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Babies Children Constipation

Infants may suffer constipation because of baby formula, introducing to dairy products

Breast fed infants rarely suffer from constipation because of higher level of Motiline hormone. Constipation is more frequent among bottle fed infants. Breast fed or not, infants may suffer from constipation as feeding is switched to regular whole milk. Under the age of 4 months, increase in water intake, and switching to low iron formula (for bottle fed babies) may be sufficient to relieve constipation. After the age of 4 months, fiber should be introduced in the form of pureed vegetables and unsweetened fruits along with increased water intake. If the baby is constipated, baby may hold back stool fearing pain. As the stool is held back, the colon absorbs more water making the stool harder yet.

Do Don't solutions for babies

Switch to low iron formula
Use fruit juices such as (apple, pear, prune) diluted with cold boiled water (1 part juice, 1 part water)
Puree defrosted frozen fruits in syrup (peaches, raspberries) diluted with cold boiled water (1 part juice, 1 part water)
Use fruit jellies (apple, peach, raspberry), not jams, diluted with cold boiled water (1 part juice, 1 part water)
Use pureed dried fruits (raisins, prune). The puree may be thinned with water to be fed with bottled.
Always boil water and cool it down to directly feed, or as a mix for juices etcetera.
Don't use cod liver oil, may be carcinogenic
Don't use honey, may cause botulism
Don't use corn syrup (Karo), may cause botulism

After the age of one year, the basic dietary cause of constipation is dairy products (whole milk and cheese) with little fiber and water. As a general rule, a child should intake 4 grams of fiber plus the age. Therefore, a four year old child should take 4 grams plus 4 (for age), or a total of 8 grams of fiber per day.
Fruits vegetables, whole grain Roti are good source of fiber. Avoid rice, cheese, high fat or sugar foods. Switch to low fat milk. If constipated, stir ¼ teaspoon of flax seed meal in ¼ cup of Dal, or some vegetables.