Formula making baby constipated

Newborn Constipation in Formula-Fed Infants: What to Do

The only thing worse than the dreaded poopy diaper? Worrying about why your baby isn’t having one.

If your baby has gone several days without a dirty diaper, you may be ready to tear out your hair trying to figure out what’s wrong.

As you run through all the potential causes, one thing likely to cross your mind is their diet — especially if you’ve recently started them on formula.

Is it true that formula can cause constipation? What should you do if your baby is constipated? When do you need to contact your child’s pediatrician? Let’s take a look.

It’s true: Formula-fed babies are more likely to be constipated than those exclusively on breast milk. Why is this?

Well, breast milk is generally easier for babies to digest and considered a natural laxative.

Formula, on the other hand, is thicker. It has larger proteins that can be harder to digest. This makes gastrointestinal problems — including constipation — more likely.

But keep in mind that this doesn’t mean it’s impossible for a breastfed baby to become constipated or that all babies on formula will be constipated.

Every baby is different. Also, whether formula-fed or breastfed, your baby may show signs of constipation when you introduce solids into their diet.

One other note: Some babies fed exclusively with breast milk don’t poop frequently, but in those cases it’s likely because their bodies are absorbing all the nutrient-filled breast milk they’re eating.

Wondering if your baby is constipated? Signs of constipation include:

• infrequent or less common bowel movements
• hard bowel movements that can appear like pellets, rocks, or hard balls
• blood on the surface of the stool or when wiping
• pain while passing bowel movements — for a baby who can’t communicate with words, this may appear as an arched back, a red face, and crying
• a tight belly
• lack of interest in food

The number of poop-filled diapers a baby will have each day or week can vary greatly. Use your baby’s normal — not your neighbor’s baby or your brother’s baby — as the baseline to help you determine if they’re constipated.

And it’s important to remember that constipation isn’t just about how frequently your infant is pooping, but also about how hard it is for them to do so.

If they poop once every 3 to 4 days, but the poop is soft and seems to pass easily, they may be just fine. On the other hand, if your baby poops every other day but is straining and crying while pooping and the poop is hard, they may be constipated.

If you’ve recently switched to formula after exclusively breastfeeding your baby, you may notice changes in your baby’s poop. It’s not uncommon for it to become harder or change color.

You may also notice an increase in gas, particularly if your baby is transitioning to using a bottle. Every baby is different though, and you may not notice much of a change.

Looking at supermarket formula displays can be enough to set your head spinning.

First, there are three different forms of formula you can choose from:

• powders
• concentrates
• ready-to-use

Then, within these forms, they may be:

• milk-based (cow or goat) formulas
• soy-based formulas
• specialty formulas, like organic options

Some formulas advertise themselves as easier to digest.

This can be because they are homogenized, which means they’re processed in a way that breaks down molecules for easier absorption. Or they may be made with ingredients designed to be easier on the digestive system.

Despite this advertisement, there’s no guarantee that any formula will sit well in baby’s stomach. So, how do you choose?

For many parents, the answer lies in asking fellow parents and caregivers about their experiences with formula and researching the ingredients to find one that feels right.

After choosing a formula, you might decide that you’d like to change to another one. Is this a good idea?

Switching your baby’s formula may make a difference in their poop, since their sensitivity to some of the ingredients in the original formula may have led to their constipation.

However, changing formula styles or brands can also make things worse, especially if you do it too often.

In other words, it’s not a good plan to give your baby one formula for 1 or 2 days, then changing to another formula right away when you see that they’re constipated. Instead, try giving baby a few weeks to adjust to any newly introduced formula.

In some cases, though, changing formulas might be wise. Even so, it’s best to speak with your child’s pediatrician first.

Reasons to consider changing formulas can include:

• food allergies
• extreme fussiness
• a need for more iron in a baby’s diet, as determined by a doctor (though most infant formulas do contain iron)
• weakness or fatigue
• vomiting (more than just spit-up)
• bloody stools
• diarrhea

Especially if your child is showing signs of allergies or wheat or dairy aversions, changing to a brand with different ingredients may make digestion easier.

