Constipation in a baby: what to do
The birth of a child is a great joy for parents. But it is often overshadowed by childhood illnesses, which cannot be avoided. Constipation, gas, teething or headache. This article will tell you about constipation in infants - why it occurs and how to cope with it.
Contents
Constipation in a newborn while breastfeeding 
Under the age of one year, children organism grows, develops and strengthens. This is not in the general sense - they grow teeth, weight increases. All organs and systems of the child’s body did not function at full capacity while the baby was in the mother’s belly. And only after being born, the baby’s body “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 there is only one cause of constipation in babies under one year of age, breastfed babies are highly dependent on their mother. More precisely, from her diet.
Nursing Mom needs to strictly monitor what she eats. Products that affect the functioning of the children's digestive system:
- sugar;
- bakery;
- crackers in large quantities;
- raisin;
- rice;
- black tea;
- potatoes and other products containing starch;
- persimmon;
- cabbage causes increased gas formation.
Nursing mom You should consume more dairy products, as well as vegetables and fruits. But remember that too sweet and starchy foods are harmful now. It is optimal to eat apples, prunes, apricots, and some dates.
Constipation in newborns with artificial feeding 
It’s worth clarifying what is considered constipation in general. infants. If the baby has not walked “in a big way” for more than a day, but at the same time feels great - does not cry, eats or strains, then there is no reason to worry. It is worth using auxiliary products after 36 hours of “stagnation”. Or if the child refuses to eat, sleeps poorly, screams, pushes until redness face.
In general, constipation is harmful at any age. After all, the intestines begin to absorb the accumulated feces. This means that all wastes and toxins, instead of being released from the body, begin to enter the blood. Constipation in infant age is also harmful because it causes discomfort child. It makes it difficult to pass gas and causes pain. Therefore, having established that it is constipation, proceed to the “rescue operation”.
In the case of artificial feeding, the cause of constipation may be a lack of water in the baby's body. Try to give your child extra food. Better from a spoon.
Another reason for constipation in babies who eat store-bought formula is improper nutrition. Most likely, the chosen mixture does not contain the bacteria the child needs. Try changing your diet to a fermented milk version. Or discuss with your pediatrician the possibility of introducing baby kefir into your 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 regular 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 be hidden in excessively tight swaddling. Lack of motor skills 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 supplemented with store-bought formula, constipation is considered normal. The child switches to a new diet and adapts to it over time. Wait a little, if the mixture is chosen correctly and the child has enough bacteria, the situation will soon improve on its own.
Signs of constipation:
- Defecation once a day or less.
- Anxious baby, high-pitched cry.
- Arching, pulling the legs towards the stomach.
- “Stone” of the tummy.
- Refusal to eat.
- Anxious dream.
- When performing the process, the calla lilies are too hard.
- Droplets of blood on the diaper - the baby is pushing so hard.
A newborn is constipated - what to do?
To prevent constipation and at the first signs 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. Raise your fingers up, press with your palm. Movements should be light but noticeable. Stroke your baby's tummy clockwise. You need to do these movements 15-20 minutes before each feeding.
- Press your baby's bent legs against his tummy. There is no need to use force, but the movements must be firm. Make circular movements with your legs along your tummy. First clockwise, then counterclockwise.
It works well to place the baby on his tummy. This strengthens the abdominal and back muscles. 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 suppositories or Microlax in advance. But it is impossible to use auxiliary means often - lazy bowel syndrome may occur. When the body “forgets how” to empty itself.
Regular constipation should be discussed with your pediatrician. As well as the possibility of using auxiliary laxatives - Guttalax, Duphalac, Lactulose syrup. Perhaps the doctor will prescribe a special drug with bacteria for the baby - Bifidumbacterin, Bifiform.
