Babies who are breast-fed, unfortunately, often experience constipation. This trouble is characterized by hard and rare stools, pains and cramps in the tummy. Children lose their appetite, constantly cry and sleep very poorly. In such cases, pediatricians recommend replacing the usual baby food with a mixture of constipation.
Indications for use
Parents should understand that it is impossible to transfer the baby to this type of food on their own. A mixture of constipation for newborns performs medical and preventive functions. However, if there are no specific indications for its use, and the mother decided to give such a mixture, then the baby’s gastrointestinal tract may refuse to function normally without the help of specialized nutrition.
In what cases are prescribed therapeutic and prophylactic mixtures:
- alternation of very hard and rare stools;
- increased gas formation, severe colic;
- profuse regurgitation, which is more like vomiting.
Important! If the child is concerned about frequent spitting up, the pediatrician may prescribe antireflux mixtures. Their main components are gum and starch. On packs with such nutrition, a marking with the letters AP is applied. Mixtures for constipation are divided into therapeutic and prophylactic.
Medical nutrition
This type of nutrition can be given to an infant only as directed by a doctor. The treatment mixture for constipation in the composition has gum or lactulose.
Products with lactulose, which are presented in our rating:
- Semper Bifidus ;
- "Hipp Combiotic";
- Milk "Agusha".
Mixtures with gum:
Usually 2 weeks is enough to solve all functional problems with the digestive tract through nutrition. If the trouble did not resolve the problem, then the doctor himself decides on the advisability of feeding such a mixture further.
Preventive mixtures
This type of food is used both to eliminate troubles, and as a preventive measure. Such breast milk substitutes are called fermented milk mixtures for constipation. They include useful microflora:
- lactic acid bacteria;
- acidophilic bacteria;
- bifidobacteria.
They not only positively affect the work of the digestive tract, but also contribute to the absorption of trace elements such as magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, iron.
According to the consistency of the mixture from colic and constipation, there are dry and liquid. The product in dry form must be diluted with boiled water. The powder is stored for a long time and is enough for a large number of feedings. Such mixtures not only relieve problems with the gastrointestinal tract, but also help to gain weight in premature babies or infants with underweight.
Liquid premixes are an expensive product. They are usually taken with them on the road. This food does not require cooking. The liquid mixture is simply poured into a bottle, heated and you can feed the baby. There are also liquid concentrates. They need to be bred in a ratio of 1: 1, warm and give to kids.
The consistency of the mixture does not affect the well-being of the child. All of them act on the work of the gastrointestinal tract. The only thing that really matters in this matter is the composition of the product. Only a doctor can help you find the best mixture for constipation.
Composition of functional nutrition for infants
The product should consist of the very best ingredients that have a therapeutic effect. The task of these substances is to tidy up the work of the gastrointestinal tract, to save the child from problems with bowel movements.
Substances that in a short time will help get rid of unpleasant symptoms:
- lactulose;
- gum and other perbiotics;
- probiotics.
Gum
The best product a pediatrician can prescribe for constipation is a mixture that contains gum. This substance is able to normalize the stool of the baby. The product, which contains gum, also copes with the problem of frequent and abundant regurgitation.
How does it work? Gum retains fluid in the body of crumbs. It is she who liquefies feces and allows the intestines of the child to calmly empty.
Lactulose
It is a prebiotic that consists of galactose and fructose molecules. It enters the large intestine unchanged, and already here it is split into three acids:
Lactulose is a breeding ground for the growth of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria (prebiotic). That is why you see the inscription "bifidus" on the pack.
The pediatrician can prescribe the lactulose mixture as the only product in the diet of crumbs, and in a ratio of 50/50. Half of breast milk or the usual adapted mixture, half of the therapeutic mixture. The duration of admission is also indicated by the doctor. In no case do not decide to take such a product yourself. It can do more harm than good. Lactulose mixtures are prescribed for children only after a thorough examination, which includes passing a number of tests.
In addition to gum, infant formula for constipation may include other types of prebiotics. There are also fructooligosaccharides (FOS), galactooligosaccharides (GOS) and inulin.
All of them are dietary fiber. What kind of prebiotics are needed for a child can be decided only by a doctor. They are selected individually, depending on the tolerance of the child.
Probiotics should also be included in the quality mixture for constipation for newborns. What is their function?
- Protection against intestinal infections.
- Suppression of pathogenic microflora in the digestive tract.
In most cases, probiotics are found in fermented milk mixtures.
What should not be in a high-quality medicinal mixture?
Avoid baby foods that contain palm oil. In general, the presence of fat in the mixture from constipation should be minimal. They have a bad effect on intestinal motility and can cause stool retention. For the same reason, doctors do not advise nursing mothers to get involved in fatty foods. Next, you will see the rating of mixtures for constipation.
"Bifidus" From Semper No. 1
The Semper brand offers the Bifidus mixture to solve stool problems in infants. Also, the components of the breast milk substitute ensure the correct maturation of the digestive tract of the baby.
It is part of the mixture.
- Whey that is made from cow's milk. Their food is exceptionally environmentally friendly.
