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As a mother, seeing your baby grow healthily gives you the confidence that you are doing well. However, even if you are giving your best, some problems may arise that make the little one feel unwell.

One common situation in babies and children is constipation. This means having fewer than two bowel movements a week, which causes pain and discomfort. And when they do go, the stools can be hard and painful to pass.

If your little one is experiencing this terrible discomfort, don’t despair; it can be solved. It will only take some adjustments to their diet, and everything will improve. That’s why we want to recommend foods for babies with constipation to include in their diet.

Which fruits to eat for constipation

If your baby is still breastfeeding, be careful with your own diet, as consuming little liquid or some foods that worsen constipation may cause your child to suffer from this unpleasant condition.

Instead, opt for fiber-rich foods, since depending on the baby’s age, it is necessary to include fiber in the child’s diet to help with bowel movements, which will benefit their health. Here are some suggestions:

Fruits for constipation: these include plums, pears, papaya, oranges, pineapple, mango, tangerine, and watermelon. All these fruits are rich in fiber, which supports the digestive system.

Red berries: among these are strawberries, blueberries, cherries, raspberries, currants, blackberries, grapes, and aronia berries. These delicious fruits—known as berries—are excellent for relieving constipation.

Include these fruits in your baby’s diet, as they not only have high nutritional value but are also ideal for digestion, helping to facilitate intestinal transit and thus preventing constipation.

However, if the child is very young and not yet eating solids, you can prepare purees from some of these fruits, such as pears and papayas, which are easy to mash. This way, your baby can consume them easily and benefit from their laxative properties.

Foods for constipation

There is a wide variety of laxative foods. Therefore, if your baby has stopped breastfeeding and started eating solid foods, you can include them in their weekly menu. Some of these are:

• Legumes: these include various beans such as lentils, red and black beans, peas, and chickpeas. Due to their high fiber content, they help relieve intestinal constipation.
• White and lean meats: these contain less fat than red meats and are easier for your baby to digest. Examples include chicken, turkey, rabbit, and fish.
• Soups: these are among the foods for constipation that also promote intestinal transit because their liquid content makes them easier to digest. You can prepare soups with some vegetables and a bit of protein, like chicken.
• Purees: like the above, these are also ideal for your baby. You can give your little ones pumpkin or celery purees, which are very rich in fiber.
• Zucchini puree: due to its smooth texture, it is essential for your baby to consume it when starting to eat new foods—besides breast milk—as it is very easy to digest.
• Whole grain flours and cereals: this refers to oats, breads made with wheat bran, whole wheat pasta, or brown rice. These fibers speed up intestinal flow, making them ideal to prevent constipation.
• Vegetables: these include beets, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, asparagus, corn, lettuce, spinach, and cabbage. There is a variety of vegetables, so teach your child to eat them, which will help combat constipation.
• Yogurt: this dairy product is rich in probiotics, meaning good bacteria that have a positive effect on your baby’s intestinal health. It also 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 flavor but also help lubricate intestinal flow.

Foods to avoid if your baby suffers from constipation

You should know that some fruits and other foods cause constipation, so you should avoid them. Their consumption can worsen this uncomfortable condition.

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

• Apple: we mentioned that this fruit can help your baby with constipation, but only if given raw or with the skin, as these aid intestinal transit. However, be careful because the same fruit—if consumed grated or peeled—has the opposite effect.
• Banana causes constipation: although this fruit is very good due to its high potassium content, it contains little water and is very dry. Therefore, your baby should not consume it too often, as its starch content can harden the child’s stools.
• Carrots: this vegetable, rich in vitamin A, is among the foods that cause constipation due to its astringent properties. If the baby suffers from constipation, they should not consume it regularly to avoid worsening the condition.

Also, avoid giving your baby foods high in calories regularly, such as fried foods, sweets, margarines, processed meats, fatty meats, and chocolate, because they have little nutritional value and can harm your baby’s digestion, causing the unpleasant discomfort of constipation.

In conclusion, make sure your baby drinks plenty of water, consumes laxative fruits, and stays active. If they are not yet walking, exercise them yourself and give stimulating massages. The results will be positive—you will have a happy baby, and you will be at ease.

During the baby's first months, it is very common for them to suffer from gas. This happens because they swallow air while feeding, as they have not yet fully mastered the sucking technique.
Gas causes a lot of discomfort for the baby, which is why it is so important to help them expel it.

