In order to prevent or treat it, it is interesting to know more about constipation in babies! In this article you will find a definition, the difference between breastfed and bottle-fed babies, the common causes of digestive disturbance, the 3 essential elements to avoid it and lots ofdiet tips to help you!
Constipation is defined as a difficulty in evacuating stools. The stools are either large or small and hard, and the frequency of evacuation is rare (less than 3 per week). Before the age of 12 months, it is usual to observe that an infant has at least one bowel movement per day. Between the ages of 1 and 4 years, 90% of children have one bowel movement per day and 98% at least one per 48 hours.
Breastfed babies are not constipated, they may only haveone bowel movement a week, or even less, and this is perfectly normal!
If you are giving your baby infant milk, it is strongly recommended that you do not enrich or dilute the milk or supplement it with infant cereals. Be sure to follow the recommendations of 30 ml of water per dose of milk fed. If your child is constipated, consult your doctor or another infant nutrition specialist. He or she may suggest changing the infant milk if necessary.
There are many causes of temporary disturbed transit (constipation and also diarrhoea): weaning from breastfeeding, dietary diversification, change of milk, medication, teething, infant illness, potty training and, in the longer term, an unbalanced diet. Consult a health professional if this persists so as not to allow constipation to set in for baby.
Tip To relieve children, even small ones, you can bend your thighs on your belly and massage your belly in a clockwise direction.
The 3 essential pillars to limit constipation in babies
- The fibre found in fruit and vegetables, especially raw, wholemeal products and pulses (wait 15 to 18 months to introduce them and always puree them at the start), dried fruit such as prunes for example...
- Hydration in the form of water, not fruit juice or sugary drinks
- Motor skills, physical activity and sports for older children
Here is a list of vegetables or fruits rich in fibre that can improve your toddlers' transit: dried fruit and vegetables (figs, apricots, prunes, dates, grapes, tomatoes, etc.), artichokes, peas, salsify, cabbage (Brussels sprouts, Romanesco, broccoli, red cabbage, etc.), celeriac, green beans, spinach, avocado, leeks, pumpkin, chard, but also other vegetables.), celeriac, green beans, spinach, avocado, leek, pumpkin, chard, but also red fruits (blackcurrant, strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, redcurrant, blueberry...), persimmon, pear, orange, pomegranate...
Fibre-rich meal ideas according to the age of your children
- At the time of food diversification (up to 1 year): spinach gratin with mashed potatoes and a piece of salmon back with apple/prune purée for dessert
- 1 to 3 years: Couscous vegetables with chickpeas, wholemeal semolina with sultanas and lamb meat and a kiwi for dessert
- From 4 to 11 years: Piperade (pepper, onion, tomato) with wholemeal pasta and one or two scrambled eggs and a fruit salad for dessert
After food diversification, it is important to offering water to your child throughout the day (and especially between meals) with low mineralized water so that he hydrates correctly. Concerning magnesium water (such as Hépar) which has laxative properties, you can give it to older children but for younger children, offer it in very small quantities to avoid straining their still immature kidneys.
For older children, if you notice that they have less than 3 bowel movements per week and that there are traces in the pants (= encopresis), I recommend a balanced diet (which is sufficient in most cases, i.e. there is no need for a high-fibre diet except for some children), limiting fatty and sugary products, regular mealtimes, stopping snacking and increasing hydration.
An equally important last point is the position on the toilet. Children should be offered adapted and comfortable toilets, with their feet placed on the floor or on a footrest. They should be calm when going to the toilet (no external stress), and go to the toilet regularly, especially after meals, to take advantage of the peristalsis (contraction of the entire digestive tract in connection with digestion). You can also explain digestion to your children through books or videos... Finally, in relation to toilet training and for older children, make sure you teach them not tohold back even in public places or at school!
Dietician - Nutritionist specialising in paediatrics
Sources :
AMELI SITE: www.ameli.fr (August 2020)
SITE VIDAL: www.vidal.fr (August 2020)
CIQUAL SITE: www.ciqual.anses.fr (August 2020)
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