Understanding baby's digestion
We often tend to "interpret" a baby's problems through the lens of our adult perspective. However, it's important to remember that even though a baby's digestive system is fully developed at birth, it needs to learn to function properly during its first year of life. Therefore, babies aren't yet fully autonomous in their digestion, and this can lead to distressing pain and crying for worried parents!
In your womb, your baby was nourished continuously and passively: they didn't have to participate in the effort of feeding. Once they arrive in our world, they must therefore adapt to this new way of eating, which requires them to actively participate in their nutritional intake. Breast milk is a precious resource and contains enzymes that facilitate digestion. However, it's important to keep in mind that what Mom eats, the breastfed baby also receives… so there can be consequences for their digestion and elimination related to your diet.
Indeed, the baby will also have to learn to eliminate food. Constipation, gas, diarrhea, and colic are common consequences that raise many questions for parents.
Mother Hen wants to reassure you: mastering digestion is a real challenge for your child, but you can support and soothe them! We offer various explanations about what can upset your baby's digestion and solutions to try at home to make it easier. If you have any concerns about your child's digestive discomfort, don't hesitate to talk to your pediatrician. A baby's digestion is a crucial aspect of their development, so it's always wise to ask healthcare professionals for advice!
Digestive problems
Digestive problems are common in babies learning to eat, but they can sometimes be very difficult for parents to diagnose. Since crying is our child's only form of communication, we can feel helpless when faced with their face contorted in pain, trying to figure out the culprit: constipation, intolerance or allergy, dehydration, impending vomiting, or mysterious colic?
Mother Hen offers you tools to help you find your way: a chart of different digestive disorders to better identify them, and a solution tool to relieve colic!
Constipation
Are you carefully monitoring your baby's bowel movements and noticing they're becoming less frequent? That's it, you declare them constipated. But be careful: true constipation is characterized by hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass, even if they occur daily. Frequency is one indicator, but texture is the most important factor to monitor. Before reaching the point of actual constipation, pay attention to the frequency and texture of the stools in the diaper to prevent the problem. If your baby is squirming, has large stools that seem painful to pass, or has bleeding anal fissures, take action!
Although constipation is rare in breastfed babies, it can occur when switching to formula, if the baby's diet is low in fiber, or due to the stress of a change in routine, for example. In all cases, offer the breast or bottle more often, move the baby's legs, and massage their tummy with your fingers. If your baby is over 6 months old, you can offer boiled water, and if they have started introducing solid foods, you can even offer prune, apple, or pear juice.
For small eaters aged 6 months and older, Our apple and prune puree is a good source of fiber! Make sure your baby drinks enough water and stays active. At this age, you don't need a marathon for it to be effective!
Colic
The dreaded colic! Every parent will tell you that any digestive pain that's more or less easily diagnosed falls under the category of "colic." In theory, colic is defined by intense crying that occurs mainly at the end of the day and often at the same time each day. It lasts at least 3 hours at a time, for 3 consecutive days and 3 weeks in a row. 3-3-3. Easy, right? Easier said than done!
Colic most often occurs between the first two weeks of life and four months, peaking around six weeks. The baby's feeding method doesn't seem to affect the risk of developing colic, so before changing your diet if you're breastfeeding, look for the culprit elsewhere. Make sure your baby's basic needs are met: appetite, a clean diaper, clothing that's neither too hot nor too cold, and a calm environment without excessive light or noise. In some cases, a cow's milk protein allergy can cause colic. This type of allergy may be accompanied by vomiting or rashes. If you suspect this is the case with your baby, consult your doctor.
Vomiting and regurgitation
First, it's important to distinguish between vomiting and regurgitation. Vomiting sometimes stems from an immature digestive system, which is why it's more common in the first six months. However, you should be vigilant, because vomiting can be a sign of a food allergy. If you suspect this, ask your doctor to perform an allergy test.
As for regurgitation, it's a common occurrence for parents! It's linked to the immaturity of your baby's digestive system and isn't a problem... except when it comes to washing clothes!
Don't lose hope:
They usually decrease over time when the baby can sit up and starts eating solid foods.
Intolerances and allergies
Allergies are a broad topic that will be a concern throughout your baby's childhood, even if they don't have allergies themselves, as allergens must always be considered at daycare or school. In the case of a baby, you need to watch for various symptoms such as vomiting, rashes or redness on the skin, and difficulty breathing. Rest assured: allergic reactions often appear mildly before becoming a full-blown attack, so consult your doctor as soon as you notice anything unusual when introducing new foods.
In the case of a baby who only consumes milk, breast milk or commercially prepared milk, it is the allergy to bovine proteins that can create a problem, due to a hypersensitivity of the immune system to the proteins contained in cow's milk (or the presence of bovine protein in the mother's diet when breastfeeding).
It is crucial not to confuse allergy and intolerance: an intolerance may cause discomfort for your baby, while an allergy can lead to more serious reactions. That's why you should consult experts at the first sign of an allergy.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea can have several causes: food poisoning, antibiotics, or even gastroenteritis! It's characterized by stools that are looser than usual and more frequent. The main concern when your baby has diarrhea is dehydration. If you're breastfeeding, be sure to offer the breast more often, and if your baby is bottle-fed, offer it more frequently throughout the day. In both cases, you can offer a small amount of oral rehydration solution (1 tablespoon) between feedings.
However, be aware:
If the baby vomits in addition to having diarrhea, we go slowly with the liquids so as not to create a chain reaction, and the baby spits up the liquid he just received.
The importance of hydration
As long as your baby is only drinking milk, whether breastfed or bottle-fed, there's no need to worry too much about water before 6 months. Offer the breast on demand and the bottle as well. However, since water is essential for your baby's well-being and health, and also aids digestion, don't hesitate to offer it from 6 months onwards. Keep in mind that infant formula should be prepared with cooled, boiled water.
From 6 months onwards, water can be introduced at the same time as solid foods. However, it's important to ensure that water doesn't replace breast milk or infant formula, which provides essential nutrients that babies need. There's no need to offer bottled water, which is neither environmentally friendly nor very expensive. Tap water or water from a private well can be offered unless there are public warnings against its consumption. Avoid hot tap water, which is higher in heavy metals (this also applies to adults), sparkling water, and water from a lake or spring.
Mother Hen, purees for gentle digestion
To help the developing digestive system do its job, we know that fiber plays a key role. It is found in green vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, and beans, and in fruits such as apples (with the peel) or prunes.
La Mère Poule purees are a good way to provide these essential fibers to your babies, even if they are fed by baby-led weaning (BLW).
La Mère Poule purees are easily digestible, contain no allergens, and are made with the best possible ingredients. Reassuring when you're trying to figure out what's causing your baby's tummy aches!