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As a mother, seeing your baby grow up healthy gives you the reassurance that you're doing a good job. However, even if you're doing your very best, there may still be some issues that make your little one feel unwell.

One common issue among babies and children is constipation. This refers to a condition in which they have a bowel movement less than twice a week, which causes pain and discomfort. And when they do have a bowel movement, the stool may be hard and painful to pass.

If your little one is suffering from this unpleasant condition, don't worry—there's a solution. All it takes is a few adjustments to their diet, and things will improve. That's why we'd like to recommend foods for babies with constipationthat you can include in their diet.  

What fruits to eat for constipation

If your baby is still breastfeeding, be mindful of your own diet, because if you don’t drink enough fluids or eat certain foods that can cause constipation, your child is likely to experience the discomfort of this condition.

Instead, opt for high-fiber foods, since—depending on the baby’s age—it’s important to include fiber-rich foods in their diet to help with bowel movements, which will benefit their health. Here are a few suggestions:

Fruits for constipation: notably plums, pears, papaya, oranges, pineapple, mango, tangerines, and watermelon. All of these fruits are rich in fiber, which aids digestion.

Berries: These fruits include strawberries, blueberries, cherries, raspberries, currants, blackberries, grapes, and goji berries. These delicious fruits—known as berries—are excellent for relieving constipation.

Include these fruits in your baby’s diet, as they are not only highly nutritious but also ideal for digestion, helping to promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. 

However, if your child is very young and not yet eating solid foods, you can choose to make a puree out of some of these fruits—such as pears and papayas—which are easy to mash. This way, your baby can easily eat them, and they’ll be beneficial because these fruits have a mild laxative effect.

Foods for Constipation

There is a wide variety of foods that act as laxatives. Therefore, if your baby has already weaned off breast milk and started eating solid foods, you can include them in their weekly meal plan. Some of these include:

• Legumes: We find a variety of legumes, such as lentils, red and black beans, peas, and chickpeas. Because of their high fiber content, they help relieve constipation.
• Lean white meats: contain less fat than red meats and are easier for your baby to digest. These include chicken, turkey, rabbit, and fish.
• Soups: are one of the foods for constipation that also promote bowel movements, since their high liquid content makes them easier to digest. You can make soups with some vegetables and a source of protein, such as chicken.
• Purees: Just like the ones mentioned above, these are also great for your baby. You can give your little ones pumpkin or celery purees, which are very high in fiber. 
• Zucchini puree: Because of its smooth texture, it’s essential for your baby to eat this when they’re starting to try new foods—other than breast milk—since it’s very easy to digest.
• Whole-grain flours and cereals: we’re talking about oats, breads made with wheat bran, whole-grain pasta, or brown rice. These fibers speed up bowel movements, making them ideal for preventing constipation.
• Vegetables: These include beets, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, asparagus, corn, lettuce, spinach, and cabbage. There is a wide variety of vegetables, so teach your child to eat them—this will help them combat constipation.
• Yogurt: This dairy product is very rich in probiotics—that is, good bacteria that have a positive effect on your baby’s gut health. Plus, it provides calcium at the same time.
• Olive oil and flaxseed oil: These oils act as mild laxatives. Therefore, adding them to your baby’s food will not only improve the flavor but also help lubricate the bowel movements.

Foods to Avoid If Your Baby Is Constipated

You should be aware that certain fruits and other foods can cause constipation, so you should avoid them. Eating them can make this uncomfortable condition worse.

Keep in mind that some of these foods—depending on how they are eaten—can act as laxatives or cause constipation.

• Apples: We’ve already mentioned that this fruit can help relieve your baby’s constipation, but only if you give it to them raw or with the skin on, since these help promote bowel movements. However, be careful, because this same fruit—if eaten grated or peeled—has the opposite effect.
• Bananas can cause constipation: although this fruit is very good because of its high potassium content, it contains little water, making it very dry. Therefore, your baby shouldn’t eat them too often, since their starch content can make a child’s stools hard.
• Carrots: This vegetable, rich in vitamin A, is among the foods that cause constipation due to its astringent properties. If your baby is constipated, you should not eat them or give them to your baby on a regular basis, so as not to make the situation worse.

