Constipation in a child with artificial or mixed feeding
Young parents, whose babies are fed a mixture, often face such an unpleasant problem of digestion - constipation. By what signs can you determine that the baby has constipation, and how to help the child?
Signs of
Constipation in an artificial baby is quite common. To make sure that the baby really has constipation, it is important to consider not only the frequency of bowel movements, but also the behavior of the crumbs. If the baby has not been eating for 2-4 days, refuses to eat, sleeps badly, when trying to poke, he cries and strains, and the baby’s tummy is swollen and tense, then these are signs of constipation.
If a child rarely poops, but his stools are not dry, and the baby does not apply super-efforts for emptying, then most likely the baby does not have constipation.
The reasons
The main cause of constipation in crumbs on artificial feeding is the use of milk formula, which, in contrast to breast milk, contains various artificial additives. The digestive tract of babies in the first year of life is hard to adapt to the digestion of such a product. The digestive process is slower, and often there are difficulties with emptying.
Other causes of constipation in a child who receives a mixture as the main food are:
- A sharp change in the type of food (the rapid introduction of the mixture or a sudden change of the usual mixture).
- Lack of fluid.
- Feeding at once several mixtures.
- Allergy to milk protein.
- Dysbacteriosis.
- Early introduction of complementary foods.
Is the mixture at fault?
Artificial infants constipation in babies is not always associated with the mixture used. Although due to the greater amount of protein and less fiber (when compared with women's milk), the mixture is really digested in the immature digestive tract of babies more slowly. In addition, the wrong proportions in the preparation of a portion of the mixture, as well as overfeeding the baby - are factors that contribute to the development of constipation.
However, more often, mothers forget that an artificial child should always be doused with water. Having forgotten about the drinking regime of the baby, you, most likely, will see that it has become more difficult for him to crap.
If the mother still suspects the cause of constipation is the mixture, she needs to consult with the pediatrician and change the diet.
How to help?
Before directing all efforts to eliminate constipation in an artificial child, it is advisable for the baby’s parents to visit the pediatrician. It will help in identifying the causes of defecation difficulties, and will also recommend effective ways to eliminate constipation.
To help your baby, you should:
- Adjust the power mode. Let the baby mix in the right amount at the right time. It is not necessary to feed the baby with the mixture on demand, since this product is absorbed longer than breast milk, and very frequent feedings are a factor inducing constipation.
- Often spread the baby on the tummy to facilitate the discharge of gases and stimulate peristalsis.
- Do crumb belly massage. Movements must be circular (move your arms clockwise).
- Give the baby enough fluid. Artificial babies are recommended to solder in the intervals between feedings.
- If dysbiosis is detected, take the means to normalize the microflora.
- After consulting with a doctor, transfer the baby to a special mixture against constipation.Prebiotics such as lactulose are present in such mixtures. Also, mothers of babies-artificials who suffer from constipation, often recommend to transfer the child to the dairy mixtures.