It’s never a good idea to create your own homemade formula, however. Your child’s doctor can help you find an approved formula if your little one needs something special.

For many babies, a simple home remedy or two is all you’ll need to relieve constipation.

For an older baby, you can consider a dietary change.

If your child is over 6 months old, offer them a small amount of 100 percent apple, prune, or pear juice diluted with water. These include sorbitol, a type of sugar. It acts like a laxative and may be able to help with constipation.

Extra water can soften their poop, too. Of course, don’t forget to check with your doctor first for their recommendations on amount and types of liquids.

And if your baby is already eating solids, you may want to consider offering them fiber-filled options like peas and prunes. You may also consider baby cereals with whole wheat or barley instead of rice, since they include more fiber.

For younger babies, you can try the following:

• Bicycle kicks. Gently bend baby’s legs toward their chest or circle their legs in a gentle bicycling motion. (It’s easier to get a poop out in a squat position than lying flat!)
• Infant massage. Massaging their stomach and having skin-to-skin time may improve your little one’s digestive system.
• Bathing. A warm bath can help your little one’s muscles relax and allow poop to pass.

If these remedies aren’t working, your doctor may suggest other treatments. It’s not recommended to use mineral oil, stimulant laxatives, or enemas to solve constipation in infants, so speak with your pediatrician for safer methods.

Most of the time, infant constipation isn’t a sign of a serious problem, and it can be easily addressed. On very rare occasions, constipation may be a sign of another underlying condition.

Reach out to your baby’s doctor if you notice:

• consistent issues with constipation despite dietary changes to attempt to address it
• vomiting
• weakness
• refusal to eat
• blood in stools
• black stools (after your baby has already passed their meconium, which occurs during the first few days of life)

A constipated baby is one of the few things worse than the smell of a really poopy diaper.

If you’ve recently switched your little one to formula, you may notice that their poops are a little harder and less frequent. You might also notice a change in bowel movements if you’ve introduced solids to your little one’s diet.

If constipation becomes severe or you notice other warning signs of poor health, don’t hesitate to reach out to your baby’s doctor. They can assist you in creating a plan to get your little one feeling better ASAP.

Newborn Constipation in Formula-Fed Infants: What to Do

The only thing worse than the dreaded poopy diaper? Worrying about why your baby isn’t having one.

If your baby has gone several days without a dirty diaper, you may be ready to tear out your hair trying to figure out what’s wrong.

As you run through all the potential causes, one thing likely to cross your mind is their diet — especially if you’ve recently started them on formula.

Is it true that formula can cause constipation? What should you do if your baby is constipated? When do you need to contact your child’s pediatrician? Let’s take a look.

It’s true: Formula-fed babies are more likely to be constipated than those exclusively on breast milk. Why is this?

Well, breast milk is generally easier for babies to digest and considered a natural laxative.

Formula, on the other hand, is thicker. It has larger proteins that can be harder to digest. This makes gastrointestinal problems — including constipation — more likely.

But keep in mind that this doesn’t mean it’s impossible for a breastfed baby to become constipated or that all babies on formula will be constipated.

Every baby is different. Also, whether formula-fed or breastfed, your baby may show signs of constipation when you introduce solids into their diet.

One other note: Some babies fed exclusively with breast milk don’t poop frequently, but in those cases it’s likely because their bodies are absorbing all the nutrient-filled breast milk they’re eating.

Wondering if your baby is constipated? Signs of constipation include:

• infrequent or less common bowel movements
• hard bowel movements that can appear like pellets, rocks, or hard balls
• blood on the surface of the stool or when wiping
• pain while passing bowel movements — for a baby who can’t communicate with words, this may appear as an arched back, a red face, and crying
• a tight belly
• lack of interest in food

The number of poop-filled diapers a baby will have each day or week can vary greatly. Use your baby’s normal — not your neighbor’s baby or your brother’s baby — as the baseline to help you determine if they’re constipated.

And it’s important to remember that constipation isn’t just about how frequently your infant is pooping, but also about how hard it is for them to do so.

If they poop once every 3 to 4 days, but the poop is soft and seems to pass easily, they may be just fine. On the other hand, if your baby poops every other day but is straining and crying while pooping and the poop is hard, they may be constipated.

If you’ve recently switched to formula after exclusively breastfeeding your baby, you may notice changes in your baby’s poop. It’s not uncommon for it to become harder or change color.

You may also notice an increase in gas, particularly if your baby is transitioning to using a bottle. Every baby is different though, and you may not notice much of a change.

Looking at supermarket formula displays can be enough to set your head spinning.

First, there are three different forms of formula you can choose from:

• powders
• concentrates
• ready-to-use

Then, within these forms, they may be:

• milk-based (cow or goat) formulas
• soy-based formulas
• specialty formulas, like organic options

Some formulas advertise themselves as easier to digest.

This can be because they are homogenized, which means they’re processed in a way that breaks down molecules for easier absorption. Or they may be made with ingredients designed to be easier on the digestive system.

Despite this advertisement, there’s no guarantee that any formula will sit well in baby’s stomach. So, how do you choose?

For many parents, the answer lies in asking fellow parents and caregivers about their experiences with formula and researching the ingredients to find one that feels right.

After choosing a formula, you might decide that you’d like to change to another one. Is this a good idea?

Switching your baby’s formula may make a difference in their poop, since their sensitivity to some of the ingredients in the original formula may have led to their constipation.

However, changing formula styles or brands can also make things worse, especially if you do it too often.

In other words, it’s not a good plan to give your baby one formula for 1 or 2 days, then changing to another formula right away when you see that they’re constipated. Instead, try giving baby a few weeks to adjust to any newly introduced formula.

In some cases, though, changing formulas might be wise. Even so, it’s best to speak with your child’s pediatrician first.

Reasons to consider changing formulas can include:

• food allergies
• extreme fussiness
• a need for more iron in a baby’s diet, as determined by a doctor (though most infant formulas do contain iron)
• weakness or fatigue
• vomiting (more than just spit-up)
• bloody stools
• diarrhea

Especially if your child is showing signs of allergies or wheat or dairy aversions, changing to a brand with different ingredients may make digestion easier.

It’s never a good idea to create your own homemade formula, however. Your child’s doctor can help you find an approved formula if your little one needs something special.

For many babies, a simple home remedy or two is all you’ll need to relieve constipation.

For an older baby, you can consider a dietary change.

If your child is over 6 months old, offer them a small amount of 100 percent apple, prune, or pear juice diluted with water. These include sorbitol, a type of sugar. It acts like a laxative and may be able to help with constipation.

Extra water can soften their poop, too. Of course, don’t forget to check with your doctor first for their recommendations on amount and types of liquids.

And if your baby is already eating solids, you may want to consider offering them fiber-filled options like peas and prunes. You may also consider baby cereals with whole wheat or barley instead of rice, since they include more fiber.

For younger babies, you can try the following:

• Bicycle kicks. Gently bend baby’s legs toward their chest or circle their legs in a gentle bicycling motion. (It’s easier to get a poop out in a squat position than lying flat!)
• Infant massage. Massaging their stomach and having skin-to-skin time may improve your little one’s digestive system.
• Bathing. A warm bath can help your little one’s muscles relax and allow poop to pass.

If these remedies aren’t working, your doctor may suggest other treatments. It’s not recommended to use mineral oil, stimulant laxatives, or enemas to solve constipation in infants, so speak with your pediatrician for safer methods.

Most of the time, infant constipation isn’t a sign of a serious problem, and it can be easily addressed. On very rare occasions, constipation may be a sign of another underlying condition.

Reach out to your baby’s doctor if you notice:

• consistent issues with constipation despite dietary changes to attempt to address it
• vomiting
• weakness
• refusal to eat
• blood in stools
• black stools (after your baby has already passed their meconium, which occurs during the first few days of life)

A constipated baby is one of the few things worse than the smell of a really poopy diaper.

