Babies face several health niggles, not all of which are serious. There are great and effective home remedies for things like baby constipation relief and tummy cramps. But, of course, it’s always best to consult a doctor if you think something serious is wrong; a mother usually knows.
One of the most widespread culprits of discomfort in babies is digestive distress. There is a wide range of causes, but the good news is that there are simple and practical ways to treat them in most cases. Today we take a look at some of the most common forms of digestive discomfort your baby may suffer and practical ways to ease them.
Reflux
If your baby frequently brings up their food, they may be suffering from reflux; this happens when tummy contents back up into the esophagus, causing it to become raw and irritated. To counteract reflux, make sure that your baby’s clothing and diaper aren’t too restrictive. If not, try feeding your baby smaller amounts of food more frequently. However, it may be that the serving, even if it is the recommended size, is too big for your baby to digest all at once. It may also help feed your baby slowly and make sure that they are seated upright during feedings. Burp your little one often during feeding time, and make sure to keep them seated upright for half an hour or so after mealtime.
Colic
Everyone has heard about colic, but nobody understands how bad it gets until their baby suffers from it. It is a problem that babies usually suffer from in the first six months. It is defined as excessive crying in an infant that does not seem to have any health problems. This can be traumatic to new parents. The crying can be loud, lasting for hours on end. Usually, colic subsides at the three-month mark. After that, no one is sure, but many believe that colic is related to gastrointestinal distress.
While the definite cause is unclear, there is a correlation between extreme stress and tummy problems. This goes along with many other symptoms of colic, which include difficulty adjusting to the world and the baby’s temperament. To help relieve the gastrointestinal side of things, a nursing mother should avoid milk products and caffeine. In addition, consideration may be to have your baby tested for allergies and sensitivities.
Diarrhea
A baby’s first bowel movement is called meconium. It’s a sticky substance that forms during development in utero. The baby may pass several of these before the substance is completely expelled from their digestive tract. When regular bowel movements begin, they will often be yellow and formed. Breastfed babies tend to have softer bowel movements that are yellow-green. When a baby has diarrhea, they will usually have frequent, watery bowel movements. As for the causes, many things can cause a baby to suffer diarrhea. Something as minor as a change in a breastfeeding mother’s diet could overwhelm a baby’s tummy. The most vital priority is to keep your baby hydrated.
Because an infant can dehydrate quickly, any prolonged symptoms warrant an emergency doctor visit. Try to avoid changing the baby’s diet dramatically and always opt for healthy solids. If you are breastfeeding, continue doing so. Electrolyte drinks for infants can help curb dehydration.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Speak Your Mind