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The frequency that the baby poops varies according to his age and changes in feeding, with constipation being common especially between the first and second months and after the child starts eating solid foods.
To prevent and combat constipation in the baby, it is important to breastfeed the baby in the first months, in addition to giving foods rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, according to the pediatrician's guidance, which help to improve the functioning of the intestine and the moisturize the stool, facilitating its elimination.
What to do
To combat constipation in the baby, it is important that the baby is given healthy foods that support the functioning of the intestines, and plenty of water. Thus, to release the baby's intestine, it is important to:
1. Give food with a laxative effect
After 6 months, the consumption of foods that have a laxative effect can be indicated by the pediatrician, helping to improve the functioning of the intestine and promote evacuation. Thus, some of the foods that can be indicated are:
- Fruits: papaya, orange with pomace, black plum, mandarin, peach;
- Cooked leafy vegetables: kale, broccoli, spinach;
- Vegetables: carrots, sweet potatoes, beets, pumpkin;
- Whole grains: oats, wheat bran.
It is not recommended to give laxative remedies, mineral oil or laxative teas to the baby, such as sacred cascara tea or genipap unless indicated by the pediatrician, as they can irritate the intestine and lead to the production of gas and abdominal discomfort.
Find out about other options of homemade laxatives that can be indicated by the pediatrician.
2. Stimulate water consumption
In addition to feeding, it is essential to give water to the baby throughout the day, especially when he starts solid foods, such as purees and porridges, to soften the feces. It may also be necessary to make the purees, soups and porridges a little more liquid, adding more water so that the baby's stools are more hydrated.
Babies who only feed on breast milk already receive enough water from the mother's breast, but if the stools are still dry, you should speak to the pediatrician to offer more water between feedings. See when to start giving your baby water.
3. Avoid gut-trapping foods
In addition to offering foods that help loosen the baby's intestines, it is also important to avoid foods that cause constipation, such as silver bananas, guava, pears and apples, especially when they are offered without skin.
You should also avoid including vegetables such as potatoes, manioc, cassava, pasta, yams or yams in the baby's soup, as they tend to make the intestines more stuck.
When to go to the doctor
If the baby's intestine shows signs of pain or if the tummy feels very hard for more than 2 days in a row, it is important to consult the pediatrician. In addition, if blood appears in the stool or if the stool becomes very dark or almost white, it is also a sign that there may be bleeding in the intestine or liver problems, and it is necessary to see a pediatrician. Find out what are the main causes of changes in baby poop.
See in the video below what to do when the child does not want to eat: