Constipation is NOT 'normal', but unfortunately it's also NOT uncommon.
When baby exclusively drinks breastmilk, it is 'normal' to have multiple bowel movements a day or even just one a week. However, when baby starts eating solids regularly, we want to see more regular bowel movements, from one every day to sometimes every other day.
You will also see the difference in how the stool will look; depending on how much milk the baby consumes, the stool will thicken.
Overall the health and regularity of bowel movements give you great insights into baby's gut health and how baby's digestive system works. It also can be an indicator of possible food intolerances or food sensitivities.
To avoid constipation, here are some possible triggers:
- Starting solids too early. Starting solid food before baby's digestive system is ready can cause constipation. So make sure to wait until the baby can sit up mainly unassisted, which indicates that the muscles are ready (for more info, visit the blog post 'Is your baby ready to start solids yet?'). The core muscles must also be strong enough to move food through the intestines and back out again.
- Too much solid food too quickly. In the beginning, solid food once a day is enough, and breastmilk should still be the primary source of nourishment. Starting solids too fast can overburden their digestive system and lead to constipation.
- Too many constipating foods. Like apple sauce, white flour foods, toast, cheese, cow's milk (introducing pasteurized dairy too early), white rice, and rice cereal (iron-fortified foods - naturally occurring forms of iron are easier to digest. For more info, visit the blog post 'Babies between 6-12 months require more iron than an adult man')
-Too much fiber too fast. Breastmilk does not contain fiber, so starting with too much fiber foods like vegetables or fruit can cause constipation. So give baby's digestive system a chance to adapt, and don't increase the amount of food too fast.
- Not enough fluids. Ensure baby is still drinking enough breastmilk (or formula) and start with sips of water when starting with solids.
- Food Sensitivity / Intolerance. Constipation can be a symptom of food sensitivity or intolerance through their diet or breastfeeding mama.
- Formula type. Sometimes switching formula brands can help relieve constipation. (Especially cow's milk formula can cause constipation)
- Illness/Medication. Baby is not eating or drinking as much as usual. Certain medications like iron supplementation (poor quality) or narcotic pain medication can lead to constipation
- Gut bacteria. Gut flora amount and diversity of beneficial bacteria.
If your little one suffers from constipation, feel free to reach out!
Have you been told that constipation is 'normal' when starting solids?
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