How to improve your baby’s gut health

Constipation is a widespread gastrointestinal issue, and it spares no one as people from all ages can be affected. Yes, even babies.

Novalac Constipation is a product specifically designed to provide relief for constipated little ones. Let’s delve into the features that make this product a necessary one in your home. 

How to tell if baby is suffering from constipation

Constipation refers to times in your life when bowel movements become infrequent, or you battle to pass stools. 

In general, you are considered constipated when bowel movements result in passing small amounts of hard, dry stool, usually fewer than three times a week.

Just like in adults, babies are unique in how often they need to pass stools. Some do after every feed, others only once every few days. All normal, as long as baby is happy and growing.

The main causes of constipation in babies are changes in diet and not drinking enough liquids. Formula-fed babies seem more to constipation than breastfed babies. 

Diet changes can refer to changing from being formula-fed, changing from being breastfed and exposure to new foods and flavours.

Some babies develop constipation when they start eating solid food. Some simply have a natural tendency to become constipated, even with a good diet and enough fluids. This doesn’t mean that they are unhealthy.

No matter at which age constipation hits, it can cause considerable discomfort, which baby can’t communicate to you. Here’s some tell-tale signs of possible constipation:

• Excessive fussiness
• Spitting up more often than usual
• Trouble passing stools
• Hard, dry stools
• Pain during bowel movements
• A belly that’s hard and painful
• Large bowel movements
• Blood in the stool
• Clenching their buttocks

Prolonged periods of no poo and poo that looks like little clay balls are your biggest clues that baby’s tummy isn’t well.

Helping infants find relief from constipation

Novalac Constipation is a formula for babies up to 12 months which has been specially formulated to ease constipation.

It contains a balanced blend of nutrients, ensuring that your baby gets what he needs on a daily basis, while helping to soften stools and increasing stool frequency.

Novalac Constipation contains the correct amount of dietary fibre, which contributes to softer stools and helps to make your baby feel a bit better. Prebiotics also contribute to optimal gut health.

A balanced mix of essential nutrients makes Novalac Constipation healthy for baby, and you can keep feeding it after constipation symptoms have resolved.

Other ways to help baby feel better

Constipation is an uncomfortable condition, and a fussy, unhappy baby is most likely the result. These home remedies can help to bring some relief:

• Exercise and movement is a good way to stimulate a baby’s (and adult’s) bowels.
  Since baby is probably not yet walking or crawling, you can help by gently moving baby’s legs while he is lying on his back, mimicking the motion of riding a bicycle. This might help to kickstart the bowels.

• A warm bath can help to relax abdominal muscles and to stop straining.

• If your child is already eating solid food, offer some extra water.

• It is recommended that you speak to a doctor first if baby has never had juice before, but offering small amounts of fruit juice, such as prune or pear, may help.
  This is because sugar is hard to digest, leading to more liquid entering the intestines, which in turn aids with bowel movements.

• Depending on your baby’s age and current diet, some diet changes can help. Babies who take formula might benefit from trying a different formula.
  Children who are eating solid foods may need some more fibre sources in their diet, such as pureed broccoli, oatmeal or pureed prunes.

• A gentle massage could offer some soothing. Use your fingertip to make circular movements on the stomach in a clockwise pattern.
  Or, stroke from the rib cage, down past the belly button, with the edge of your finger.

If using a product like Novalac Constipation along with the above home remedies make no difference, you have to get professional help. 

If your baby’s constipation doesn’t ease and other signs are present, such as blood in the stool, irritability, abdominal pain or severe distention, it’s best to get in touch with a paediatrician.

The doctor will examine the baby, and decide from there what to do next – either more home remedies or prescribed medication. Do not give your baby medication that has not been prescribed by a doctor.

Final takeaway

No one wants to see their baby suffer, and while constipation is seldom dangerous, it’s certainly unpleasant.

Novalac Constipation offers a potential solution for parents whose babies are prone to constipation, as it aims to provide relief and promote regular bowel movements. 

While this type of product is helpful, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor if you are unsure if your baby is okay.