What should parents do if their baby does not pass gas? What does an allergy look like in a newborn baby?

One of the pressing health issues for children in the first year of life remains the problem of constipation in infants. The baby can’t say what’s bothering him. And if the course of his physiological processes does not fit the concept of “norm”, formed on the basis of not always high-quality information, the parents begin to panic. Becoming victims of advertising and anti-advertising of drugs, mothers and fathers begin to uncontrollably treat their child. Is it necessary to do this in each specific case? In this article we will talk about how to determine whether a baby is constipated or not. For what reasons can it arise, how does it manifest itself and, most importantly, how to help your miracle.

Overall

Greetings to all readers of my blog. First of all, to talk about constipation in infants, let's find out what age children belong to this category. A child is considered an infant from the 29th day of life (from 2 months) to one year. It is easy to understand that such a gradation is based on the optimal duration of breastfeeding. Pediatricians recommend breastfeeding for exactly 12 months.

The first year is an incredibly important period in the life of a baby. He masters so many skills and abilities! All organs and systems of his body gradually complete their formation, acquiring some stability in their work.

Before starting the conversation, I would like to note that constipation in an infant is not fundamentally different from bowel retention in a newborn. In general, these problems have the same causes, manifestations and consequences, differing only in small ways. The treatment is also approximately the same. Therefore, if you have any questions regarding constipation in the youngest children (the first month of life), or you want to clarify something, I advise you to read more.

So, your child has reached the age of a newborn, he already knows a lot and is slowly beginning to reflect the world and communicate with it. What is normal at this age?

By the end of the first month of life, the baby has formed “mature” stools. It is yellowish-brown in color, the consistency of liquid sour cream (mushy), with the smell of sour milk.

The frequency of stool in infancy averages 2-4 times a day at the age of 2 months, 2-3 times a day at the age of 6 months, and by the end of the first year it decreases to 2 times a day. However, these figures are approximate. In the first six months, before the introduction of complementary foods, the indicator depends on the physiological characteristics of the baby’s body and on the type of feeding (to a greater extent).

If a child eats exclusively mother’s milk, then the normal frequency for him is once every 3, 4, even 5 days. Typically, such a system is formed by the third month of life and ends with the first complementary foods. It must be noted that this situation can only be considered normal if the baby feels good. This concept means the absence of:

• refusal to eat;
• bloating;
• restlessness and screaming during bowel movements;
• prolonged straining, causing discomfort or pain;
• “braking” in weight gain or weight loss;
• symptoms of intoxication (nausea, vomiting, fever, etc.).

Artificial feeding slightly changes the picture of normal stool. The stool may be thicker and have a more intense odor and color. The “healthy” frequency of bowel movements is at least once a day. But what is considered stool retention, and how do you understand that a baby has constipation?

Let's recognize the enemy by sight

How can you tell if your baby is constipated? Without taking into account various conditions, signs of constipation in a baby: stool retention for more than 1 day with artificial feeding and 2-3 days with breastfeeding. The consistency of feces is either spherical, hard, or, conversely, very liquid. Often both options are combined: a solid “plug” is followed by a liquid. However, the main criterion for diagnosing constipation in an infant is not the frequency of stool, but the baby’s well-being. If at least one of the signs listed above appears, this is a reason to worry.

In addition to those mentioned, defecation disorders may be indicated by the appearance of signs of inflammation in the anal area, blood in the stool and a change in the color of the stool. All this is combined with a decrease in stool.

It must be said that constipation in an infant can be in some way physiological and pathological.

Anatomical (mechanical) causes

First of all, it is necessary to exclude the most severe causes of the pathological condition. These include:

• intestinal obstruction;
• dolichocolon and dolichosigma;
• Hirschsprung's disease.

Each of these diseases has several sub-items:
So, obstruction can be, firstly, anatomically determined. For example, the presence of a tumor in the intestine (this problem rarely affects babies) or a defect in the development of this organ. It should be noted that we are talking not only about malignant neoplasms, but also about fairly “harmless” polyps, diverticula, and proliferations of lymphoid tissue.

Secondly, the problem of intussusception is relevant for babies. Most often, this disease occurs between the ages of 4 and 9 months. It is characterized by the invasion of one part of the intestine into the lumen of another. This creates the effect of “disposable cups” inserted one into the other. In addition, there is such a problem as “volvulus”. It is more relevant for children 3-4 years of age, but can occur from 6 months. In children of the first year of life, it is most often formed due to the presence of a hiatal hernia.

All the described diseases lead to mechanical blocking of the intestinal lumen. Thus, feces simply do not pass through the intestinal lumen. All of them are accompanied by symptoms of an “acute abdomen” - sharp pain, anxiety, crying, blood in the stool, bloating. Requires urgent surgical correction.

The second point implies lengthening of the colon and sigmoid colon, respectively. This means that the intestine has difficulty working under its own weight. In addition, there is pressure on the rectum. As a result, feces also do not pass at the proper speed.

Other pathological causes

The third disease that can cause constipation in an infant is a disorder of the nervous regulation of the intestines. With this pathology, there are certain areas in the intestine that are simply not provided with nerve endings. This means they cannot contract and relax in time.

The cause of problems with stool can be an inflammatory process in the intestinal mucosa. It develops as a result of infectious intestinal diseases, as well as as a result of mechanical trauma. For example, when mothers, trying to provoke defecation in their child, “irritate” the intestines with a thermometer, soap and other objects.

The listed factors have no connection with feeding and are not treated with “conventional” remedies for defecation disorders. In these cases, consultation with a doctor and specific treatment under the supervision of specialists are urgently needed.

The next group of reasons are “biochemical”. It involves a deficiency of enzymes such as lactase or galactase. These substances are responsible for processing the most important carbohydrates of milk and dairy products. If they are not there, then the milk is simply not digested. As a result, constipation occurs.

Bacterial filling of the intestines is necessary for proper digestion. Bifidobacteria and lactobacilli are not only the “advertising faces” of yoghurts and kefir, but the most important protectors and helpers of the body. The intestinal microflora is responsible for a huge number of processes, including the proper digestion of food. Its absence or imbalance - dysbiosis - develops for various reasons. Due to improper nutrition of the mother or baby, after taking antibiotics by the mother (if breastfeeding) or the child. These drugs (while being necessary in the fight against severe infections!) can upset the balance of microflora. Due to the low number of necessary microorganisms, constipation may develop in infants.

“Physiological” reasons

By and large, it cannot be said that constipation in a baby is normal and healthy. However, there are situations in which this problem is more of an adaptation to the prevailing circumstances. Thus, a delay in defecation within 1 day after the introduction of a new complementary food can be called physiological. The body adapts to the new product and gets ready to work with it.

Some mothers note the appearance of problems with stool after taking enterosorbents, including the drug Smecta. This is a logical and quickly passing side effect. Firstly, the medicine is prescribed for a reason, but to cope with some intestinal problem. The active substance collected all the toxins from the intestines, and before that the organ was emptied due to diarrhea. Plus the diet has been adjusted. The gastrointestinal tract needs a “time out”, time to rest from shocks. In a day everything will be back to normal.

Stressful situations can also affect stool frequency. These include, for example, fear, lack of sleep, a long journey, the appearance of a stranger (guests) in the house. One of the most serious shocks for a baby is the beginning of teething. He may be in pain, his temperature rises, his gums itch - what kind of intestinal work is there!

In addition, from 3-4 months of age, babies slowly learn to manipulate their parents. For example, if the baby sees that straining and groaning causes a panic attack in the mother. Mom starts running around her child, wailing in every possible way - paying increased attention - he will do this on purpose.
And yet, with much greater accuracy, the reason for stool retention can be named if you know the type of food the baby eats.

Constipation in a baby while breastfeeding

Breast milk is the ideal diet for your baby. It contains all the essential nutrients for its proper development. Dr. Komarovsky even believes that constipation in infants during breastfeeding was largely invented by alarmist mothers.

Stool retention occurs in a child if he simply has nothing to excrete: mother’s milk is ideal for his body. If baby:

• feels great;
• gaining weight;
• smiles and enjoys life;
• does not cry during bowel movements;
• but she poops once every 4 days - no need to worry.

However, in some cases this situation becomes a real problem. The causes of constipation in breastfed infants may be the following (except those listed in the previous section):

premature birth, prematurity of the child (relevant for 2, 3 and 4 months of life. It is believed that it is during this period that they should “catch up” with their peers);
enzyme deficiency;
violation of the diet by a nursing mother.

The last reason is the most likely and occurs more often than others. If a mother eats a lot of cheese, cottage cheese, fresh baked goods, drinks a lot of coffee and strong tea, then the baby has a higher risk of developing constipation.

In addition, the problem of defecation may develop as a result of the introduction of certain complementary foods. But we'll talk about this a little later.

What is considered a problem for a baby who is on “mother’s” diet? Lack of stool for a week if you feel normal and for 2-3 days if you have “alarm symptoms.”

Constipation in infants with artificial feeding

Constipation in a baby with artificial feeding, according to Dr. Komarovsky, is a more serious issue.

It can be formed for the following reasons:

• transition from breastfeeding to artificial feeding;
• insufficient amount of water;
• imbalance of microorganisms in the intestines (this issue is very relevant for “artificially fed” babies, especially those who have not even tried breast milk).

Probably the main reason for bowel problems in a formula-fed baby is the incorrect selection of formula. Despite the very wide range, it is difficult to choose the one that suits your miracle. There are regular, hypoallergenic, therapeutic and preventive. And we are not talking about the abundance of companies producing baby food. Your doctor will be able to advise you on which mixture to choose.

Constipation in infants also occurs if the mixture is very well selected. Then we are talking about the fact that the body has “nothing to excrete” the crumbs. This is also relevant only before the introduction of complementary foods.

In addition, the intestines of formula-fed babies are more “lazy.” The digestion process is slower (due to this, among other things, such babies are plumper). This means that stool retention may also occur.

It must be said that such children develop problems with bowel movements more often. Their body gets a little “lost” and is forced to switch from an intense work mode to a relaxed one. This question is relevant for children in the first 6 months, because... After this period, complementary foods should be introduced. The need for breast milk is reduced to a minimum and, most likely, it will disappear completely (or there will be very little of it left). In this connection, there will be a transition to artificial feeding.

Dr. Komarovsky classifies constipation in infants with mixed feeding in the same category as with artificial feeding. And this is logical, because this type of feeding involves adding formula to breast milk. Thus, if we take it as a rule that breast milk does not provoke stool disorders, all problems arise as a result of supplementary feeding with formula.

Constipation when introducing complementary foods

The introduction of new products into a baby’s diet is a very important moment. To avoid complications, there are strict rules: how, when, and in what sequence to introduce complementary foods. It is important to note that introducing food unfamiliar to the digestive system too early inevitably leads to problems with its digestion. This is why it is not recommended to feed babies under 5 months. For premature babies and babies with critical body weight deficiency, there is another option, but only with a prescription from a pediatrician. This is written about in the article about.

We won’t go into the details of this ceremony, but let’s talk about those foods that can cause constipation in a baby.
The most “dangerous” in this regard are meat dishes. Therefore, they should be introduced especially carefully and gradually. Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and zucchini usually do not cause problems with bowel movements. Porridges are also safe in this regard. On the contrary, they stimulate digestion, helping to cope with such problems.

It should be noted that with the introduction of complementary foods, the baby's stool consistency changes. It becomes more “adult” - thick and viscous, darkens. This frightens many parents, and they mistake such metamorphoses for stool retention. But there is no need to worry, this is a completely physiological process.

Formula-fed babies have a higher risk of developing constipation when complementary foods are introduced. This is due to the most simplified composition of the mixtures. Especially when it comes to hypoallergenic or therapeutic nutrition. The proteins in such “dishes” are already hydrolyzed in advance. There are no foreign substances that appear in breast milk as a result of the mother's consumption of certain foods. This means that the cub’s intestines begin to become lazy, accustomed to working at half strength. With the introduction of complementary foods, the load increases, but the intestines do not immediately adapt to intensive work. This means that food will stagnate in the intestines, and stool retention may form.

Another point worth highlighting is defecation disorders, as a manifestation of an allergic reaction to a complementary food product. In this case, stool retention will be classified as gastrointestinal (gastrointestinal) allergy symptoms. In most cases, such manifestations are accompanied by skin reactions (for example, rash, redness, itching). In addition, they do not disappear when using laxatives, but disappear immediately when changing the product.

Often, constipation in a baby looks like a “plug”, followed by loose stools. Or, the second option, when after a long delay there is immediate unformed bowel movement.

The first usually indicates a violation of bowel movements due to intolerance to certain foods. A child may scream and cry during bowel movements and be afraid of this process. For example, with lactase deficiency, this scenario is most likely. Another reason for this intestinal behavior may be allergies. In this case, we can talk about allergic proctocolitis. Blood appears in the stool; this is due to the difficulty in passing the “plug” through the intestines.

And the second talks about the inflammatory process in the intestines. In most cases, it is accompanied by flatulence, bloating, rumbling, and abdominal pain. The baby becomes restless and cries. However, the act of defecation itself does not cause discomfort. An infectious disease is more likely to be suspected, especially if symptoms of intoxication are present. Often there is mucus or foam in the stool, which also indicates the presence of foreign microorganisms in the intestines.

Fluid constipation is a rather dangerous symptom. On the one hand, this is an indicator that the problem is “non-physiological” - something is clearly wrong with the body. On the other hand, it can cause dehydration of the baby, which entails serious consequences. Therefore, if you notice the symptoms described, it is important to contact your pediatrician as soon as possible.

Hunger constipation in infants

Constipation is also possible if the baby simply does not have enough food. This option is more likely when breastfeeding during the period of absence of complementary foods. The mother's milk begins to disappear, and the child is malnourished. Maternal malnutrition definitely plays a role in this situation as well. There is simply nothing for the body to remove.

Another reason for a child’s starvation may be the development of the mother’s nipples (for example, flat ones), when the baby cannot “get” food from them. Or a violation of the rules of breastfeeding or breastfeeding technique.

The baby's lack of weight is noteworthy. In addition, symptoms of constipation in infants caused by fasting are as follows:

• exhaustion (in advanced cases), excessive thinness, lack of folds and constrictions;
• decreased physical activity, lethargy;
• the child does not fall asleep after breastfeeding;
• the baby cannot wait more than an hour and a half between feedings, even at an age when it is time to eat less often;
• The baby rarely urinates.

In this situation, you should switch to mixed or artificial feeding.

Green stool in a child

Constipation and green stool in a baby are an unpleasant situation. It is worth noting that the original feces - meconium - are green, but it disappears by the first week of the child’s life. And we are talking about infants - those who are already a month old and older. Therefore, this situation is definitely not the norm.

Perhaps we are talking about underdevelopment of the child’s intestines. This problem will manifest itself as quickly as possible: the baby will not gain sufficient weight, and other problems will appear.

The reason for this coloring may be the fact that the mother used a product with a bright green dye. Oddly enough, it can pass into breast milk and then even color your baby's stool. You must understand that this dye must be truly vigorous, and it does not carry any beneficial properties, but can only cause harm. Therefore, nursing women should exclude such foods from their diet.

Stool turns green when there is an intestinal infection. Associated symptoms will be fever, vomiting, weakness, and perspiration. The most likely causes of this “color” are dysbiosis and inflammatory process in the intestines. In this case, adjusting the mother's diet will help if she is breastfeeding. Perhaps the formula is not suitable for the baby, or complementary foods are introduced too early.

It is impossible to “guess” the reason: you need to see a doctor!

Treatment of constipation in infants

And yet, if a baby has constipation, what should you do? First, we will describe general recommendations, and then present specific methods of therapy suitable for each type of feeding. In addition, we will try to find out whether it is possible to use those methods that are considered traditional.

General treatments

The very first action that parents need to take if constipation occurs in their infant is to consult a pediatrician. Remember, interfering with a baby’s body with “inexperienced hands” can lead to serious consequences! However, you can take some measures yourself if you cannot make an appointment right away.

Constipation in a baby: what to do, how to help the little one? A good non-medicinal method is to massage the tummy. The rules for its implementation do not differ from those for newborns, but the movements may be a little more intense. It is also necessary to perform gymnastics - flexion and extension of the baby’s legs at the hip joints. This should be done at least an hour after eating.

If these methods do not help, you should resort to drug treatment. The pharmacological market is replete with drugs, but remember: not all drugs are good. Those methods and medications that are suitable for adults may be strictly contraindicated for children.

You cannot use any systemic laxative for constipation in infants: not drops, not tablets dissolved in the mixture, not syrups - without the instructions of a doctor! Firstly, the drug can harm the child: any complications may develop, from harmless dysbacteriosis to liver failure. Secondly, the wrong choice of laxative can lead to worsening defecation retention. Intestinal atony (relaxation) often develops, which is then very difficult to treat.

Dr. Komarovsky, speaking about how to relieve a baby from constipation, mentions only two medications. The first is glycerin suppositories. Suppositories for constipation (for example, Glycelax) promote the sliding of stool through the intestines, which greatly facilitates the process of defecation. The pediatrician calls lactulose syrup as a second, universal remedy. The representative of the line is the drug Duphalac. It promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the intestines. For preventive purposes, it is worth giving it when switching from breastfeeding to artificial feeding, when changing formula, or introducing complementary foods. Also after taking any medications, especially antibiotics.

What else should I give my baby if she has delayed bowel movements? A good cure for constipation are Microlax microenemas, which have a mild enveloping and moisturizing effect. They are not a means of treating stool disorders as such, but they promote the growth of normal intestinal microflora Bifidumbacterin and Linex.

Treatment of constipation during breastfeeding

Despite the fact that constipation is rare in breastfed infants, treatment is necessary in special cases. Among the measures:

• adjusting the diet of a nursing mother (it is also similar to what is recommended for newborns, however, the caloric content of food should be higher, because the older the baby, the more nutrients he needs);
• transition to artificial or mixed feeding (to prevent starvation constipation, when the mother uses antibiotics and other medications).

Treatment of constipation during artificial feeding

First you need to try changing the brand of the mixture. If this does not bring results, you can transfer the baby, after consulting a pediatrician, to fermented milk nutrition. A good option is to use a hypoallergenic mixture.

