A few words about digestive ailments, i.e. facts and myths about children’s abdominal problems

A baby’s belly continues to mature well after birth, until around 5–7. age. At this time, the young organism is very sensitive, so it needs exceptional care and gentle treatment, including an appropriate diet. Due to the ongoing development of the digestive system, the baby may develop digestive problems, such as rain, constipation or colic. While much has been written about digestive problems, some myths still persist. That is why we dispel all doubts – check what is the fact to take full care of your baby’s delicate tummy.

FACT: Babies may shower small amounts of food after a meal, regardless of how they are fed – breastmilk or formula milk

It is worth knowing that an infant’s esophagus has a much smaller capacity and is clearly shorter and wider compared to an adult’s esophagus – this is due to the fact that the digestive system is not fully mature in the first months. Importantly, gentle downpouring is a common ailment in young children. The cause of this problem is the underdeveloped muscle that is responsible for keeping food in the stomach. Often the reason is that the baby eats too much milk. The baby’s tummy still has a small capacity, which is why the baby is initially unable to take up too much food. This means that a slight downpour can occur both in babies fed with breastmilk and those who are given formula.

FACT: A steady rhythm of the day and a relaxed atmosphere at home can help manage or relieve bouts of colic

Infant colic is a very common condition in the youngest. Among the reasons for its occurrence are: disorders of the digestive system related to its immaturity or fast eating and the resulting swallowing of large amounts of air. As one of the methods of alleviating or preventing colic, experts recommend the use of appropriate techniques of latching the baby to the breast. Tummy massages can also be helpful. It should also be remembered that an infant can easily sense the emotions in its immediate surroundings. For the sake of the toddler, parents should get them used to the regular rhythm of the day – the child likes to work according to a specific schedule. Constant hours of feeding, sleeping and playing give him a sense of security, and thus – affect his well-being.

MYTH: An infant only develops constipation because his digestive system is still maturing

One of the reasons for constipation in infants in the second half of life may be too little fluid consumed by them. In the first 6 months of a healthy baby’s life, breastmilk or modified milk fully provide the right amount of fluids. In the second half of the toddler’s year

Fluid requirements are around 800-1000 ml per day (including drinking water, mineral water, and food water) 1.

The abrupt transition from breastfeeding to modified milk or improper preparation of the next milk is mentioned successively.

An expert’s eye:

“Due to the ongoing development and exceptional delicacy of the young organism, including its digestive system, the baby needs support, which is provided, among others, by proper diet. For the first 6 months of his life, he is provided with exclusive breastfeeding, which – according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO) – is the best way to feed a baby. If, for some reasons, a woman cannot breastfeed a six-month-old baby, and during a medical visit, the pediatrician did not find any indications for administering food for special medical purposes, taking into account the good of her baby, the mother, together with the pediatrician, should choose the appropriate next milk with the most delicate formula for the tiny tummy. It is worth paying attention to ingredients that can support the delicate digestive system of an infant, for example, the content of dietary fiber, as well as the use of LACTOFIDUS – a unique process inspired by the natural phenomenon of lactic fermentation. A properly selected product will therefore not only be a source of essential nutrients for the baby, but also a support for its still maturing tiny belly “

– explains Katarzyna Rabenda, nutritional advisor at BebiKlub.pl.