Foods that cause constipation in babies need to be monitored for intake

Babies who are only given breast milk usually rarely experience constipation or have difficulty defecating. However, indigestion such as constipation may occur after he is introduced to solid foods other than breast milk (MPASI). Therefore, you must be smart in choosing foods so that your little one doesn't become constipated. In fact, what foods cause constipation in babies? Come on, look here.

Food can be a cause of constipation in children

The average baby has a digestive system that is not completely perfect. That is why until the age of 6 months they are only breastfed. After passing that age, then your little one can eat other foods that taste more diverse and have a denser texture.

Solid foods complement breast milk that supports growth, relieves hunger, and helps meet energy and nutritional needs. However, when babies are introduced to these foods they are prone to experiencing constipation.

The difficulty in defecating that this baby is experiencing is a sign that his digestive system is adapting or that the food choices you are giving are not right.

List of foods that cause constipation in babies

Breastfed newborns usually defecate more than 4 times a day and formula-fed babies will defecate no more than 4 times. Over time, the frequency of their bowel movements decreases, at least once a day.

When a baby is constipated, he or she cannot pass stool properly and always looks in pain or cries every time. This condition causes the appearance of other symptoms of constipation, such as heartburn and bloating. Of course, this can make your baby fussy and you become anxious.

If you suspect the cause of constipation in babies is food, you should avoid or limit consumption. Foods that can trigger constipation in your little one include:

1. Rice cereal

Source: This, That, and Other Thangs

It is not surprising that the cause of constipation in babies is due to eating too much solid food. One of the solid foods that are often given to babies is rice cereal. Unfortunately, these foods can cause constipation because they are low in fiber.

However, you don't need to worry because there are other foods that can be used as substitutes. Try jams and oatmeal cereals, as these foods contain more fiber.

If necessary, also add a little apple or pear juice to the cereal to provide a more delicious flavor variant and help prevent constipation.

2. Bananas

Bananas are often used as solid food to accompany breast milk because apart from their soft texture, this fruit also has a sweet taste, so many babies love it. Unfortunately, bananas are one of the foods that cause constipation in some babies.

However, most likely cases occur if the yellow fruit given to your little one is not fully ripe.

Yes, this raw banana can cause constipation because it contains a type of starch that the body cannot digest. So, make sure the banana that your little one will give you is perfectly ripe.

3. Dairy products

If consumed in large quantities, dairy products, such as milk, yogurt, ice cream, or cheese can cause constipation. It is not yet known exactly why dairy products are foods that cause constipation in babies.

However, most believe that the high fat content and low fiber in dairy products can slow down the digestive process, leading to constipation. Not only that, the lactose content in milk is believed to cause flatulence or gas.

This also applies to babies who consume formula milk. The reason is, if your baby drinks formula milk, there is a possibility that the cause of his constipation comes from one of the protein components in formula milk.

Consult your doctor whether one of the ingredients in the formula he consumes is the cause of his constipation or not.

4. Other foods

When the baby is judged to be able to chew solid food, he will already enjoy a more varied diet, for example eating fast food.

Foods consisting of fried chicken, french fries, or chicken nuggets can be a cause of constipation in babies. The reason is, these foods contain lots of oil and fat, which can make the child's digestion move slower, causing constipation.

As with fast food, sugar-laden foods such as soda, cookies, ice cream and candy, also cause constipation.

Therefore, you should give children food that is cooked by steaming or boiling to prevent children from constipation.

Tips for feeding the baby so as not to trigger constipation

The foods that have been mentioned above are not completely prohibited from being given to babies. However, the intake really needs to be considered. Reporting from the Mayo Clinic website, there are several tips so that these foods do not cause constipation in babies, including:

Do not give these foods more than the recommended portion. Consider fiber intake from other complementary foods.
Make sure your little one drinks enough water to balance out the dietary fiber he receives.
Introduce new foods one at a time, not simultaneously. After 3 or 5 days, then you change to another food.

So that constipation in babies does not occur, make sure you always provide a diet rich in fiber, such as vegetables and fruits. The fiber from these foods is much easier for the intestines to digest, so it doesn't trigger constipation.

Then, it would be better if you do not give your little one fast food. Not only constipation, this type of food is also not healthy for the body as a whole because it is high in sugar, salt and oil.

The cause of constipation in babies is not only food

The cause of constipation in babies is not solely from food choices. It can also be a combination of other trigger factors, such as a baby who is not getting enough fluids or has a health problem that makes it difficult to digest food.

If you have changed your diet and your little one is still constipated, immediately consult a pediatrician. The doctor will help find the cause as well as determine the right treatment. These remedies can include home remedies or administering medical drugs to relieve constipation symptoms that your baby is experiencing.