A mandatory, strict condition is a sufficient amount of liquid! You can safely give your baby water, starting from the age of 2 months, from a bottle - as much as he wants. This is especially important in the presence of liquid constipation to prevent dehydration.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies are contraindicated for infants! And no matter how convincing the arguments are that “grandmothers treated”, “what was it like before”, “but the medicines are harmful” - they do not work. Previously, life expectancy was lower, and infant mortality was many times higher.

Do not use soap, cotton swabs, or thermometers to stimulate the baby’s anus. One careless movement and you can seriously damage the intestine mechanically. In addition, the risk of developing inflammation is high.

Rules for introducing complementary foods for constipation

How to cope with constipation in a baby with complementary foods? Or, in any case, how not to do harm?

1. Do not introduce new foods abruptly or quickly, so as not to cause constipation.
2. Try to use food without thickeners, additives or preservatives.
3. If you prepare complementary foods yourself, add butter to purees and porridge (from the age of 6 months).
4. Be careful when introducing potatoes and meat! When you offer your baby these foods, give him plenty to drink.
5. You can add more than just water. From the age of 6 months you can give prune compote and chamomile decoction for constipation. You can give your baby beet juice. From 7-8 months, it is permissible to use fruit juices (in the absence of allergies), for example, apple juice.
6. Strictly follow the feeding schedule so that your baby gets food at the same time every day.

Constipation in an infant is not an absolute contraindication to the introduction of complementary foods, but this should be done with extreme caution.

Preventive actions

Prevention of constipation in infants is:

• breastfeeding for as long as possible;
• mother's diet;
• careful transition to artificial feeding (if such a need arises);
• careful adherence to the rules of feeding and introduction of complementary foods;
• compliance with the feeding regime (including not overfeeding the child);
• carrying out preventive massage and gymnastics;
• preventive use of prebiotics (as recommended by a specialist).

Remember that preventing constipation in a baby is much easier than treating it.

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A common cause of sleepless nights for young parents is disruption of the child's developing intestinal tract: colic, flatulence and constipation. According to statistics, every fifth baby suffers from the latter. Typically, formula-fed or mixed-fed babies are susceptible to this unpleasant disease, but infants are also at risk. What is the cause of constipation and infants, how to avoid it, what emergency measures can be taken and how to ensure comfortable digestion for the baby - tasks of paramount importance. Parents' non-serious attitude to this problem or the use of medications and treatment methods inconsistent with the pediatrician is fraught with a lot of complications for the baby at an older age.

What can be considered constipation in a baby?

From a medical point of view, constipation in a child under one year of age is considered difficulty in defecation or lack of bowel movements in the last 24 hours. This concept is quite vague, since it is closely related to the specific age of the child: in a bottle-fed baby and in an infant, the frequency and consistency of stool will differ significantly. For example, for newborns under the age of one month, the norm is to have bowel movements in the same amount as there were meals. This is for breastfeeding. For an artificial child, the norm is only 2–3 bowel movements per day.

The instability of the baby's intestines is of great importance. Without the help of a specialist, it is quite difficult to determine when a baby suffers from constipation, and when a decrease in stool frequency is just a physiological feature of the development of a small organism. Therefore, it is important to control not only the number of “passages”, but also the consistency, smell, density and color of feces, and the child’s behavior before and during bowel movements.

Baby stool up to six months has a semi-liquid consistency. It is yellow in color, without an unpleasant odor, and may contain particles of undigested breast milk in the form of curdled inclusions. Artificial feces are denser and may have a characteristic specific odor.

Signs and symptoms of constipation

The main thing you need to pay attention to is the general condition of the child and the consistency of the stool. Symptoms indicating constipation include:

• A child with constipation is capricious and cries;
• restless behavior of the child during bowel movements: but straining does not lead to any result, expression of pain on the face, pushing, crying;
• any attempt to empty the intestines is accompanied by screams and restless movements of the baby;
• When a baby is constipated, the feces are hard: either they look like peas, or the first portion looks like a “cork”, followed by a mushy mass;
• incomplete bowel movement;
• regular stool retention for 1 – 2 days;
• restless sleep;
• refusal to eat;
• absence of gases;
• causeless crying;
• bloating;
• pulling your knees to your chest;
• vomit.

The manifestation of one or two of these signs does not mean that the baby is constipated, but if several symptoms are present, you can be quite confident in the diagnosis and begin treatment. First of all, be sure to contact the pediatrician observing the child. It is necessary to exclude the possibility of an intestinal reaction to medications taken, new foods, the start of complementary feeding and other factors that provoke difficulties in the gastrointestinal tract. Be sure to diagnose dysbiosis, allergic reactions and other digestive pathologies. A nursing mother should urgently introduce into her diet foods that activate the motility of intestinal smooth muscles: boiled prunes, beets, pumpkin. For children after six months, in the absence of allergies, these products can also be used as complementary foods.

If the child is calm, does not refuse the breast or bottle, and bowel movements do not cause him discomfort, then this is definitely not constipation. In newborns, mother's milk or formula can be absorbed so well that they simply cannot go to the toilet.

If the listed problems are still present, then before treating constipation, it is necessary to find out the reasons.

Causes of constipation

In the first stages of constipation, it is quite easy to deal with it by simply eliminating the causes that provoked constipation. These include:

• Lack of fluid

This is an extremely pressing cause of constipation for bottle-fed infants, especially in hot summers or winters, when the air in the room is dry due to heating appliances. Be sure to increase the amount of water your child consumes. Popular pediatrician Komarovsky strongly recommends supplementing even breastfed newborns.

• Poor nutrition of a nursing mother, an adapted formula that is unsuitable for the baby, a lack of foods that stimulate the gastrointestinal tract (beets, pumpkin, dried apricots, figs, apples, peaches, apricots, prunes and others)

• Taking certain medications by an infant or nursing mother

Constipation is possible when taking antidepressants and antispasmodics. antibiotics, bismuth and iron preparations, NSAIDs, anticonvulsants, muscle relaxants. Taking and stopping any medications, both by the mother and the baby, must be previously agreed upon with the pediatrician.

• Breast milk deficiency

Causes so-called “hunger constipation” in an infant. In this case, all the food consumed is absorbed into the walls of the internal organs and blood, and the intestines simply have nothing to process.

• Introduction of complementary foods

More often, the introduction of complementary foods helps to normalize the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, but it can also cause difficulties with stool. You should carefully monitor your intestinal reaction to new foods. Also, early pregnancy can contribute to constipation.

• Abrupt change in nutrition

This is possible when there is a sudden loss of milk from the mother, replacement of one adapted formula with another, or incorrect transition from one type of feeding to another. Constipation usually disappears after adaptation to the new food.

• Psychological constipation

This is by no means a myth, as some people think. A child’s body, finding itself in unusual or uncomfortable conditions (for example, when a baby separates from its mother), responds to stress in exactly this way. Also, the child may be afraid to recover because of the pain that occurs at this moment. In this case, you need to try to return the normal mushy consistency to the baby’s stool by following a diet.

There is another reason for psychological constipation - a child can manipulate adults in this way. If any signs of constipation in a baby cause his parents to panic and the parents begin to constantly feel sorry for, console and fuss around the child, then the baby may deliberately hold back stool. The only way to treat such a situation is to take a calm approach to the problem.

• Colds or infectious diseases

An increase in body temperature can cause significant compaction of stool and lead to constipation.

It is extremely important that constipation itself may be one of the signs of serious diseases and pathologies, so it is important not to self-medicate, but to consult a doctor. Such diseases include:

• Genetic predisposition.
• Anatomical defects of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Diabetes.
• Disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Rickets.
• Diseases of the nervous system.
• Myasthenia.
• Spinal cord dysfunction.
• Liver diseases.
• Lactose deficiency.
• An allergic reaction to a protein in cow's milk.
• Food allergies.
• Hypothyroidism.

Diseases that lead to constipation. Fortunately, these diseases are uncommon. These include dolichosigma, Hirschsprung's disease and lactase deficiency.

• Dolichosigma is an elongation of the sigmoid colon. Bowel emptying is slowed down due to kinks and excess pressure of the sigmoid colon on itself and the rectum;
• Hirschsprung's disease occurs due to disruption of the intestinal innervation. This leads to the fact that some parts of the intestine do not work and are in a spasmodic state;
• Lactase deficiency occurs due to the absence or small amount of the enzyme that breaks down milk sugar (lactase). In this case, the baby's constipation will be replaced by diarrhea.

Only a doctor can identify such constipation in a baby, and only a doctor can decide what needs to be done in this situation.

Treatment of constipation

The first task in treating constipation is to determine its cause and eliminate it. To establish normal bowel function in a newborn, you need:

1. Medical examination.
2. When breastfeeding, apply more frequently to the breast.
3. For a child on artificial nutrition, supplementation with special baby water (not boiled) between meals, and the volume of liquid should be equal to the volume of one serving.
4. For an infant over 6 months old, introduce apples and vegetables into the diet.
5. For a child after one year, soup is a mandatory dish in the daily diet.

General recommendations for combating constipation also include: correcting the diet of the mother and baby, increasing the amount of fluid consumed, changing the nature of complementary foods, or changing the adapted formula to one that contains more lactobacilli.

Note to moms!

