Guidelines provide information that does not cause constipation

Babies who are new to solid foods other than breast milk (complementary foods) are prone to experiencing constipation. This condition can occur because your little one's digestive system is just adapting to new food after previously only drinking breast milk. In addition, you may also provide food that is not right for him. The question is, what kind of complementary foods should be given so as not to cause constipation in babies?

Guidelines for giving complementary foods that do not cause constipation

The problem of constipation, aka difficulty defecating, is a digestive disorder that often affects children, including during infant development.

This can have an impact on decreasing the baby's appetite, which makes you worried.

According to the Mayo Clinic, babies are said to be constipated if they show symptoms such as infrequent bowel movements accompanied by hard stools and are smaller in size.

If you pay attention, your little one will show a face in pain and even cry when defecating (BAB).

One of the causes for babies to experience constipation is due to the provision of solid foods or more specifically the choice of food.

That is why you need to prepare solid foods or complementary foods that do not cause constipation in babies.

Well, here are the guidelines that you need to apply when giving solid foods so as not to cause constipation:

1. Be careful in choosing fibrous foods

Lack of fiber can be a cause of constipation for babies when eating solid foods.

This is because one of the functions of fiber in food is to soften the stool by drawing a lot of water into the intestines.

In addition, certain types of fiber also help stimulate bowel movements to speed up so that feces can be pushed to reach the anus and are easy to pass.

On that basis, providing complementary foods that contain fiber is highly recommended so as not to cause constipation in babies.

Unfortunately, not all fibrous foods can be consumed by babies who are just starting solids.

Some examples of solid foods or complementary foods that are recommended so as not to cause constipation in babies include:

• Milk is high in fiber
• Enough vegetables so that the fiber content is not too low or too high for babies such as broccoli, carrots, kale, turnip greens, and spinach
• Fruits such as bananas, apples, pears, avocados, papayas, oranges or strawberries
• Legumes such as green beans, peas, or kidney beans
• Oatmeal

In addition to food choices, so as not to cause constipation in babies, you should not have excessive intake of solid foods.

Quoted from the Kids Pediatric website, babies aged 6 months to 1 year need about 5 grams (gr) of fiber per day.

Yes, it's the same as a deficiency, it turns out that too much fiber intake can also make babies experience constipation.

Most eat fibrous foods without being accompanied by adequate water intake can cause the baby's digestion to be disturbed.

This is because the baby's digestive system is not fully functioning normally to be able to process large amounts of fiber.

2. Introduce new foods one at a time

In order not to cause constipation in babies, you should not introduce different types of food at the same time.

That means, you can only give your little one new food one by one with a pattern of changing food types every 3-5 days.

However, if the baby's digestion has returned to normal, continue to apply balanced complementary foods consisting of carbohydrates, animal protein, vegetables and fruits.

3. Avoid foods that trigger constipation

Besides there are foods that facilitate baby's bowel movements, there are also those that can trigger constipation.

Foods that trigger constipation generally do not contain the fiber your little one needs.

Food sources for complementary foods that babies should avoid so as not to cause constipation include:

• Fast food which contains lots of fat
• Processed foods, such as sausages, meatballs, and pizza
• Chips, biscuits, wafers and other snacks
• Processed beef

Foods that contain fat, salt, sugar, and preservatives not only cause constipation, but are also unhealthy for your little one's body.

In some cases, foods that trigger constipation are also seen based on the health problems that your little one has.

Take for example, babies who have lactose intolerance cannot drink formula milk from cows, goats, or sheep or their processed products.

If your little one is given this food, he can experience various symptoms, one of which is constipation.

If you have difficulty finding foods that trigger constipation in babies, try to consult further with your doctor.

In addition to finding foods that trigger constipation, your doctor will also help you so that your baby's nutritional needs are met even though you are not allowed to eat certain foods.

4. Serve food according to age

On average, babies less than 1 year of age do not have intact teeth that can chew hard textured foods.

Therefore, make sure the food you serve is soft and easy to swallow. You can give fruit to relieve constipation, which is your baby's favorite.

You can change the type of fruit for this baby every day.

5. Balance with fluids

Preventing constipation in babies is not only seen from food choices, but also fluid intake. Dietary fiber obtained by babies can work optimally with the help of water.

Water is useful for forming stool so that it is more volume and soft so that it is easier to pass.

Infants aged 6 months and over are allowed to get the main intake of breast milk, water for babies, and food to eat.

For formula milk, choose formula milk that is good for the baby's digestion, namely formula milk that does not make constipation.

Also know how to make the right formula milk according to the instructions.

In addition to meeting the child's fluid needs, you can also meet the child's daily fiber needs.

Prescription complementary foods that do not cause constipation in babies

If you are confused about what solid foods that are safe and do not cause constipation in babies, here are some recipes that you can try at home:

Pear porridge

Materials:

• 1 pear (can be replaced with apricot or peach)
• Enough water

How to make:

• Wash the pears thoroughly then peel them
• Cut the pear in half and clean the middle
• Cut the pears into small cubes
• Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan and add the pears
• When the pears are soft, remove the pears, dry them
• Blend in a blender
• Serve for babies

Vegetable porridge

Materials:

• 1 small potato peeled
• 1 small slice of peeled pumpkin or other vegetable is enough so that it doesn't contribute to too low or too high a fiber for your baby
• 1/2 cup grated carrots
• 1 broccoli

How to make:

• Cut the broccoli into small pieces until smooth
• Use a pot or steamer and bring the water to a boil
• Enter the vegetables, cover the pot tightly and cook until soft (not too long)
• After the vegetables are soft, strain and dry
• Puree in a blender or food processor
• Serve in a dining bowl to your little one

Isn't it easy to make complementary foods that don't cause babies to experience constipation?

Now you can try this recipe at home to keep your little one nourished during his constipation recovery.

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