Also, avoid letting your baby regularly eat high-calorie foods such as fried foods, sweets, margarine, processed meats, fatty meats, and chocolate, because they have little nutritional value, which can disrupt your baby’s digestion and lead to the unpleasant discomfort of constipation.

In conclusion, make sure your baby drinks plenty of water, eats fruits that promote bowel movements, and gets plenty of exercise. If your baby isn't walking yet, help them exercise and give them stimulating massages. You'll see positive results—your baby will be happy, and you'll have peace of mind.

During a baby’s first few months, it’s very common for them to experience gas.This is because they swallow air while eating, since they haven’t yet fully mastered the sucking technique.
Gas causes a lot of discomfort for the baby, which is why it’s so important to help them pass it.

In extreme cases, gas can cause a baby to cry continuously, though this should not be confused with the well-known condition known as colic. They are two different things. Colic, as we know, refers to painful abdominal cramps that some babies experience during the first 12 weeks of life.
 

Why does my baby have gas?

There isn't just one single cause of gas in babies. In fact, it can be caused by many different things, not just swallowing air during feedings.

For example: digestive problems, food intolerances, or excessive crying.
There are two types of gas:
 

• Stomach gas. Caused by swallowing too much air, either while feeding or during periods of excessive crying.

• Intestinal gas. They are usually caused by intestinal flora, although they can also be due to food intolerances. In the latter case, we should consult with the pediatrician so they can provide us with guidelines to follow.

The best positions for passing gaspass gas

• Upright against your chest, with their little head resting on your shoulder. This is the classic position we’ve all seen at some point. A mom who, after breastfeeding her baby, holds them upright and pats them on the back to help them burp. Although it doesn’t always work, it’s a good way to try to help them pass gas after a feeding.

• Sitting on our laps, with his back to us, our palms resting on his chest, and his fingers on his chin.

• Face down on our lap, keeping the head higher than the chest.

Other tips for preventing gas

• Feed him while he's sitting up straight; the more he lies down, the more gas he'll get.

• Move their legs as if they were riding a bike. In other words, lay them down, hold their legs, and gently move them as if they were pedaling a bike.

• It provides warmth to the area, has a pain-relieving effect, and can significantly reduce gas-related discomfort.

• Massage their tummy using clockwise circular motions. Don't press too hard. 

Gluten sensitivity or celiac disease can be diagnosed at any age. However, some people show symptoms within a few months of birth. This usually occurs when the transition begins from breastfeeding to the introduction of other foods containing the relevant grains.

Identifying and Managing Gluten Allergy in Infants

To determine whether your child’s health has been affected by gluten intolerance or allergy, a doctor must provide an accurate diagnosis. Since an infant cannot describe the symptoms they are experiencing, parents must be on the lookout for any unusual changes that may occur.

Warning signs of gluten allergy in young children

Gluten sensitivity in infants can manifest in various ways, and identifying it may require a careful evaluation process. Here are some guidelines that can help in identifying gluten sensitivity in infants:

        1. Clinical symptoms: Babies with gluten sensitivity may experience a variety of symptoms, which can include chronic diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, bloating, abdominal pain, weight loss, irritability, lethargy, skin rashes (such as dermatitis herpetiformis), or failure to thrive. The presence of these symptoms may be a red flag for investigating gluten sensitivity.

        2. Family history: Gluten sensitivity may have a genetic component, so it is important to determine whether there is a family history of celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.

        3. Medical tests: Medical tests can be useful for determining gluten sensitivity in infants. These may include blood tests for specific antibodies, such as anti-transglutaminase (anti-tTG) antibodies and anti-endomysium (EMA) antibodies, as well as genetic tests to detect genetic markers associated with celiac disease. However, it is important to note that test results may not be conclusive in infants under 2 years of age, as their immune systems are still developing and may not produce enough antibodies.

        4. Dietary evaluation: If gluten sensitivity is suspected, a gluten-free elimination diet for the baby may be considered under the supervision of a doctor or a dietitian specializing in pediatric nutrition. If symptoms improve during the elimination period and worsen again when gluten is reintroduced, this could indicate gluten sensitivity.

It is important to note that gluten sensitivity is an evolving area of research and that an accurate diagnosis requires evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. If there are concerns about gluten sensitivity in an infant, it is recommended to seek appropriate medical guidance and care.