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Separately, we should dwell on the issue of complementary feeding. Independent experts have long proven that store-bought juices, purees and other “jars for children,” regardless of the manufacturer, are made with the addition of quite harmful substances and preservatives and are the strongest allergens for children. Try to find some time to prepare really healthy complementary foods. From ordinary carrots or apples you will get many times more healthy and fortified puree or juice. The money saved on purchasing the dangerous “Agushi” can be spent on a convenient blender or juicer, which will make it easier to prepare foods for complementary feeding.

Enemas and laxatives should only be used as a last resort. They wash away beneficial microflora from the intestines: potassium, vitamins, protein, microelements; contribute to a decrease in intestinal muscle tone, lead to disruption of the natural bowel cleansing reflex, and interfere with the absorption of nutrients. Before using these emergency measures in a panic, you should try softer and harmless methods, which in most cases give a positive result. These methods include:

Tummy massage

It is aimed at relieving spasms, increasing intestinal tone and activating intestinal peristalsis. It is performed by soft stroking with light pressure on the baby’s belly. Movements must be performed clockwise. You can additionally place an ironed towel or diaper on the baby’s tummy. Just make sure that it is not hot, but warm. Warm baths and the warmth of the mother's body also help a lot: just lightly press the baby's tummy against your own stomach.

Abdominal massage for constipation:

Mechanical stimulation of the intestines

It is performed by irritating the anus. Can be done using a cotton swab generously lubricated with baby cream. The stick is inserted shallowly into the anus and gently turned several times. Usually, a bowel movement occurs within a few minutes.

When carrying out the procedure, there is a risk of scratching the epithelium of the anus with the stick, so you need to act extremely carefully, with light movements, and do not abuse this method.

For similar purposes, a special gas outlet tube is provided. It is also carefully inserted into the rectum, which allows you to activate the process of defecation.

Glycerin suppositories

You can use special rectal suppositories for newborns. They quickly soften stool and help cleanse the intestines. For a newborn, 1/3 of a suppository is enough. It must be carefully cut and, smoothing the sharp ends with your finger, slowly and carefully inserted into the anus.

If an hour after the administration of the suppository the child still has not emptied his bowels, you should call a doctor. Sometimes suppositories can cause unpleasant sensations: burning, itching, allergic reactions, so glycerin suppositories are also considered emergency measures.

There is an old and supposedly effective “grandmother’s” method of treating constipation, in which a bar of soap is used instead of a glycerin suppository. You need to know that this is a very dangerous method: soap contains alkali and other harmful substances that can lead to burns of the rectum. Even when using baby soap, it is difficult to guarantee that it is made without dangerous ingredients.

Enema

An enema is considered an emergency measure for relieving constipation. A syringe (20 – 30 ml) with cooled boiled water or a decoction of medicinal chamomile is inserted to a depth of no more than 1.5 cm into the baby’s anus and all the liquid is slowly injected. The required liquid temperature is about 37 °C. It is advisable to dissolve a pinch of table salt in the enema water and add a couple of drops of pharmaceutical glycerin. When purchasing a syringe, choose a rubber or silicone tip rather than a plastic one; they are less traumatic. First, the tip of the syringe must be generously lubricated with baby cream or oil. Too warm water should not be used: it will simply be absorbed into the intestinal walls, and the desired result will not be achieved.

A modern analogue of an enema with a milder effect, designed specifically for newborns. It is a micro-enema based on a water-salt solution with the addition of glycerin. The effect of Microlax occurs a quarter of an hour after application. You must first read the instructions for use and do not insert the tip into the rectum beyond the drawn line.

These methods can be used as emergency measures, especially for regular constipation. Frequent use of an enema disrupts the functioning and favorable microflora of the intestinal tract and causes dysbiosis, which will have to be treated with probiotics.

Laxatives

Taking laxatives is only necessary when nothing else helps. Most laxatives are contraindicated for an infant under one year of age. An exception is Duphalac syrup and similar lactulose-based preparations. To induce bowel movement, Duphalac must be given to the baby in a volume of 5 ml. If the baby is fed breast milk, then the product can also be used by a nursing mother.

A six-month-old child can take Forlax. Its great advantage is that it can be used for up to three months.

Before using any remedy, remember that medications can only be prescribed by the attending physician, and emergency measures are allowed to be used only if absolutely necessary: ​​when all methods of treating constipation have proven ineffective.

Small children often have tummy pain. How to help a child? What are the best treatments for constipation for an infant? Do I need to use medications or can I use folk remedies? All these questions are answered by Galina Viktorovna Orlova, a pediatrician at the House Doctor with extensive experience:

Preventive measures

The simplest and most effective treatment method is to prevent the disease. The health of children under one year of age requires constant monitoring and attention. Don’t wait for the first signs of constipation; start preventive measures immediately.

• A simple but effective method is very useful: before feeding and after eating, carry the baby in a column for several minutes;
• Do gymnastics regularly. To do this, place the baby on his back, carefully and smoothly lift his legs bent at the knees and lightly press him to the tummy. Repeat several times, avoiding sudden movements. It is also useful to do the bicycle exercise;
• Provide the baby with the necessary amount of liquid. Instead of tea and juices, it is better to drink special bottled baby water. There is no need to boil it. When introducing complementary foods, juices must be diluted with water;
• If the baby is more than 4 months old, prune juice is an excellent remedy for constipation. Two teaspoons is enough. After six months you can use prune puree. Both fresh fruits and dried fruits are equally effective. You can add prunes to compotes;
• Don't wrap your baby up. Overheating, along with dehydration, is one of the main causes of constipation. This is also relevant for colds and infectious diseases: if the baby has a fever, give him food as often as possible, otherwise constipation after illness cannot be avoided;
• Effective drinks for constipation - dried fruit compote with dried apricots and prunes, raisin water. To prepare it, just pour boiling water over a spoonful of pure raisins and leave in a thermos;
• Give preference to vegetables with a “laxative effect” and a high content of coarse fiber, fruits rich in potassium. These are figs, green apples, prunes, dried apricots, beets, carrots, peach, apricot, pumpkin. These same products should be included in the diet of a nursing mother;
• Preparations with bifidobacteria and lactobacilli, fermented milk products, and natural yoghurts are extremely beneficial for the intestinal microflora. They are indicated for both the child and the mother;
• Try to breastfeed your baby for as long as possible, the first six months are especially important. If this is not possible, give preference to adapted fermented milk mixtures;
• If treatment with antibiotics is necessary, at the same time as taking them, start giving drugs to prevent dysbacteriosis.

There is no need to panic if your baby is constipated. The first step to recovery is identifying and eliminating the causes of the disease. But do not self-medicate and do not use grandmother’s treatment methods without consulting a doctor. Most often, it is enough to improve your diet, drink more fluids and do not forget about massage and gymnastics for the disease to recede. In emergency situations, Duphalac, glycerin suppositories or an enema will help. Pay maximum attention to the treatment of constipation. The formation and normalization of the gastrointestinal tract in the first year of life is the key to the future health of the child.

On the topic of newborn stool:

• telegram channel

Problems such as constipation occur frequently. Not all parents know how to behave correctly in this case. The famous children's doctor E. O Komarovsky recommends that young mothers not worry, but carefully monitor the child’s condition. Before taking any measures, you need to know exactly what symptoms are accompanied by Komarovsky, who believes that the baby’s rare bowel movements should not always be treated. In most cases, it is enough to adjust the child’s diet and daily routine. This is exactly what Dr. Komarovsky teaches young parents.

Constipation in infants

In medicine, it is believed that a baby up to three months old should have bowel movements two to four times a day. And constipation is a condition when there is no stool for more than two days. But here everything is individual. Sometimes it happens that a breastfed baby completely absorbs mother's milk. And he has a bowel movement every 3-5 days. Before panicking and giving the baby medication, the mother needs to find out what symptoms accompany constipation in the baby. Komarovsky says that if the baby is developing well and gaining weight, is cheerful and sleeps normally, and bowel movements do not cause him discomfort, then rare bowel movements are normal. We can talk about the disease when, in addition to constipation, the child has other symptoms: gas formation, pain, bloating, loss of appetite. In addition, it is very important to pay attention to the condition of the stool. In infants, it should be mushy, soft, and yellowish. If a child is constipated, his stool will be dark in color, have an unpleasant odor, and be hard.

Constipation symptoms

When do parents need to take action? It is believed that a child has constipation if the following symptoms are observed:

Causes of constipation

Only a doctor can determine whether a child is sick or whether such bowel movements are normal for him. Therefore, if there are any deviations in the behavior of the baby, you should contact a pediatrician. After all, before treating your baby, you need to know what causes his constipation. This condition can be caused by many factors:

• pathologies of intestinal development, for example, Hirschsprung's disease;
• various inflammatory and infectious diseases, colds;
• disturbance of intestinal microflora;
• taking certain medications, especially antibiotics;
• allergic reaction to cow's milk and some other products.

In such cases, only a doctor can treat constipation in an infant. Komarovsky advises mothers to take some measures on their own if infrequent bowel movements are caused by other reasons:

• lack of breast milk, which results in so-called “hunger” constipation;
• improper diet of the mother, because everything that a woman eats passes into her milk;
• lack of water, which helps remove feces;
• transition from breastfeeding to artificial feeding, since up to 4 months mother’s milk not only feeds the baby, but also protects against diseases;
• introduction of complementary foods, in this case the child’s intestines may react to unfamiliar food with constipation;
• changing the milk formula, which may contain a component intolerable to the baby;
• overheating the child with too warm and dry air, which causes dehydration;
• stress and anxiety of the baby due to a change in environment, his fear when he is left alone.

Normal stool in newborns

After birth, the functioning of all the baby’s organs improves for some time. In the first three days, the baby passes black-green plasticine-like feces - meconium. Then, until one and a half months, the baby poops as many times as he eats - 8-12. His stools are mushy, yellowish in color, with a sour odor. But before 3 or 4 months, the baby’s intestinal functions have not yet fully developed; many enzymes and beneficial bacteria are missing. Therefore, this often happens at this time. Komarovsky urges parents not to panic, but to try to improve the nutrition of the nursing mother or consult a doctor about choosing formula milk. Normally, a breastfed baby should poop 4-5 times a day. And in those who are artificial, bowel movements occur less frequently - 1-2 times. Moreover, the feces should be soft and mushy.

Constipation in infants during breastfeeding

A child who eats mother's milk may not poop for up to 3-4 days. This is considered normal if the baby is not bothered by anything, if he is cheerful and cheerful, sleeps well and is gaining weight. This means that breast milk is suitable for him and is well absorbed. Only in rare cases does a baby develop real constipation. Komarovsky believes that measures need to be taken if the baby does not gain weight, is restless and cries. But before using any medications, you should definitely consult your doctor. In most cases, you can cope with the problem simply by changing the mother's diet.

What rules should a woman follow so that her child has regular bowel movements?

But even if the mother follows all the rules, sometimes a baby experiences constipation while breastfeeding. Komarovsky believes that this is due to a lack of water. He recommends feeding your baby with clean water or raisin decoction in hot weather. But it is not advisable to use a bottle with a nipple for this, so that the baby does not get used to it. You can give your child water from a spoon or a special drinking bowl, and a very small child can be given water from a syringe without a needle.

Constipation in infants with artificial feeding

If, when breastfeeding, mothers rarely encounter real problems in emptying the baby’s intestines, then this happens more often with artificial mothers. What can you do to prevent constipation in a bottle-fed baby? Komarovsky recommends following these rules:

Constipation after introducing complementary foods

Komarovsky recommends feeding the baby only breast milk until 4-5 months. If the mother has enough of it, the baby will receive everything he needs. Very often, constipation occurs in infants when complementary foods are introduced. To prevent this, Komarovsky advises starting not with egg yolks or fruit juices, but with vegetable puree or dairy-free porridge. After some time, the baby’s diet needs to be varied so that he receives a sufficient amount of dietary fiber. Therefore, vegetable soups and purees, porridges, especially not ready-made ones, but made by the mother, are very important in the diet of children. After 7-8 months, you need to give your baby wholemeal bread, fresh fruits and vegetables.

Sometimes it happens that constipation appears in a baby after Komarovsky advises in this case to give either prune puree, pumpkin, or raisin decoction. It is advisable to include these products in the diet if the baby is already 6 months old. Food for a child should be prepared immediately before consumption; it is not advisable to boil it well. By following these rules, you can prevent constipation in your baby.

What to do

Komarovsky gives some advice on how you can help your baby. After all, it is not always possible to see a doctor right away. But every mother is able to alleviate the child’s condition. And only if these measures do not help, you should definitely contact a medical facility. So, what to do if your baby is constipated? Komarovsky recommends the following methods:

It is necessary to call an ambulance or consult a doctor as soon as possible if your child has the following symptoms:

• abdominal pain, gas, bloating;
• loss of appetite, refusal to eat;
• blood appears in the stool;
• frequent vomiting;
• The baby's stool and urine are dark and have an unpleasant odor.

What medications can be used in infants for constipation?

It is not recommended to give babies any medications without consulting a doctor. Even the safest drugs approved for use from birth can harm the immature intestinal microflora of a child. Therefore, only in extreme cases is it recommended to use medications to cure constipation in infants.

• It is best to use preparations containing lactulose. This is the safest laxative. is a prebiotic. It stimulates the production of beneficial bacteria in the intestines and helps remove feces. The following drugs containing lactulose are recommended: Duphalac, Normaze, Portalak, Lizalak and some others. To begin with, it is better to give these medications in a reduced dosage. And if you need long-term use, you should definitely consult your doctor.
• To reduce gas formation in the intestines, doctors prescribe the following drugs to children: Espumisan, Plantex or Sub-Simplex. They help relieve cramps and gently remove gases, relieving bloating.
• Komarovsky considers glycerin suppositories to be the best remedy for constipation in infants. Children's ones are very rarely sold on sale, but regular ones can also be used. One candle needs to be cut in half lengthwise and then crosswise. You will get four parts. You need to smooth out all the edges of one piece of candle with clean hands and carefully insert it into the baby’s anus. Gently squeeze his buttocks and hold for a while. This suppository will help soften stool and gently move it out.

How to give an enema to a baby

Many people believe that this is the only way to treat constipation in a baby. Komarovsky recommends using an enema only in extreme cases. Their frequent use washes out beneficial bacteria from the intestines and weakens its tone. How to properly give an enema to a baby?

1. Take a rubber bulb with a soft tip; it should have a volume of up to 60 ml.
2. Typically, chamomile decoction is used for infants. It should be at room temperature. Water that is too warm will be immediately absorbed through the intestinal walls.
3. Lay the baby on his side or back. Lubricate the anus and the enema tip with baby cream.
4. Squeeze the bulb a little to remove air from it. Carefully insert the tip no more than a couple of centimeters into the baby's intestines. If resistance is felt, do not press.
5. Release the water slowly, but do not use force. The process of intestinal contraction occurs in waves, so if you feel resistance, you need to wait a little. Take out the enema.
6. Squeeze your baby's buttocks and hold for a couple of minutes.

But more convenient to use and safer for the child are ready-made microenemas, which are sold in pharmacies. For example, you can buy Microlax. But you shouldn’t do them often to prevent addiction.

Folk remedies for constipation

Many mothers try to help their child with the help of recipes that their grandmothers used. They push a piece of soap, a cotton swab coated with Vaseline, or a thermometer into the baby’s anus. This is how constipation in an infant was often treated in the past. Komarovsky warns parents against using such means. He believes that he is over the child. In addition, such drugs can injure the mucous membrane, cause irritation in the anus and further aggravate the problem.

Among folk remedies, the doctor prefers decoctions that help remove gases. It is best to brew dill seed, anise or fennel. Komarovsky considers it very useful. In addition to its laxative effect, this drink enriches the body with potassium, which is very important for normal intestinal function. There is a greater choice of remedies if a baby has constipation for 6 months. Komarovsky recommends giving your baby juice, decoction or puree of prunes, and including foods rich in fiber in the diet.

Preventing constipation

Everyone knows that it is better to prevent a problem than to look for ways to cope with it. Dr. Komarovsky says a lot about constipation in infants, but the main thing he focuses on is the need to establish proper nutrition for the baby. How should you act to prevent constipation?

• A bottle-fed baby should receive enough water.
• If the baby is fed breast milk, then the mother needs to drink at least 2 liters of liquid and eat foods rich in potassium.
• Place the baby on his tummy more often, ideally for 5 minutes each time before feeding.
• Do gymnastics with your child regularly: lift his legs, bend them at the knees, exercises on a gymnastic ball are useful.
• You need to give the baby a light tummy massage, it helps relieve muscle spasms and reduce gas formation.
• The child should not be allowed to overheat.
• The food of babies who are already receiving complementary foods should not be highly heat-treated and very soft.

You need to treat constipation in infants yourself only if it is the only symptom. And when a baby experiences abdominal pain, has increased gas formation and lacks appetite, it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor.

The birth of a child is not only joy, but also worries, worries and concerns about his health. Unfortunately, in early childhood (up to 1 year), children can develop a variety of diseases, some of which progress from the first days after the baby is born.

Omphalitis and

The umbilical wound is formed in a newborn by the 3-5th day of his life and is located at the site of the fallen umbilical cord remnant. Pediatricians warn parents that until the umbilical wound is completely healed, the baby should be bathed only in boiled water with the addition of potassium permanganate (“potassium permanganate”) until it turns pale pink. This period corresponds to two weeks. After the child has been bathed, it is necessary to carry out a number of manipulations, but only with clean, washed hands:

• moisten a cotton swab in a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide and use it to remove the remaining secretions directly from the wound;
• take a new stick and remove the remaining hydrogen peroxide;
• lubricate the umbilical wound with a solution of brilliant green (2% brilliant green).

Important! Baby vests, rompers and diapers need to be ironed on both sides after each wash, infants' underwear is changed several times a day, and care must be taken to ensure that the umbilical wound is not covered with a diaper.

If the umbilical wound begins to get wet, blood and/or pus appear, the skin around the navel becomes red, then the visiting nurse or pediatrician should be notified. Most likely, we will talk about inflammation of the umbilical wound of bacterial origin, caused by or. With this pathological condition, the overall well-being of the baby will change:

• the baby shows anxiety and constantly cries, or, conversely, becomes noticeably lethargic;
• the baby sucks poorly;
• weight loss occurs;
• in some cases, body temperature rises.

Treatment of omphalitis consists of treating the umbilical wound four times, and in severe cases, the pediatrician may prescribe treatment.