If you’ve recently switched your little one to formula, you may notice that their poops are a little harder and less frequent. You might also notice a change in bowel movements if you’ve introduced solids to your little one’s diet.

If constipation becomes severe or you notice other warning signs of poor health, don’t hesitate to reach out to your baby’s doctor. They can assist you in creating a plan to get your little one feeling better ASAP.

Constipation in a formula-fed or mixed-fed newborn

Of course, the ideal food for babies is breast milk, which, in addition to the main nutrients, contains prebiotics (which stimulate the growth of beneficial microflora in the intestines), digestive enzymes (break down food into the simplest substances that are then absorbed into the body) and other useful for bowel substance ¹ .

Constipation in babies during breastfeeding occurs infrequently ² . If constipation still occurs, then how best to help the baby? First of all, the mother’s diet should be adjusted, especially if she also periodically encounters such a phenomenon as constipation. It is better to reduce the consumption of semolina and rice porridge, whole milk, muffins, refined foods, coffee, cocoa, black tea ³ . These products can lead to constipation in the mother, and therefore in the baby.

Also, it is better to exclude foods that contribute to excessive gas formation from the diet of a nursing mother: nine0005

• tomatoes;
• legumes;
• mushrooms;
• black bread;
• cabbage.

In addition, massaging the baby's tummy can help.

An unpleasant phenomenon - constipation in a child - can also be faced by young mothers whose babies are bottle-fed. Do not panic, because constipation with artificial feeding is quite common ² . First of all, it is worth finding out the causes of constipation, as well as methods for eliminating or preventing this problem.

How do you know if your baby is constipated?

Normally, in a newborn baby who is breastfed, the intestines are cleared after each feeding (8–9 times a day). But the same baby, fed with an artificial mixture, has a stool 1-4 times a day. As the baby grows older, the frequency of his stool decreases, and the amount of stool increases ⁴ .

But it is worth remembering that each baby has its own rhythm of bowel cleansing. The most important thing is the general condition of the child. If the newborn is calm, has a normal temperature, does not suffer from increased gas formation, defecation is painless, and the consistency of the stool is soft, then even irregular stools are not a cause for concern. In this case, we are not talking about constipation in a child with artificial feeding ¹ .

Causes of constipation nine0033

Causes of constipation in children under one year old (both bottle-fed and breast-fed with complementary foods) can be ¹ :

• lack of vegetable fiber products;
• insufficient drinking regimen;
• introducing complementary foods too quickly;
• incorrect choice of milk mixture;
• excess fat in food;
• frequent and rapid transitions from one mixture to another; nine0016
• deviations in bowel function;
• violations of the intestinal microflora due to infectious diseases, the appointment of drugs.

Prevention of constipation in babies

To prevent constipation, you should try to keep breastfeeding your baby as long as possible.

• Transfer to artificial nutrition should be smooth.
nine0015 If your baby becomes constipated when switching to milk formula, it is better to try to choose a different food.
• It is important to know that artificially feeding a baby needs an extra amount of liquid, so between feedings he needs to be given boiled water.
• Improves baby's digestion and massage of the tummy in a clockwise direction, as well as walks, meals strictly on the clock and a lot of positive emotions.

If all of the above does not help, you can try a laxative. nine0005

Laxative Duphalac® has a high safety profile, it can be used in children from the first days of life ⁵ . Dufalac has a double action: it gently cleanses the intestines and restores its microflora, establishing regular stools ⁵ . It can be used for as long as needed ^5.6 and is non-addictive*. The duration of treatment for constipation can be 2 months and 1 month after the disappearance of all symptoms ⁷ . Duphalac® syrup is easy to use - it can be added to porridge, baby food, yogurt, diluted with water or given directly to the baby ⁵ .

More information about the dosage, features of the use of the drug in children can be found here.