In extreme cases, gas can cause the baby to cry continuously, although this should not be confused with the well-known colic. These are two different things. Colic, remember, are painful abdominal contractions that some babies experience during the first 12 weeks of life.

Why does my baby have gas?

There is no single reason that causes baby gas. In fact, it can be caused by many different things, not just swallowing air during feedings.

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

• Stomach gas. Caused by excessive air intake, either during feedings or during periods of excessive crying.

• Intestinal gas. Usually caused by having an intestinal flora that produces it, although it can also be due to intolerances. In the latter case, we should consult the pediatrician to get guidance on what to do.

The best positions to expel gas

• Upright on your chest, with their little head on your shoulder. This is the classic position we have all seen at some point. A mother who, after breastfeeding her baby, holds them upright while gently patting their back to help them burp. Although it doesn’t always work, it is a good method to try to expel gas after meals.

• Sitting on our knees, facing away from us, with the palms of our hands on their chest and their fingers on the chin.

• Face down on our lap, trying to keep the head higher than the chest.

Other recommendations to avoid gas

• Feed them in a upright position; the more reclined they are, the more gas they can swallow.

• Do the bicycle motion with their legs. That is, lay them down, hold their legs, and gently move them as if they were pedaling a bicycle.

• Apply warmth to the area, which has an analgesic effect and can significantly reduce gas discomfort.

• Give tummy massages, in circular motions clockwise. Without pressing.

Gluten sensitivity or celiac disease can be diagnosed at any age. However, some people show symptoms within the first few months after birth. This usually happens when transitioning from breastfeeding to introducing other foods containing the cereals in question.

Identifying and managing gluten allergy in babies

To determine if your child's health has been affected by gluten intolerance or allergy, a doctor must provide an accurate diagnosis. Since an infant cannot express the discomfort they feel, parents need to be alert to any abnormal changes that occur.

Warning signs of gluten allergy in young children

Gluten sensitivity in babies can manifest in various ways, and its diagnosis may require a careful evaluation process. Here are some guidelines that can help in determining gluten sensitivity in babies:

        1. Clinical symptoms: Babies sensitive to gluten may experience a variety of symptoms, including chronic diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, weight loss, irritability, lethargy, skin rashes (such as dermatitis herpetiformis), or growth delay. The presence of these symptoms can be a warning sign to investigate gluten sensitivity.

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

        3. Medical tests: Medical tests can be useful to determine gluten sensitivity in babies. This may include blood tests for specific antibodies, such as anti-transglutaminase antibodies (anti-tTG) and anti-endomysium antibodies (EMA), 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 babies under 2 years old, as their immune system is still developing and may not produce enough antibodies.

        4. Dietary evaluation: If gluten sensitivity is suspected, a gluten elimination trial from the baby's diet may be considered under the supervision of a doctor or a dietitian specialized in infant nutrition. If symptoms improve during the elimination period and worsen again when gluten is reintroduced, this could indicate gluten sensitivity.

It is important to highlight 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 a baby, it is recommended to seek proper guidance and medical care.

Adapting infant feeding: Tips and gluten-free alternatives

Here are some ideas for gluten-free foods that babies can eat at the start of complementary feeding to 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 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 food groups are the most important to include in young children's diets, so adapting the texture you prefer at home, they are always an essential daily option.

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

        4. Eggs, meat, fish: Eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein and other important nutrients like 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 soft, boneless fish from 6 months of age, cut into small pieces and well cooked.

        5. Yogurt and coconut milk or plant-based drinks: Make sure to choose varieties without added sugar.

Remember that it is important to consult a pediatrician or infant 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 adverse reactions after introducing new foods and follow specific recommendations for your baby's age and developmental stage.

Gluten-free recipe ideas

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

        1. Vegetable puree: Prepare a smooth puree of cooked vegetables such as pumpkin, carrot, sweet potato, and broccoli. You can mix the vegetables with a little extra virgin olive oil. We recommend our pumpkin and zucchini jar or vegetables with quinoa.

        2. Legume puree: Make a puree of cooked chickpeas, lentils, or beans. Legumes are an excellent source of protein and fiber, and you can add mild spices like cumin or cilantro for flavor. We recommend our bean stew jar, spectacular!

        3. Steamed chicken or fish: Steam small pieces of chicken or soft fish like sole or cod. And for those who cut the cod... Cod jar!

        4. Vegetable omelet: Prepare a soft omelet with beaten eggs and chopped vegetables like mushrooms or peppers. Cook the omelet over low heat until fully cooked and cut it into small pieces to make it easy to eat.

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

Always supervise the baby while eating and ensure that foods are well cooked and cut into pieces appropriate for their development and the feeding method you are following at home (mashed, BLW, mixed…). Also, consult a pediatrician or infant nutrition specialist if you have any questions or concerns about your baby's diet.

References

Álvarez-Cuenllas B, Muñoz-González I, Sánchez-García S, Gutiérrez-Castrellón P, Calvo-Hernández M, López-Valero M. Infant's early gluten exposure 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: All wheat attack is not 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 this action strengthens the affection between mother and child—that is, the closest bond you can have with your child after birth.

 Besides the important bond that can develop between a mother and her baby, breast milk provides lasting health benefits to the infant, and your health can also greatly benefit.

 However, even though your greatest desire is to breastfeed your child, there are times when it is necessary to interrupt breastfeeding. Maybe you got sick, have to travel, or for some reason find it difficult to nurse.

 When breastfeeding has to be stopped, you might wonder: “Is it possible to continue breastfeeding even after stopping?” In this article, we will give you some suggestions to help you resuming breastfeeding, whether a short or long time has passed.

Possible reasons that interrupt breastfeeding

It is 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. Knowing what these might be will help you cope with the situation.

• When you start working: Your prenatal and postnatal leave has ended, but your baby still needs breast milk. This may cause you to interrupt breastfeeding for several hours, which in turn will reduce milk production.
• Illnesses requiring hospitalization: It may be due to surgical procedures where the mother requires anesthesia. Therefore, breastfeeding will need to be suspended for a period.
• When the mother undergoes radiology: In these cases, it is recommended to suspend breastfeeding during the radiological exam, so milk must be expressed and discarded.
• Pills to stop breast milk: It is a drug that lowers prolactin in the blood and therefore milk production. But once the mother’s milk supply is established, it has little effect.
• Medication contraindications: There are medications that can harm your baby's health, so it will be necessary to stop breastfeeding while the treatment lasts.
• Severe stress situations: In difficult moments when you experience a big scare or distress, your body produces adrenaline and cortisol, which affect milk production.
• Causes of decreased breast milk: Something that can reduce your milk supply is low fluid intake and lack of proper nutrition.
• Travel: You might face a sudden trip where you cannot take your baby with you and find yourself needing to temporarily stop breastfeeding.

How to resume breastfeeding? 

If you have faced difficulties and had to stop breastfeeding, you might wonder: “How do I stop breastfeeding? My baby still needs it.” Is there a solution for this?

You may get discouraged and say, “My milk isn’t coming back.” But don’t worry, you still have the chance to resume breastfeeding. The following recommendations have been very effective for many mothers and will surely help you too.

Consider the time factor

Recovering breastfeeding can depend on how long the interruption lasted. If it was a short time, it will be easier; if longer, it will take a bit more time. But you will succeed.

Baby’s age

The younger your baby is, the easier it will be to recover breastfeeding.

Activate production

You should continue stimulating your breasts through massages. So, if you have to work outside the home, you can opt for a breast pump to maintain milk production.

Stimulate with your baby

Your baby is your best ally and partner in recovering milk production; the more they suckle, the greater the milk production.

Get rid of pacifiers

These rubber nipples can prevent the baby from being interested in the breast.

Emotional stability

Try to be relaxed when you want to resume breastfeeding, as moments of tension are transmitted to your baby and will not stimulate milk production again.

Stay well hydrated

Remember that the more hydrated you are, the easier it will be to produce breast milk. Therefore, try to drink enough water, at least two liters daily.

Positive attitude

Maintain the right motivation, don’t despair, and trust that you will succeed in recovering breastfeeding.

Good company

Surround yourself with people who encourage you and respect your decision to continue breastfeeding your baby.

Seek advice

You might 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 alcohol consumption

Excessive alcohol and tobacco can prevent milk production. Additionally, they have harmful effects on both you and your baby’s health.

Be cautious with medications

Some medicines affect milk supply. However, your doctor will give you the necessary recommendations.

 Don’t be too hard on yourself

Recovering breastfeeding can be a bit difficult, so if you don’t fully reach your goal, don’t despair—you will still be a good mother, and your baby will sense that.

Remember, breastfeeding is the best nourishment your baby will receive. But if your milk production is not yet enough to properly feed your baby, then you must make sure to feed them correctly.