Note:If hygienic care for the umbilical wound by parents is carried out in strict accordance with the rules, then there will be no omphalitis. This inflammatory process is always a consequence of insufficient care.

This is the name for the exit of internal organs through the large umbilical ring - this is the weakest point in the anterior abdominal wall of a newborn. This pathology is diagnosed in infancy quite often, parents can see it themselves: when the baby cries or strains, a hernial protrusion appears, which is a consequence of increased intra-abdominal pressure.

As soon as an umbilical hernia is detected, the child must be shown to a surgeon - the doctor will repair the hernia for the child and apply a special plaster for 10 days. Such treatment sessions can be used several times in a row; additionally, physical therapy and massage are prescribed - procedures that should only be performed by a specialist.

If the baby already knows how to hold his head, then he should be placed on his tummy on a hard surface. Such simple “measures” will help not only to move organs back into place, but also to normalize stools and eliminate constipation.

In some cases, a child’s hernia does not disappear even by the age of one, and in this case the child will be indicated for surgery. As a rule, surgical interventions for umbilical hernia are carried out only from the age of three, but if the hernia occurs too often, then experts recommend such radical treatment earlier.

Most often, the icteric coloration of the skin and mucous membranes in newborns is a physiological manifestation of the adaptation period after birth. Jaundice appears, as a rule, 2-3 days after the birth of the baby and this occurs due to the lack of a sufficient amount of enzymes that neutralize it. Normally, bilirubin, neutralized in the liver cells, is released after a series of transformations from the body in feces or urine. But in a newborn, the liver does not have time to neutralize all the bilirubin; its level in the blood rapidly increases, which leads to a rapid discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes yellow.

Such jaundice in newborns is a physiological process and does not pose any danger to the life of the child. Jaundice develops in 60% of full-term infants and in 90%, disappears spontaneously in a maximum of three weeks.

There are cases when physiological jaundice persists for longer than three weeks in a row, which may be due to the transition of physiological jaundice to breastfeeding jaundice. The fact is that mother’s breast milk contains a substance that can inhibit or block the formation of liver enzymes - this phenomenon has not yet been fully studied, but it does occur.

As a rule, jaundice of natural feeding does not pose a threat to the health and life of the child, but a full examination of the baby should still be carried out. In some cases, the cause of such prolonged jaundice may be:

• massive destruction of red blood cells - hemolytic jaundice;
• dysfunction of liver cells – hepatic jaundice;
• obstruction of the bile ducts – obstructive jaundice.

The named pathologies require constant monitoring. If this indicator does not exceed normal limits, or the increase is insignificant, then doctors simply monitor the newborn. But in the case of a sharp increase in the level of bilirubin in the blood, surgical treatment may be required, since such a development of pathology is fraught with serious consequences for the brain.

Skin problems

The baby's skin is very delicate and easily vulnerable, the blood vessels are located superficially, and even when the baby is slightly overheated, moisture begins to evaporate from the skin. These three factors cause skin problems in children under one year of age.

Diaper rash

This is the name for inflammation of individual areas of the skin when there has been prolonged exposure to moisture or friction. Most often, diaper rash occurs in the armpits, neck, inguinal, intergluteal folds or behind the ears.

Depending on how diaper rash occurs, doctors distinguish three degrees of its severity:

• first degree– slight redness, the integrity of the skin is not compromised;
• second degree– redness becomes bright, microcracks and erosions appear;
• third degree– intense redness, cracks, erosions and pustules appear on the skin.

Diaper rash causes pain, burning and itching, which leads to restlessness and whims of the baby. The causes of the skin problems under consideration can be both increased skin moisture and excess weight of the baby. Provoking factors can also be identified:

• inadequate drying of the skin after bathing or washing the baby;
• violation of child care rules, skin irritation under the influence of urine and feces;
• skin friction with synthetic clothing;
• child overheating;
• the baby's skin on the material from which the diapers are made.

Under no circumstances should diaper rash be ignored! Such pathological skin lesions can quickly spread and become associated with infection. Therefore, parents should in the room where the baby is - it should not be higher than 21 degrees; the baby should be given air baths regularly.

For the first degree of diaper rash no specific treatment is required, you just need to carefully follow the rules of skin care, change diapers on time (at least every 3 hours), carry out air baths and treat folds with a protective cream. If you cannot get rid of diaper rash within 24 hours, then you need to consult a pediatrician - a specialist, after assessing the condition of the baby’s skin, may prescribe the use of medications (for example, Drapolen or Bepanten ointments).

Second degree diaper rash involves the use of special “talkers” - a product that is prepared in pharmacies. The pediatrician may prescribe treatment using tannin or methyluracil ointment on the affected area. If pustules appear, the skin is treated with green paint or methylene blue.

With the second degree of diaper rash, you need to bathe a baby in a weak pink solution of potassium permanganate, and if the baby is not allergic to medicinal herbs, then he can have baths with a decoction of oak bark (the duration is a maximum of 7 minutes).

Third degree diaper rash It is quite difficult to treat, so parents must make every effort to prevent such a development of pathology. If the skin is already wet, then you cannot use any oil ointments for medicinal purposes - a film will form that will prevent the wounds from healing. The best option for solving the problem of third-degree diaper rash is to seek qualified medical help.

Prickly heat

This is the name of the disease, which is characterized by the appearance of a pink, pinpoint rash on the baby’s skin. Typically, such damage occurs in those places where the baby produces the most sweat - natural skin folds and folds, buttocks. Miliaria is usually not accompanied by any unpleasant symptoms, and the newborn’s behavior remains unchanged.

Most often, prickly heat disappears without any specific treatment - it is enough to follow the rules for caring for the baby’s skin, you can lubricate the affected area with Bepanten cream.

To prevent the occurrence of prickly heat, the following preventive measures are used:

• all child’s underwear should be made from natural fabrics;
• for walks you need to dress your baby strictly according to the weather;
• in the room where the baby spends most of his time, the air temperature should be constant;
• use decoctions or oak bark for bathing, but only if the baby does not have allergies;
• Use only water-based cream for treating baby skin.

The disease is manifested by redness of the skin, swelling, peeling and the appearance of small blisters. Diaper dermatitis is accompanied by itching and burning, which makes the child restless and capricious, and disrupts his sleep.

If treatment for the disease in question is not carried out, then cracks, pustules and erosions appear on the affected areas of the skin. Next, the surface layer of skin is torn away, ulcers can form, and often an infection – fungal or bacterial – is associated with diaper dermatitis.

It is carried out only as prescribed by a pediatrician or dermatologist.

Pemphigus of newborns

This is a purulent contagious skin disease that is caused by Staphylococcus aureus. The disease occurs in the first weeks of life; an infant can become infected from caregivers with a pustular infection on their hands.

A sign of the disease will be the appearance on the baby’s skin of large blisters with a cloudy yellowish liquid. They often open on their own, leaving behind an eroded surface. The liquid that flows from the burst blisters contributes to infection of neighboring areas of the skin.

Complications in newborns may include abscesses and septic conditions. Treatment of the disease in question is carried out only as prescribed by a pediatrician. Antibacterial drugs must be used in therapy, regardless of the child’s age.

Hormonal crisis

Hormonal crisis develops in healthy, full-term infants and this condition is associated with the entry of mother’s hormones into the child’s body through the placenta or during breastfeeding. Symptoms of this condition will be:

Such changes appear on the 3-4th day of the baby’s life and gradually decrease in intensity over 30 days; no treatment is required. The only thing parents need to remember: it is strictly forbidden to squeeze out discharge from the mammary glands or massage them, as this can lead to the progression of mastitis, which requires surgical treatment.

Thrush

A sign of thrush is that white spots appear on the tongue and mucous membranes of the baby’s cheeks, which resemble pieces of curdled milk. Such deposits are not washed off between feedings, but are removed with a spatula if the disease is mild. With moderate severity of thrush, spots appear on the palate and lips and it is no longer possible to remove them completely.

Severe thrush is characterized by the rapid spread of dense plaque on the gums, the back wall of the pharynx, and the soft palate. The areas affected by the fungal infection are painful, the baby cries a lot, his sleep is disturbed, he either sucks poorly at the breast or refuses it altogether.

Factors that can trigger the appearance of thrush include:

At the initial manifestations of the disease, the oral cavity should be treated with a sterile cotton swab, which is moistened in a weak solution of potassium permanganate or a 2% soda solution. After wiping, the mucous membranes are lubricated with a methylene blue solution every three hours for 5 days.

Treatment of thrush in newborns is carried out using drugs that contain Nystatin or Levorin. During the entire treatment period, the mother should wipe her nipples with a baking soda solution and boil toys/pacifiers/bottles before each feeding. Severe forms of thrush can only be treated in a hospital.

Despite modern medical capabilities, rickets is still one of the most common diseases in infants. This disease develops due to a deficiency in the body, which is “responsible” for phosphorus-calcium metabolism. The child receives this vitamin through food, and it is also synthesized in the skin under the influence of sunlight. Therefore, according to statistics, the frequency of diagnosing rickets in children born in winter is much more common than in those born in warm weather.

With rickets, there is not only a lack of vitamin D and calcium, but also a lack of iron, copper,. Due to the lack of all these microelements, children with rickets become excessively whiny, capricious, their sleep is disturbed, and they often get colds.

The first symptoms of the disease in question may appear as early as one month of age in the baby, and if treatment is not carried out, the child’s condition will worsen. Symptoms of rickets in infancy include:

If there is no treatment for rickets or it is carried out incorrectly, then the pathology progresses, which is manifested by narrowing of the pelvis, curvature of the spine, flat feet and the formation of a hump.

The development of rickets is very easy to prevent - it is enough to give children vitamin D, and treatment of the disease in question, started on time and carried out correctly, gives positive results. Currently, advanced forms of rickets are diagnosed only in children who live in dysfunctional families.

Treatment of rickets is complex and involves the use of various procedures:

• prolonged exposure to fresh air;
• correction of the child’s diet, which will provide the growing body with all the necessary vitamins and microelements;
• therapeutic exercises, massage and swimming lessons;
• drug therapy - probiotics, vitamin D, vitamin-mineral complexes.

Digestive tract problems

Severe pain in the baby's intestines, which is accompanied by bloating, is a fairly common problem for infants. At the same time, the child actively twists his legs, draws them in, and cries loudly. The cause of intestinal colic may be improper (if the baby is breastfed) or the child swallowing air during feeding.

It is quite possible to prevent the occurrence of colic and accumulation of gases in the intestines; for this you need:

By the age of 3-4 months, intestinal colic in a child goes away due to the maturation of the digestive tract organs.

Many parents believe that if a child does not have bowel movements throughout the day, then this is constipation. But this is not entirely true! The fact is that mother’s milk, for example, can be completely absorbed by the body, so you need to judge whether a baby has constipation by how he feels and the consistency of his stool.

We can talk about constipation if the baby behaves restlessly, cries, constantly strains, but his intestines do not empty. When a child is constipated, their stools are dark in color and have a firm consistency, and may even be hard, like peas or cork.

The cause of constipation in infancy is most often the non-compliance or incorrect diet of a bottle-fed baby. The mother's passion for protein foods, coffee, and flour products can also contribute to the development of constipation in infancy. But not everything is so “rosy” - in some cases, constipation in infancy is associated with the development of pathologies:

• Hirschsprung's disease - a disorder of intestinal innervation;
• dolichosigma - congenital elongation of the large intestine;

Parents should not try to cope with constipation in a baby on their own; it would be wise to seek help from a pediatrician - a specialist will not only make a diagnosis, find out the cause of such intestinal dysfunction, but also give recommendations on how to solve the problem.

If parents are sure that the child does not have any pathology, then one of the following remedies will help cope with constipation:

• glycerin suppositories;
• irritation of the rectum with the tip of the gas tube;
• lactulose preparations, which must be prescribed by a doctor.

Note:The old method of relieving constipation, which involves inserting a bar of soap into the anus, should never be used! The alkali contained in this product can cause a burn to the intestinal mucosa.

Diarrhea in infants

A child under one year of age can have a bowel movement after each feeding. But if with this regimen the baby’s general condition remains within normal limits, he is calm and eats well, then parents should not worry. Of primary importance with such frequent bowel movements are the color, consistency of the stool and the presence of blood or mucus in it. It is worth remembering that it is dangerous because too much fluid will be removed from the baby’s body.

Loose stools can be caused by:

• improper nutrition of the nursing mother or the baby itself;
• acute intestinal pathology - for example, or;
• intolerance to certain foods;
• dysbacteriosis;
• acute intestinal infection.

If your baby has diarrhea, you should immediately seek qualified medical help.. It is especially important to follow this rule if diarrhea begins for no apparent reason, and bowel movements occur too often. Before the specialist arrives, the baby needs to ensure sufficient fluid intake in the body.

This phenomenon occurs in almost every child, which can be physiological or pathological. Physiological regurgitation is associated with underdevelopment of the digestive system:

• the esophagus is narrowed or relatively short;
• the sphincter of the entrance to the stomach is underdeveloped;
• the gastric mucosa is highly sensitive and reacts to any irritant, including breast milk;
• The shape of the esophagus is funnel-shaped.

Physiological regurgitation is especially common in premature babies; it disappears only by the age of nine months. If the baby's condition is not affected, there is nothing to worry about. Physiological regurgitation can also occur if the baby is not fed correctly or the rules of caring for him are violated:

The following measures will help get rid of physiological regurgitation:

• keep the baby in a semi-upright position during feeding;
• when artificial feeding, use a special nipple that prevents the swallowing of air;
• do not overfeed the baby;
• After feeding, hold the baby in an upright position for some time until air burps.

Organic causes of the condition in question:

• pyloric stenosis - narrowing of the inlet of the stomach, which refers to developmental anomalies;
• damage to the nervous system during intrauterine development;
• phenylketonuria, galactosemia – disorders of food absorption of a hereditary nature;
• viral and bacterial infections;
• pathological lesions of the kidneys and pancreas.

This is the name for inflammation of the mucous membrane of the front surface of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelid. The cause of the development of this disease is bacteria, viruses and fungi, and only in extremely rare cases can conjunctivitis be an allergic reaction.

The disease in question manifests itself as redness of the mucous membrane of the eye, itching and discharge of pus from the conjunctival sac. After sleep, the baby's eyelashes become stuck together with the released pus, which prevents him from opening his eyes.

Treatment of conjunctivitis in children should be carried out only under the supervision of an ophthalmologist, because it is a specialist who will be able to select effective medications. Parents can only ease the baby’s well-being by washing the eyes with decoctions of chamomile or calendula, but this can only be done after consulting a doctor.

Acute respiratory viral infections are a group of diseases caused by various viruses transmitted by airborne droplets. In general, ARVI is considered the most common disease in childhood, and infants are no exception.

Clinical manifestations of acute respiratory viral infections are cough, runny nose, difficulty breathing, frequent sneezing, and increased body temperature of the infant. The child may become lethargic and sleep a lot, and lose his appetite.

As soon as the first signs of ARVI appear in a baby, you need to call a pediatrician at home - this will allow you to begin effective treatment. The child needs to be provided with plenty of fluids: up to the age of six months, the baby can be given warm boiled water, and older children can be given a decoction of raisins, cranberry, chamomile infusion or. If a child has consumed too much liquid or has been force-fed, this will provoke an attack of vomiting - there is no need to worry, but the dosage of food and liquid consumed must be adjusted.

Note:against the background of a high body temperature, the baby may begin to develop - the baby’s body stretches, the limbs tremble or twitch, the eyes roll back. In this case, parents should immediately undress the baby, give him an antipyretic and call an ambulance.

This diagnosis is made in the case of underdevelopment of the hip joint during intrauterine development - the femoral head has increased mobility inside the joint, the development of connective tissue is disrupted. Most often, hip dysplasia occurs in children with. It is very important to diagnose pathology early, therefore, as part of the examination of the baby, examinations by an orthopedist are carried out at 1-3-6-12 months. If the doctor suspects a deviation from the norm, he will prescribe an X-ray examination or ultrasound for the baby, but not earlier than the child reaches six months of age.

Symptoms of hip dysplasia include:

• additional folds on one leg;
• asymmetry of folds on the hips and buttocks;
• baby crying or fussing when trying to separate his legs;
• clicks when spreading the legs, bent at the knee joints;
• unequal length of legs.

Depending on how severe the disease in question is, the infant may be prescribed:

• physiotherapy;
• Pavlik stirrups;
• massage;
• Freika tire.

With the help of special orthopedic devices, the child’s legs are constantly in an extended and bent position - this creates optimal conditions for the correct formation of joints. At first, the baby must wear such spacers around the clock, then the wearing mode becomes softer. Parents should under no circumstances remove devices before the due date, as this can nullify all previously achieved results.

Torticollis is an abnormal position of the head in which it is tilted to one side. The appearance of the defect depends on the development of the baby.

Signs of the pathology in question in the first year of a baby’s life:

• in the first two months of life - when the baby is laid on his stomach, increased tone of the muscles of the back and neck is visible, asymmetry of folds will be noted on the legs;
• at 3-5 months – the child’s growth slows down and the reaction to any sound stimulus decreases;
• at 6-7 months – strabismus is noted, the child stands on his toes, teeth erupt late;
• at 7-12 months – asymmetry of the folds on the hips and buttocks, asymmetry of the shoulders, curvature of the spine are clearly visible, the baby begins to walk late and lags quite far behind his peers in physical development.

The reasons for the development of torticollis include the following:

If torticollis is determined, you will need to consult an orthopedist and a neurologist - specialists will be able to determine the true cause of the disease and prescribe the correct treatment. Parents should not delay visiting doctors and starting treatment, as advanced torticollis can lead to deformation of the vertebrae and face.

To treat the disease in question, the following can be used:

• physiotherapy – electrophoresis, magnetic therapy;
• applying a special collar;
• physical therapy and massage;
• treatment by position;
• specially selected exercises in the pool or in the bath.

There is also surgical treatment for torticollis, but if therapy was started in a timely manner, it will not be needed.

From this article you will learn:

The medical definition of constipation for any age is as follows: This is a painful condition characterized by slow and difficult bowel movements.

If in relation to an adult body everything is extremely clear: the diagnosis is made on the basis of symptoms that will be colorfully described by any patient who has had the opportunity to spend sufficient time in the restroom, then these criteria do not work for a newborn.