Infant formula for constipation: which one to choose

09/23/2019 Reading time: 5 min nine0108 49525

Content of article

• Childhood GI disorder
• Symptoms of constipation
• Constipation during breastfeeding
• Causes of constipation
• Peculiarities of children's diet
• Formula selection for formula feeding and constipation

Childhood GI disorder

More often, a violation of the gastrointestinal tract occurs in children who are on artificial or mixed feeding. This is due to the fact that the baby's digestive system in the first year of life is prepared by nature for the assimilation of mother's milk, and infant formulas are created according to the model of breast milk and are only as close as possible to its composition. However, sometimes it also happens that a violation of the gastrointestinal tract occurs in infants. There can be several reasons - from the mother's unsuitable diet to nervous disorders. What to do if a newborn has constipation? First of all, go to the doctor. nine0005

What frequency and consistency of stool is normal for a child?

Stool in infants changes and may be thinner or harder:

during the introduction of complementary foods.

Symptoms of constipation

• Bowel emptying irregularly (less than once every 36 hours).


• The stool is dry and hard, which means that later the child may try to retain feces, since the last time a bowel movement caused him pain (relevant for older children). nine0016
  
• The baby pushes hard, pulls his legs up to his chest, but his efforts do not give any results.


• The baby is naughty, frowns, cries when trying to empty the intestines.


• The child has trouble sleeping and refuses to eat.


• There is bloating.

Other conditions can lead to similar symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor to make a diagnosis. nine0005

Constipation during breastfeeding

The quantity (and quality) of mother's milk is affected not only by mother's nutrition, but also by the state of her nervous system and lifestyle*. It is, of course, very difficult not to be nervous, but a parent can manage her lifestyle. A woman cannot breastfeed normally if she is in constant stress and nervous exhaustion. The less time a mother spends on household chores, the better for her, and therefore for the newborn. So all household duties can be safely delegated to the second parent, grandparents, other relatives, friends or hired nannies. It is important to pay attention to nutrition: nine0005

• Be sure to include in the daily menu at least half a kilogram of various (preferably fresh) fruits, vegetables and berries, as well as other foods and dishes containing fiber.
• No matter how trite it may sound, but drink enough liquid during the day (1.5-2 liters).

You can understand what diet is suitable for mom by the reactions of the child. If in doubt, but really want to eat something special, eat a little and see how the baby's digestion reacts. If the baby does not have reddening of the skin and rash, there are no problems with the stool, there are no colic and constipation, then the chosen dish is quite suitable *. But strict restrictive diets of a nursing woman without special need (individual allergic reactions to food and other food intolerances) are not allowed. For the prevention of nutritional deficiencies, both in her and in the child. nine0134

Causes of constipation

1. Immaturity of the digestive organs. Due to the fact that the gastrointestinal tract of the newborn is only adapting to new conditions, there may be various functional failures in its work.


2. Immaturity of the nervous system. Insufficient maturity of the baby's nervous system prevents him from correctly recognizing signals about the need to defecate.


3. Somatic diseases. Rare pathologies include dolichosigma (an increase in the length of the sigmoid colon), lactase deficiency (absence or insufficient amount of enzymes for the breakdown of lactose), Hirschsprung's disease (accompanied by impaired innervation in the intestine). Colds and viral diseases can cause constipation, leading to dehydration of the child's body. Also, constipation can be one of the manifestations of hypothyroidism, rickets, liver disease, myasthenia gravis, and some other disorders. nine0016
   
4. Features of nutrition. If a child is breastfed, then the mother's malnutrition can affect the work of his gastrointestinal tract. Doctors recommend that lactating women exclude confectionery, fatty broths, cheeses, nuts from the diet. In artificers, constipation can be caused by a lack of fluid. Also, a sharp change in the brand of the mixture can lead to violations in this area.


5. Taking certain medications. nine0261 Constipation may be a reaction to the treatment of mother or baby with antibiotics, anticonvulsants and antispasmodics.


6. Psychological problems. Children often suffer from constipation, whose parents are constantly in nervous tension, often get irritated, violently solve some family problems.