Adapting Children's Diets: Tips and Gluten-Free Alternatives

Here are some food ideas for babies starting gluten-free solid foods to help them continue growing healthily:

        1. Breast milk or infant formula: Breast milk is the best option for feeding babies, as it provides all the nutrients they need to grow up healthy. If breast milk is not available, gluten-free infant formulas are available on the market as an alternative.

        2. Fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds: These foods are the most important groups to include in young children’s diets, so—by adjusting the texture to suit your family’s preferences—they’re always an essential part of their daily meals.

        3. Gluten-free grains: Babies can eat gluten-free grains such as rice, corn, quinoa, millet, or sorghum. These grains are safe and nutritious for babies and can be prepared as purees or porridges with water or breast milk.

        4. Eggs, meat, and fish: Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein and other important nutrients such as vitamin D and iron. Lean meats and fish are rich in protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. You can offer small portions of cooked lean meat or mild, boneless fish starting at 6 months of age, cut into small pieces and thoroughly cooked.

        5. Yogurt and coconut milk or plant-based milk: Be sure to choose varieties with no added sugar.

Remember that it’s important to consult with a pediatrician or a pediatric nutritionist before introducing new foods into your baby’s diet, especially if there is a family history of food allergies or gluten sensitivity. Also, watch for any signs of an adverse reaction after introducing new foods and follow the specific recommendations for your baby’s age and stage of development.

Gluten-free recipe ideas

Here are some ideas for gluten-free dinners for babies aged 6 to 24 months:

        1. Vegetable purée: Make a smooth purée of cooked vegetables such as pumpkin, carrots, sweet potatoes, and broccoli. You can mix the vegetables with a little extra-virgin olive oil. We recommend our jar of pumpkin and zucchini or our jar of vegetables with quinoa.

        2. Legume purée: Make a purée using cooked chickpeas, lentils, or beans. Legumes are an excellent source of protein and fiber, and you can add a little mild spice like cumin or cilantro for flavor. We recommend our jar of bean stew—it’s spectacular!

        3. Steamed chicken or fish: Steam small pieces of chicken or mild-flavored fish, such as sole or cod. And for those who call the shots… a little jar of cod!

        4. Vegetable omelet: Make a light omelet with beaten eggs and chopped vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers. Cook the omelet over low heat until it’s fully cooked, then cut it into small pieces so it’s easy to eat.

        5. Quinoa with vegetables: Cook the quinoa in vegetable broth and mix it with cooked vegetables such as peas, carrots, and corn. Quinoa is an excellent source of protein and complex carbohydrates.

Always remember to supervise your baby while they’re eating and make sure that foods are thoroughly cooked and cut into pieces appropriate for their developmental stage and the feeding method you’re using at home (pureed, BLW, mixed, etc.). Also, consult a pediatrician or a pediatric nutrition specialist if you have any questions or concerns about your baby’s diet.

Bibliography

Álvarez-Cuenllas B, Muñoz-González I, Sánchez-García S, Gutiérrez-Castrellón P, Calvo-Hernández M, López-Valero M. Early gluten exposure in infants is associated with their later gluten intake: Results from the KOALA Birth Cohort Study. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2021;72(2):245-252. doi:10.1097/MPG.0000000000003048

Igbinedion SO, Ansari J, Vasikaran A, et al. Non-celiac gluten sensitivity: Not all wheat-related symptoms are celiac. World J Gastroenterol. 2017;23(40):7201-7210. doi:10.3748/wjg.v23.i40.7201

Lund-Blix NA, Mårild K, Tapia G, et al. Gluten intake in early childhood and risk of celiac disease in childhood: a nationwide cohort study. Am J Gastroenterol. 2019;114(8):1299-1306. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000000260

Mårild K, Dong F, Lund-Blix NA, et al. Gluten Intake and Risk of Celiac Disease: Long-Term Follow-up of an At-Risk Birth Cohort. Am J Gastroenterol. 2021;116(5):1005-1013. doi:10.14309/ajg.0000000000001257

Zilberstein B, Gamus D, Fogelman Y, Avivi E, Sapoznikov B, Lahat E. The feasibility and safety of introducing a new gluten-free, low-allergenic formula to infants in the developing world. Eur J Pediatr. 2017;176(11):1533-1537. doi:10.1007/s00431-017-3006-6

Breastfeeding is the best gift a mother can give her baby, as it fosters a bond between mother and child—in other words, the closest connection you can have with your child after birth.

