Infant constipation is a common concern to parents. This happens when babies are ill at ease, cranky, or having trouble moving stool. Constipation from time to time is normal, but experts warn that some foods can raise the risk of digestive slowing down in infants. Hence, identifying these culprits can enable parents to make wiser food choices and have their baby's tummy in a better mood.
Why Do Babies Get Constipated?
In an exclusive interaction with the editorial team of Onlymyhealth, our expert, Dr Bhumesh Tyagi, Consultant, General Medicine and Physician, Shardacare, Health City, Noida, explained that constipation in infants typically happens when they change their diet, meaning, when they move from breast milk to formula or add solid foods to their diet. “Their digestive systems are not fully developed yet, so some foods are more difficult to digest, resulting in harder stools or less frequent bowel movements,” he shared.
Foods That Can Cause Constipation in Babies
Additionally, there are several food items that can trigger constipation in babies, Dr Tyagi highlighted. These include:
1. Dairy Foods (Cheese, Yoghurt, Cow's Milk)
Whereas dairy is rich in protein and calcium, it often retards digestion. Babies that are fed excessive cow's milk or cheese might have firmer stools when there is less fibre and more fat.
2. Bananas (Particularly Unripe)
While bananas are commonly initiated early, unripe or less ripe bananas exacerbate constipation. They have more starch, which is binding. Mature bananas typically contain more fiber and are kinder to digestion.
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3. Rice Cereal and White Rice
Rice cereal is a popular initial infant food, but it is low in fiber and might harden stools. Moving to oatmeal or barley cereal might be kinder to digestive systems.
4. Processed or Packaged Foods
Certain baby snack foods, crackers, or sweet purees may be filled with additives and less fiber and thus harder for infants to digest. Freshly made, naturally prepared foods are always the preferable option.
5. Applesauce
Although whole apples (with the skin) provide good fiber, applesauce will be binding because it is lower in fiber. This at times causes constipation when given repeatedly.
6. Carrots (Cooked and Pureed)
Carrots are healthy but become binding in cooked and pureed form, because the fiber gets broken. Raw, finely grated carrots, if appropriate for the age, might offer greater relief.
7. Potatoes (Without Skin)
Mashed potatoes without peels retain most of their fiber. Feeding them on a regular basis can lead to constipation.
Tips to Ease Constipation in Babies
Dr Tyagi also recommended some easy tips to ease and relieve constipation in babies. These may include:
- Provide High-Fibre Foods: Pureed plums, prunes, pears, and peaches can easily soften stools.
- Stay Hydrated: In babies more than six months old, a few ounces of water with solids can ease constipation.
- Balance Milk Consumption: Restrict cow's milk and balance it with high-fiber foods.
- Gentle Tummy Massage & Movement: Light massages and encouraging physical movement (like bicycle leg exercises) can stimulate bowel activity.
When to See a Doctor
If your baby is consistently constipated, has blood in stools, or shows signs of extreme discomfort, it’s important to consult a pediatrician. Sometimes constipation may indicate food intolerance or other underlying issues.
Bottomline
While the odd constipation is to be expected, paying attention to your baby's diet, particularly foods which are binding, can prevent distress. A balance of fiber, fluid intake, and gentle attention is the key to maintaining your little one's digestive system in good health.