The frequency with which a baby poops varies according to their age and changes in their diet, and constipation is common, especially between the first and second months and after the child starts eating solid foods.
To prevent and combat constipation in the baby, it is important to breastfeed the baby in the first months, in addition to giving foods rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, according to the pediatrician’s guidance, which help to improve the functioning of the intestine and the hydrate the feces, facilitating their elimination.
What to do
To combat constipation in babies, it is important that the baby is given healthy foods that promote bowel function, and plenty of water. Therefore, to loosen the baby’s intestines, it is important:
1. Giving foods with a laxative effect
After 6 months, your pediatrician may recommend consuming foods that have a laxative effect, helping to improve bowel function and encourage evacuation. Thus, some of the foods that can be recommended are:
- Fruits: papaya, orange with pomace, black plum, tangerine, peach;
- Cooked leafy vegetables: kale, broccoli, spinach;
- Legumes: carrots, sweet potatoes, beets, pumpkin;
- Whole grains: oats, wheat bran.
It is not recommended to give your baby laxative medicines, mineral oil or laxative teas, such as cascara santo or genipapo tea, unless recommended by your pediatrician, as they can irritate the intestine and lead to the production of gas and abdominal discomfort.
Discover other homemade laxative options that may be recommended by your pediatrician.
2. Encourage water consumption
In addition to food, it is essential to give your baby water throughout the day, especially when he starts eating solid foods, such as purees and porridge, to soften the stool. It may also be necessary to make purees, soups and porridges a little more liquid, adding more water so that the baby’s stools are more hydrated.
Babies who only feed on breast milk already receive enough water from their mother’s breast, but if the feces continue to be dry, you should speak to your pediatrician about offering more water between feedings. See when to start giving water to the baby.
3. Avoid foods that constrict the intestine
In addition to offering foods that help loosen the baby’s intestines, it is also important to avoid foods that cause constipation, such as bananas, guava, pears and apples, especially when they are offered without the peel.
You should also avoid including vegetables such as potatoes, cassava, cassava, pasta, yam or yam in your baby’s soup, as they tend to make the intestine more stuck.
When to go to the doctor
If your baby’s intestines show signs of pain or if their belly seems very hard for more than 2 days in a row, it is important to consult your pediatrician. Furthermore, if blood appears in the stool or if the stool becomes very dark or almost white, it is also a sign that there may be bleeding in the intestine or liver problems, and it is necessary to see a pediatrician. Find out what the main causes of changes in your baby’s poop are.
See in the video below what to do when your child doesn’t want to eat:
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