 In addition to the strong bond that can develop between a mother and her baby, breast milk provides lasting health benefits for the infant, and your own health can also benefit greatly.

 However, even if your greatest wish is to breastfeed your child, there are times when you have to stop breastfeeding. Perhaps you’ve fallen ill, have to travel, or for some reason are having trouble breastfeeding.

 When you have to stop breastfeeding, you may wonder, “Is it possible to continue breastfeeding even after I’ve stopped?” In this article, we’ll give you some tips to help you resume breastfeeding, whether it’s been a short or long time.

Possible reasons for stopping breastfeeding

It’s true that breastfeeding can last as long as the mother wishes. However, there are circumstances that may prevent you from breastfeeding your baby for a certain period of time. Knowing what these might be will help you cope with the situation.

• When you go back to work: your pre- and postnatal leave has ended, but your baby still needs breast milk. This may cause you to stop breastfeeding for several hours, which in turn will decrease your milk supply.
• Conditions requiring hospitalization: This may be due to surgical procedures in which the mother requires anesthesia. Therefore, it will be necessary to temporarily suspend breastfeeding.
• When the mother undergoes radiological testing: in these cases, it is recommended to suspend breastfeeding for the duration of the radiological examination, so the milk will need to be expressed and discarded.
• Pills to stop breast milk production: This is a medication that lowers prolactin levels in the blood and, consequently, milk production. However, once the mother’s milk has come in, it has little effect.
• Drug contraindications: There are medications that can harm your baby’s health, so you will need to stop breastfeeding for the duration of the treatment.
• Severe stress: During difficult times when you experience a major scare or upset, your body releases adrenaline and cortisol, which affect milk production.
• Causes of decreased breast milk supply: Factors that can reduce your milk supply include low fluid intake and an inadequate diet.
• Travel: You may have to take a sudden trip where you can’t bring your baby along, and you’ll need to temporarily stop breastfeeding.

How can I get back into breastfeeding? 

If you’ve encountered difficulties and have had to stop breastfeeding, you may find yourself facing a dilemma and wondering, “How do I stop breastfeeding? My baby still needs it.” Is there a solution to this?

You might feel discouraged and think, “My milk supply has dried up.” But don’t worry—you still have a chance to get back into breastfeeding. The following tips have proven very effective for many mothers, and they’ll surely help you, too.

Keep the time in mind

Getting back into breastfeeding may depend on how long the break has been. If it’s been a short time, it will be easier; if it’s been longer, it will take a little longer. But you will succeed.

Baby's age

The younger your baby is, the easier it will be to get back into breastfeeding.

Start production

You should continue to stimulate your breasts through massage. So, if you have to work outside the home, you can use a breast pump to maintain your milk supply.

Play with your baby

Your baby is your best ally and partner in restoring your milk supply; the more your baby nurses, the greater your milk supply will be.

Get rid of the pacifiers

These rubber nipples may discourage the baby from latching on to the breast.

Emotional stability

Try to stay relaxed when you want to resume breastfeeding, since any stress you feel will be passed on to your baby and won’t help stimulate your milk supply again.

Make sure to stay hydrated

Remember that the better hydrated you are, the easier it will be to produce breast milk. So be sure to drink enough water—at least two liters a day.

Positive attitude

Stay positive, don't get discouraged, and trust that you will be able to resume breastfeeding.

Good company

Surround yourself with people who will give you the support you need and respect your decision to continue breastfeeding your baby.

Looking for advice

You may know someone who has achieved this goal; if so, ask them for help or advice. Or ask your baby’s pediatrician or a

Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol

Excessive alcohol and tobacco use can interfere with milk production. In addition, it can have harmful effects on both you and your baby’s health.

Caution with medications

Some medications can affect your milk supply. However, your doctor will provide you with the necessary guidance.

 Don't be so hard on yourself

Getting back into breastfeeding can be a little challenging, so if you don't quite reach your goal, don't worry—you're still a great mom, and your baby will sense that.

Remember, breast milk is the best nutrition your baby will get. But if your milk supply isn't yet sufficient to properly nourish your baby, then you need to make sure you're feeding your baby properly.