Constipation in infants: what to do
The birth of a child is a great joy for parents. But often it is overshadowed by childhood ailments, which cannot be avoided. Constipation, gas, teething, or a headache. This article will tell you about constipation in infants - why it occurs and how to cope with it.
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Constipation in a newborn while breastfeeding 
Under the age of a child organism grows, develops and gets stronger. This is not in a general sense - grow teeth, the weight increases. All organs and systems of the child's body, while the baby was in the mother's belly, did not function at full strength. And only after being born, the baby's organism “turned on”. At first, all the main organs "learn" to work independently. Whether it's the baby's lungs or his intestines. Plus, in the womb, the baby was in absolutely sterile conditions. There are no bacteria in his body that help him. For example, bifidobacteria are involved in the digestion food.
Despite the fact that the cause of constipation in babies up to one year old is the same, breastfed babies are highly dependent on their mother. More precisely, from her diet.
Lactating mom needs to strictly monitor that she eating... Foods affecting the functioning of the children's digestive system:
- sugar;
- bakery products;
- crackers in large quantities;
- raisins;
- rice;
- Black tea;
- potatoes and other starchy foods;
- persimmon;
- cabbage, causes increased gas formation.
Lactating mom it is worth eating more fermented milk products, as well as vegetables and fruits. But remember that foods that are too sweet and starchy are harmful right now. It is optimal to eat apples, prunes, apricots, some dates.
Constipation in newborns with artificial feeding 
It is worth making it clear - what is generally considered constipation in babies... If the baby hasn’t walked "in a big way" for more than a day, but at the same time he feels great - he does not shout, eats and does not push, then there is no reason for concern. It is worth using aids after 36 hours of "stagnation". Or if the child refuses to eat, does not sleep well, shouts, pushing up redness face.
In general, constipation is harmful at any age. After all, the intestines begin to absorb the accumulated feces. This means that all toxins and toxins, instead of being released from the body, begin to enter the bloodstream. Constipation in infant age is also harmful because it causes discomfort to kid... Hinders the passage of gases and delivers pain. Therefore, having established that it is constipation, proceed to the "rescue operation".
In the case of artificial feeding, the cause of constipation can be a lack of water in the baby's body. Try to supplement the child with additional water. Better with a spoon.
Another reason for constipation in babies who eat a purchased mixture is not properly selected food. Most likely, the selected mixture does not contain the bacteria the child needs. Try changing your diet to its fermented milk version. Or discuss with the pediatrician the possibility of introducing baby kefir into the child's diet. By the way, you can do it yourself. It is enough to add a spoonful of sour cream or special bacteria to ordinary boiled milk. Which are sold at the pharmacy. And leave the mixture in a warm place.
Constipation in a Newborn with Mixed Feeding 
By the way, the cause of constipation may lie in the excessive tightness of swaddling. Lack of motor activity affects the intestines, causing obstruction.
When switching to mixed food baby, that is, if there is a shortage of mother's milk, the baby is fed with purchased formulas, constipation is considered normal. The child switches to a new diet and adapts to it over time. Wait a little, if the mixture is selected correctly and the child has enough bacteria, the situation will soon improve on its own.
Signs of constipation:
- Defecation 1 time per day or less.
- Baby's anxiety, shrill scream.
- Arching, pulling the legs to the stomach.
- "Stony" of the tummy.
- Refusal to eat.
- Disturbed sleep.
- During the process, the calla lilies are too hard.
- Blood droplets on the diaper - the baby is pushing so hard.
A newborn has constipation - what to do
For the prevention of constipation and at the first sign of it, it is recommended to massage the tummy. It is done in 2 ways:
- Take your palm and place it on your baby's tummy. Lift your fingers up, press with your palm. Movements should be light but tangible. Stroke your baby's tummy clockwise. You need to do such movements 15-20 minutes before each feeding.
- Press the bent legs of the baby to his tummy. You do not need to use force, but the movement must be firm. Make circular movements with your legs along the tummy. Clockwise first, then counterclockwise.
It helps well to lay the baby on the tummy. It strengthens the muscles of the abdomen, back. Teaches the child to raise his head and crawl.
If the situation has reached a critical point, you need to help the baby poop immediately. You should not use the proven old-fashioned method for this - an enema. It can only be used in the most exceptional cases. It is better to purchase glycerin candles or Microlax in advance. But often it is impossible to use aids - lazy bowel syndrome can occur. When the body "unlearns" to empty itself.
Regular constipation is worth discussing with your pediatrician. As well as the possibility of using auxiliary laxatives - Guttalax, Duphalac, Lactulose syrup. Perhaps the doctor will prescribe a special preparation with bacteria for the baby - Bifidumbacterin, Bifiform.
