As a parent, you see every giggle, cry, and expression. You want to make sure your baby is healthy!
One important thing to keep track of is your baby’s bowel movements. Because their digestion changes as they grow, it can be hard to spot an issue such as constipation.
One of the most challenging parts about constipation in babies is that it can be hard to identify the problem, the causes, and find a solution.
Selecting a baby formula that will relieve any pain and straining is essential.
This article will share how to identify constipation, the causes, a few types of formula that will help ease constipation, and the best Similac formula for constipation.
What Are Common Signs of Constipation?
Constipation is a common condition in babies under a year old. There are some signs to look for when identifying the problem.
Symptoms of constipation include making less frequent stools, observing your baby straining more than 10 minutes to pass a stool, hard stools, or having blood in them.
You might notice extra fussiness or appearing to be in discomfort when trying to pass a stool.
A constipated baby may even refuse to eat or have a bloated or hard belly.
Changes in Bowel Movements
Although all babies have different bowel movements, you will notice some patterns in their digestion.
Babies who drink only breast milk may not pass stools every day, but instead just a few times a week.
Formula-fed babies may have bowel movements a few times a week or a few times a day.
If your baby hasn’t passed a stool in 5 to 10 days, they are most likely constipated. Babies who have started eating solid foods pass stools about once a day.
Pay attention to these patterns and what is normal for your child. If there is a sudden change in stools’ frequency, this may signal digestive issues like constipation.
What Causes Constipation?
Your baby’s diet impacts their digestive system. Making the switch from breast milk to formula can cause a change in digestion.
Dietary Changes
At around six months of age, your baby will be ready to start eating solid foods. After a year, your baby will begin drinking cow’s milk.
The addition of solid foods and different kinds of milk in their diet can cause their stools to change in consistency and frequency.
Any of these dietary changes can cause constipation, so be on the lookout for constipation issues when you make a switch.
Dehydration
Dehydration is another cause of constipation because it forces the body to draw fluid from the bowels, leading to hard stools.
It usually occurs when breastfeeding stops. Make sure your child gets enough fluids.
Types of Formula
Formulas contain oils to recreate the fatty composition of breast milk. Some baby formulas contain palm olein oil.
Studies have shown that babies who consume formula with palm oil do not absorb calcium as well, and the calcium builds up in the gut, causing constipation.
If your baby is constipated and formula feeding, look for a formula that does not contain palm olein oil.
Always Check with Your Pediatrician
Although constipation may be a common issue in babies, I always recommend seeing your pediatrician for advice.
A pediatrician visit is especially important if you notice constipation lasting longer than two weeks, notice blood in the stools, or if vomiting or fever is paired with constipation.
These might be signs of more serious medical conditions, such as obstructions, structural abnormalities, or thyroid problems.
What Can I Do to Help Ease Constipation?
0 to 6 Months Old
Before six months, your baby is exclusively drinking breast milk or infant formula. Suppose your baby is diagnosed with constipation and is drinking breast milk.
In that case, your pediatrician might recommend you stop consuming dairy products because your baby could have an allergy to milk proteins.
If your baby is constipated and drinking formula, your pediatrician might recommend you switch to a lactose-free formula to help soften stools.
Pay close attention to your baby’s digestion after switching formulas to check if constipation has been relieved.
If you feed your baby formula, it can be tough to decide which formula is the best to ease your baby’s constipation.
You may need to try out several types and brands to find the best fit for your baby.
After Six Months Old
If your baby is eating solid foods and is constipated, try incorporating more fiber-rich foods into their diet.
Bran, brown rice, prunes, broccoli, and beans all contain high amounts of fiber that may help get things moving.
Make sure your little one is drinking plenty of fluids, which can include water after six months.
Foods that bring on constipation include white rice, bananas, apple sauce, and carrots. Try to limit those foods.
Also, try to limit processed foods that are high in fat. Pear juice and prune juice are also known to relieve constipation.
Your pediatrician might also recommend avoiding whole cow’s milk to see if the issue causing your little one’s constipation is a milk allergy.
If that is the case, you want to make sure your child gets all the nutrients they need through another milk source, such as soy milk.
Quick Answer: What Is The Best Similac Formula For Constipated Babies?
Similac Advance is the best baby formula for constipation. It does not contain palm olein oil, and it provides essential nutrients for your baby’s development, including Vitamin E, DHA, and lutein.
These nutrients assist in brain and cellular development and eye health.
The Similac Advance formula has hundreds of parent testimonials, including one parent who said, “My daughter started with another brand. The pediatrician switched her to this. No more constipation!”
Parents also shared that their babies were gaining healthy weight after switching to Similac Advance. Similac Advance is also a non-GMO formula.
The product comes in large 1.45 lb containers, smaller 12.4 oz cans, and convenient one qt Ready-to-Feed bottles.
