DIGESTIVE ISSUES IN BABIES

When it comes to Baby’s stools, many parents worry about constipation when the nappy has been empty for a while and the baby seems to be straining. However, the best indication of constipation is not frequency, but rather stools that are dry and hard, even if they are passed frequently. It is important to keep your baby well hydrated, as this is the best way to prevent constipation.

On the other side of the poo spectrum, parents worry about diarrhoea. Typically though, breastfed babies have very wet poos. Some babies can produce 10 dirty nappies a day, and others just one per week – all normal. Be on the lookout though for slime in the stool, or an explosive poo, as this indicates diarrhoea. Your baby might also vomit and have a temperature. Dehydration is a real concern, so it is best to see the doctor.

The many advantages of probiotics include that they help with improved gut motility and therefore are beneficial in the treatment of diarrhoea and constipation. Probiotics strengthen the gut wall and protect against infection and inflammatory bowel diseases.

In premature babies with a very low birth weight, the use of probiotics for six weeks decreased fatalities due to necrotising enterocolitis. This is a disease where part of the gastrointestinal tract gets infected and dies. Probiotics also help with the digestion of lactose in food, and they help with the absorption of nutrients, specifically minerals such as calcium.