The baby is not able to complain, so in order to understand what condition can be considered constipation in a baby, it is necessary to understand in detail how the digestive system of a healthy child works at different periods of his life.

From intrauterine life to independence

From the desquamated cells of the mucous membrane of the digestive tract and the dry residue of amniotic fluid in the fetal intestine, the first feces are formed, which are called meconium. Immediately after birth, it begins to pass, gradually being replaced by normal stool formed during the digestion of milk. Meconium has a black-brown color, elastic consistency, comes out like toothpaste from a tube, has almost no smell, and is difficult to wash off diapers.

The frequency of bowel movements in a child in the first 2 days of life usually does not exceed 3 times.

Firstly, this is due to insufficient intestinal motility, which is just learning to move food.

Secondly, with a small amount of colostrum, which serves as food for the baby these days. During this time, the original stool has time to come out completely. Subsequently, the nature and frequency of bowel movements depends on what kind of feeding the baby will be on.

Growing up together in the intestines

As colostrum is replaced by mature milk, the amount of which increases significantly, a fully breastfed newborn begins to have bowel movements 2-6 times a day. It is considered normal, even if this happens after each breastfeeding.

The consistency of the stool should be liquid, it resembles mustard, smells like sour milk, and is easily washed from diapers. A small presence of foam, greens and undigested lumps is acceptable, which is not due to illness, but to the immaturity of digestive enzymes.

Some babies digest mother's milk so well that they may not poop for 2-3 days. This is considered normal at the age of 2 to 6 months, if the child feels well, sucks with appetite and sleeps peacefully. In this case, feces should be separated without tension, in large quantities and not have an unpleasant odor.

Infants receiving formula milk must have a bowel movement at least once a day. Unlike breastfed babies, they do not soil their diapers after each use of formula. The characteristics of their feces are also different; they are more reminiscent of the stool of an adult than of an infant: denser, brown in color, with a characteristic odor.

With a gradual transition to adult food, the frequency of bowel movements decreases, settling at 1–2 times a day. This is typical for babies from 6 to 12 months.

Thus, mothers and fathers must clearly understand the basic rule of how the infant’s digestive system works from birth to one year:

• If the baby is breastfed, then what is important is not the number of bowel movements per day or the absence of stool, but the general condition of the child (mood, appetite, sleep, anxiety during feeding) and monthly weight gain .
• For babies on artificial and mixed feeding, the rules of an adult apply - there must be a bowel movement every day.

Doctor Komarovsky. Constipation in infants during breastfeeding (video)

The line between normal and disease

Based on the above conclusions, you can accurately determine whether the baby actually has constipation or whether everything is within normal limits.

Constipation can only be suspected if stool retention in a newborn is accompanied by the following symptoms:

• bad mood, moodiness, tearfulness, breast or bottle refusal;
• severe straining and screaming while trying to “go big”;
• crying, pressing the legs towards the stomach, sudden cessation of sucking during feeding;
• gases with an unpleasant odor, hard stools passed in small quantities;
• weight loss or underweight based on the results of monthly weighing of the child.

Understanding the cause is half the cure

The reasons that can lead to the development of constipation in a baby can be divided into 2 categories:

• General, which are typical for both breastfed and artificially fed babies;
• Particulars that differ in these two groups of newborns.

Common reasons include:

• congenital anomalies of the digestive system;
• diseases of the endocrine glands, nervous system, lack of vitamins and minerals;
• immaturity of intestinal motor function;
• accumulation of gases in the intestinal lumen.

Congenital anomalies of the digestive system

They occur during the formation of the digestive tract in the prenatal period. They can be the result of negative environmental impacts and bad habits on the fetus. Most often, the colon is affected with the development of Hirschsprung's disease, the sigmoid colon with the formation of its additional loops, and the rectum when an overgrown anus is observed.

Disease of the endocrine glands, nervous system, lack of vitamins and minerals

Frequent causes of constipation in infants are diseases of the endocrine system. For example, this is observed with insufficiency of the thyroid gland - hypothyroidism. In children with damage to the central nervous system, including cerebral palsy, there may be a violation of intestinal motor function with the development of constipation. Vitamin D deficiency and related diseases rickets are also accompanied by impaired bowel movement.

Immaturity of intestinal motor function

The movements of the intestinal wall, which push its contents towards the rectum, are ensured by complex nervous regulation. In babies under 2 months of age, especially premature babies, there may be insufficient development of nerve endings in the wall of the digestive tract. As a result, the intestine does not respond to the filling of its lumen with food gruel and does not move it forward. This is a physiological phenomenon that goes away as the child grows up and does not require special treatment.

Accumulation of gases in the intestinal lumen

Gas bubbles can interfere with the movement of food gruel through the intestines. This may occur if:

• a nursing mother eats foods that cause intestinal fermentation (carbonated drinks, cucumbers, chocolate, raw onions, cabbage, legumes, grapes, bananas);
• there is intestinal dysbiosis;

Particular reasons for babies who are fully breastfed include the mother's diet and the medications she takes.

Diet of the mother of a newborn

There are known foods and medicines, the active substances of which, passing into milk, cause the development of constipation in infants. Among them:

• whole dairy products, cheeses;
• fat meat;
• rich meat broths;
• baking;
• medications (antispasmodics - noshpa, diuretics, drugs for the treatment of anemia, aluminum-based heartburn medications - almagel).

Common causes of constipation in formula-fed and mixed-fed babies are:

• unsuitable formula;
• sudden change of mixture;
• under-soldering.

If everything is more or less clear with the choice of formula, under-supply still raises many questions among parents.

According to WHO recommendations, exclusively breastfed newborns should not receive additional water until 6 months of age. Except in special cases: fever, increased body temperature, vomiting, diarrhea.

Supplementation of infants receiving formula milk is mandatory. This is due to the fact that no matter how adapted the formula is, it cannot compare in quality with breast milk, and the baby’s body needs additional liquid to digest it. With a lack of water, severe constipation develops.

How to help your baby

It is understandable that parents want to alleviate the condition of their baby when he develops constipation, but the first and best thing they can do for him is to seek advice from a pediatrician. Among the conditions that cause disruption of intestinal motor function, there are those that threaten not only the health, but also the life of the newborn.

Trying to start treatment without knowing the true cause of constipation is a big mistake. Only a doctor, based on an examination and additional examination methods that he will prescribe if necessary, will be able to accurately establish a diagnosis and recommend effective and safe treatment.

But what to do if the test results and examination did not reveal any violations, and the baby continues to suffer from the inability to empty the intestines. In this case, constipation is most likely associated with immaturity of the peristalsis, the mother’s dietary habits, or the quality of the formula. There are several ways to help gently and safely help a baby in this situation:

• Massage and special exercises for newborns, including fitball exercises;
• Changing the diet of a nursing mother or more carefully selecting formula;
• Laxative drugs approved for use in infants;
• Mechanical methods of intestinal stimulation (enema, gas tube, glycerin suppositories).

Massage and special exercises

They are the safest and most accessible method of stimulating intestinal motility if constipation is caused by underdevelopment of the motor function of the digestive tract and enzymes. The massage is performed an hour after feeding, while the baby is awake and in a good mood. It is unacceptable to perform massages and exercises with a crying baby, during illness, or in sleep.

Changing the diet of a nursing mother and selecting formula

A nursing mother should carefully approach the preparation of the daily menu. It is necessary to exclude from it foods that contribute to the development of constipation in infants and cause increased gas formation. In addition, it is recommended to consume foods that have a natural laxative effect:

• dried apricots;
• boiled beets, pumpkin;
• vegetable oil;
• porridge;
• unsweetened fermented milk products;
• prunes;
• vegetable soups;
• chicken breast.

When constipation occurs in a formula-fed baby, the cause most often lies in an incorrectly selected formula. It must be strictly age appropriate and adapted. Attention should be paid to the daily volume of the mixture. For an artificial baby, feeding on demand is unacceptable; the bottle must be given strictly on an hourly basis. The recommended norms cannot be exceeded.

All babies receiving the formula should be supplemented with boiled water at the rate of 10 ml (2 tsp) per 1 month of life per day.

Laxative drugs approved for newborns

In some cases, after consultation with a doctor, it is possible to use medications that help intestinal motility. These include:

• Duphalac - acts as a laxative and as a medium for the growth of beneficial microflora;
• espumisan (subsimplex, bobotik) is a carminative that destroys accumulations of gas bubbles in the intestines;

Mechanical methods

Unfortunately, they are still the most popular methods among inexperienced mothers. They are simple and give quick results. BUT, beneath the apparent harmlessness, their destructive effect on the fragile digestive system of a newborn is hidden:

• Injuries to the intestinal mucosa;
• Washing out beneficial bacteria, microelements and vitamins;
• Overextension of the walls;
• loss of ability to empty yourself.

For all their speed, they should remain the last resort of choice for constipation in infants when other methods do not help.

Mechanical methods include:

• enema with water-oil solution;
• microenemas microlax;
• gas outlet pipe;
• glycerin suppositories.

Important point!

For an enema in newborns, syringe No. 1 with a soft tip is used. The syringe and gas outlet tube must be boiled and cooled before use. The temperature of the enema water should be at least 30 C⁰.

Constipation in a baby is a serious condition that should not be ignored by the mother’s parents. Timely treatment will allow the baby to develop healthy and cheerful.