concern for parents when things don't go as planned. Has your baby not had a bowel movement for several days, or are their stools very hard, and you're worried? Constipation in babies is quite common ! To prevent or treat it, it's important to know how to identify it. And that's exactly what we're going to do in this article, by giving you all the keys to relieving your baby's constipation!
Important notice: Breast milk is the ideal and natural food for every infant: it is best suited to their specific needs. When using infant formula, when the mother cannot or does not wish to breastfeed, it is important to scrupulously follow the instructions for preparation and use and to follow the advice of the medical profession.
What is baby constipation?
Constipation is simply less frequent bowel movements associated with difficulty during bowel movements. While in adults, bowel movements are considered normal when the frequency of bowel movements is between twice a day and once every three days, in babies, it is a little different 1 . In fact, there is no real regularity in a baby's bowel movements .
During the first month , babies usually have a bowel movement after every meal. However, breastfed babies, being less prone to constipation , may have a bowel movement only once a week 2 because breast milk is very digestible 3 , and this is completely normal!
When the mother cannot or does not want to breastfeed, formula-fed babies are considered constipated when they have fewer than 2 bowel movements per week or have difficulty passing them 4 .
What causes constipation in babies?
The causes of disrupted transit in babies can have several origins 5 :
A change in diet : the start of weaning, a change in infant formula, insufficient water or fiber intake, etc.
Taking certain medications that have a constipating effect;
Changes in daily life : starting daycare, moving house... All of this can disrupt transit;
Toilet training : An episode of constipation is sometimes observed if training is too early or if the child is afraid of having a bowel movement.
What are the symptoms 1 ?
Your baby has fewer bowel movements than usual;
The stools are small, hard, dry and resemble small marbles;
The stools are large and painful to pass : your baby cries or arches his back;
Bloating and stomach aches are sometimes relieved by passing gas and lying on your stomach.
How to treat and relieve constipation in babies?
Is your baby constipated and you're wondering what to do to help? Here are some tips to help relieve the discomfort:
Massage his tummy clockwise several times a day and move his legs as if you were pedaling 6 ;
Hydrate your baby more : if you are breastfeeding, make sure you drink at least two liters of water a day and offer extra feeds to keep them well hydrated . If your baby is formula-fed because you cannot or do not want to breastfeed, you can offer them low-mineral water between meals and in small quantities, from 6 months 1 ;
If your baby has started weaning, you can increase the fiber in his diet 1 ;
Physical activity plays an undeniable role in the proper functioning of the intestines. So let your baby crawl and clamber around the house on all fours !
If constipation persists and your baby is being fed infant formula, your pediatrician may advise you to switch to a formula with less casein, which tends to slow down transit 6 . This is particularly the case with infant formula made from goat's milk 7 *.
*Biostime SN-2 Bio Chèvre formulas are not suitable for those with allergies to cow's milk proteins.
If your child's constipation continues over time and/or causes a lot of discomfort , consult a healthcare professional who can determine the cause and suggest a suitable solution.
To your stories!
Is your child prone to constipation? What have you done to relieve it? Do you have any tips to share to help them regain a more comfortable bowel movement? Let's help each other by sharing our experiences, questions, and concerns at contact@biostime.fr or by private message on Instagram @biostimefr.
Sources:
- Born and Grown. [Online] Constipation [Accessed 09/13/2023] Available: https://naitreetgrandir.com/fr/sante/naitre-grandir-sante-enfant-constipation-selle/
- Pferdsdorff, A. (2021, November 7). Constipation in infants. Pediatrician-online. https://www.pediatre-online.fr/alimentation/constipation-selles-dures-fecalome/
- Amzallag, M. (2010). Breastfeeding: Characteristics and Benefits. Development and Health.
- Améli [Online] Recognizing constipation in children [Accessed 09/13/2023] Available: https://www.ameli.fr/paris/assure/sante/themes/constipation-enfant/savoir-identifier-enfant-constipe
- Vidal. [Online] Causes and prevention of constipation in children [Accessed 09/13/2023] Available: https://www.vidal.fr/maladies/chez-les-enfants/constipation-bebe-enfant/causes.html
- Mpedia. [Online] Constipation in babies: symptoms and treatments. [Accessed 09/13/2023] Available: https://www.mpedia.fr/art-constipation-bebe/
- Souccar, T. (2016, February 10). Is goat's milk better than cow's milk? Nutrition. [Accessed 09/13/2023] Available: https://www.lanutrition.fr/loeil-de-thierry-souccar/le-lait-de-chevre-est-il-meilleur-que-le-lait-de-vache
