Definition
Constipation in babies means an irregular defecation of the diaper. Normally up to three bowel movements per day can be expected in a baby. If the frequency of defecation deviates significantly from this norm, constipation is suspected.
Additional symptoms such as flatulence, abdominal pain or abdominal cramps confirm this suspicion. If the frequency of defecation deviates significantly from this norm, constipation is suspected. Additional symptoms such as flatulence, abdominal pain or abdominal cramps substantiate this suspicion.
Causes
The cause of constipation in babies can be both nutritional and disease-related. If the diet is responsible for the disturbed defecation, the most common reason is a change in diet from breast milk to porridge and supplementary food. This is because the baby comes into contact with new food components for the first time.
Both the soft to mushy consistency of the new food and the required splitting of the food by the body’s own enzymes present a new challenge for the child’s intestine. It is therefore not surprising that a disturbed digestion can occur, especially in the beginning. However, it is often only bridging and can be alleviated by supporting measures such as a sufficient fluid intake.
If, on the other hand, the constipation is due to illness, it will not improve significantly in the course of time. Often the symptoms even worsen. An allergy to food components such as cow’s milk protein is often the trigger for constipation.
It can be well treated by replacing the protein. or a structural change in the intestine makes it difficult to defecate. Here, the principle is to have a careful medical clarification carried out. The earliest possible therapy promises the most success. Constrictions in an area of the intestine can thus be successfully eliminated and inflammatory intolerance reactions to gluten, for example, can be treated well with a targeted diet and medication if necessary.
Supplementary food
The administration of supplementary food to babies very often causes constipation. Supplementary food is the additional feeding of crushed fruit or vegetables in addition to the normal administration of breast milk. In most cases it is demanded by the baby itself due to an increased interest in food from the fifth to sixth month.
The addition of supplementary food to breast milk is an individual process and should be done gradually. The most common problem for constipation is a too rapid change of diet. The infant’s intestine is confronted for the first time with the supplementary diet of non-liquid food.
Conversely, this means that it has to break down the food itself into its components. The intestine must gradually adapt to this change. In addition, the curiosity about the new food is greater at the beginning than about breast milk. The necessary fluid intake is therefore often reduced and the stool is excessively thickened. Here, regular fluid intake prevents constipation.
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