As a baby, elimination patterns can vary greatly. Some babies have multiple bowel movements a day where others can go for a week. Before introducing solids to a baby, infrequent bowel movements aren’t as much of a concern as every baby is different. As long as the baby is striving, gaining weight, happy and continuing to have wet diapers, try to not let their elimination pattern stress you out.
The first big transitional period in a babies life is when they are introduced to solid foods. This is when we want to see the elimination pattern become consistent and something we want to continue to see all throughout the child’s life.
When babies are eating solids regularly, you would like to see elimination at least once a day. Sometimes they may need some extra help to keep things moving along. As always, I always look first to foods and always prefer to try the holistic approach.
Top 3 Foods to Avoid/Reduce
Pasteurized dairy products. Try reducing the amount of cow’s milk you are providing your child. If the constipation is severe, take them temporarily off cows milk and replace with coconut or nut. Another big one to be aware of is cheese, just like in adults, too much cheese can cause constipation.
Foods with fortified with iron. Supplemental iron can cause constipation so be aware if you are feeding your kids cereals as usually these have fortified iron. I’m not saying rice cereals are bad, just something to be aware of and to possible eliminates if your child is constipated.
Bananas. This is especially true is the banana is unripe. However, if your child is regular bananas are great, but when you are dealing with constipation, these are always the first to remove. However, on the flip side, bananas are great if your child is having too loose of stools and you want to do the opposite effect.
Top 3 Foods to Include (to prevent/alleviate constipation)
The Rose Family P fruits. Plum, peach, pear, and especially prune. They are loaded with fiber to help move food through the digestive tract and give the stool the right consistency to pass easily.
Healthy fats. Fat is so important to keep things lubricated. Always bake and cook with olive oil, ghee or coconut oil to ensure fat is included in the meal. Fat is also critical to absorb fat-soluble vitamins, another reason you always want to include it. During battles of constipation, you can even give your little one 1/2-1 tbsp of coconut oil directly to help get things moving.
Prebiotics. Healthy intestinal flora is so important for creating a child’s strong immunity but it also plays a large role in proper digestion. Adding in fermented foods helps to increase beneficial bacteria to prevent constipation. During times of constipation, adding a supplementation such as Galactomune will help shift the balance of gut microbe towards more beneficial species.
Don’t Forget The Fluids
Offer water. Once baby starts solids, you can offer a few sips of water with food. Even a few sips of water each day can make all the difference to some babies who struggle with constipation.
Offer Bone Broth. Provides all the benefits of drinking water, however, you get a whole other sleeve of health benefits. Its also packed with natural prebiotics, to help main a healthy gut flora and avoid constipation.
Offer Flax Tea. Used in Chinese medicine as a natural laxative and trust me it works! Boil 1 tbsp of flaxseed then strain to remove the flax seeds. You can give this to your child directly or add it to food. I personally like to steam some pear ( as it also has a natural laxative effect) and then blend it with some of the flat tea. It usually works within a few hours!
XO
B