- High quality milk powder. When diluted with water, it cannot be distinguished from natural. All properties of high-quality cow's milk are preserved.
- Fats, without which the child cannot develop normally. This includes: fish oil, arachidonic acid, milk fat.
- Hydrolyzed Corn Starch. Used as a thickener. The body of the child is able to digest it from the first days of life.
- Vitamins and minerals: A, B, K, E, C, PP, taurine, niacin, iron, copper, selenium, zinc, calcium. All of them contribute to a good metabolism.
- Source of omega-3 and omega-6: sunflower, palm and rapeseed oil.
The therapeutic effect of the mixture provides the content of lactulose. It stimulates an increase in the intestines of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria. Due to this, disorders in the functioning of the stool are a thing of the past.
HIPP Combiotic No. 2
The composition of the mixture includes both probiotics and prebiotics. They form the normal intestinal microflora and provide the baby with healthy digestion.
A therapeutic and prophylactic product for feeding infants includes a complex of vitamins, calcium and iron. The Hipp Combiotic mixture can be used from birth as a functional supplement to breastfeeding. Also, the product can be an alternative to breast milk. When the child is older, then you can use the mixture as the basis for making cereals.
All components of Hipp Combiotic are environmentally friendly. The composition includes organic cow's milk. The product is also enriched with omega-z and omega-6 fatty acids, which contribute to the proper development of the baby's vision and brain. To form healthy microflora in the baby’s tummy, lactobacillus L. fermentum was introduced into the mixture. These are probiotics, which are also found in breast milk. The mixture does not contain preservatives or any chemical additives.
Nutrilak A No. 3
Nutrilac is a breast milk substitute that is based on whey. You can use this type of food from birth. Mixture "Nutrilac" refers to the functional type of food. It perfectly solves the problem of constipation and colic in newborns and infants. In some cases, pediatricians are advised to introduce such a mixture into the diet of a child who is exclusively breastfed. This happens when it is not possible to regulate the digestive tract due to the proper nutrition of the nursing mother.
The treatment and prophylactic mixture consists of dry demineralized whey, organic cow's milk. The main component in the composition that solves the problem of constipation is locust bean gum. For the development of vision and brain functions of the baby, vegetable oils were introduced into the composition: sunflower, coconut, soy. The mixture does not contain palm oil hazardous to the health of children and adults.
Nestogen No. 5
Mixture “Nestogen” for constipation is a functional product that solves the problem with the digestive tract of babies due to the content of Prebio dietary fiber in the products. These are the prebitotics of GOS and FOS. Also included are lactobacilli L. reuteri. They promote proper digestion. After applying the mixture, the baby's stool becomes regular.
Agusha No. 4
The mixture is therapeutic. When it is used in the intestines of infants, the amount of pathogenic microflora decreases and there is an increase in healthy flora. When buying, pay attention to the numbers "1" and "2" on the pack. "One" is designed for babies from birth to 6 months. "Two" for kids from six months and older.
The Agusha fermented milk mixture is prescribed to solve the following series of problems:
- As a prophylaxis when in an unfavorable environment in terms of infection.
- As additional measures in the treatment of acute intestinal infections.
- With poor weight gain, rickets, anemia.
- With constipation, disorders, regurgitation, colic.
This product is sold ready-made. Breast milk substitute is poured into Tetrapak packs. The volume of one pack is 200 ml. You can store the mixture closed in the refrigerator for up to 10 days (at a temperature of 2 to 6 degrees Celsius). An open package of Agusha fermented milk mixture cannot be stored. You should drink the liquid for half an hour.
The composition of "Agusha":
- whey protein;
- lactose;
- nucleotides;
- water;
- vegetable oils: rapeseed, coconut, soybean, palm, sunflower;
- a complex of vitamin and minerals;
- bifidoacidolphilic yeast;
- carnitine;
- taurine.
Many parents are confused by the presence of palm oil in breast milk substitutes. It is worth saying that its amount is negligible and will not bring harm to the children's body. However, it is an indispensable source of palmitic acid. In small doses, this substance is also found in breast milk. This acid softens stool very well in case of constipation in an infant.
How to correctly introduce a therapeutic and prophylactic mixture into the diet of infants
This process is no different from introducing any other type of adapted mixture. The product must be introduced in stages.
- Always give a new product crumbs in the morning, on an empty stomach. Start with 15–20 ml. It is necessary to feed the baby with the usual food for him. Watch the baby. If during the day there is no rash or pain in the abdomen, then you can continue the process of introducing a new product. If a negative reaction has followed, then the crumb nutrition is not suitable and administration should be stopped.
- The next day, the child can already be offered about 30 ml of a new product. Do this also in the morning. While the child is getting used to, it is better to give new food at about the same time. Also feed it with the usual adapted mixture or breast milk.
- The next day, the baby can already be given 75 ml and supplemented with food to which he is accustomed.
- On the fourth day, you can replace several meals (second and third feeding) with a fermented milk mixture.
How to understand that the product is suitable for the child?
Watch the chair. Ideally, he should be well formed. The baby may empty the intestines after each feeding. This is the norm. Also, the baby can go to the toilet for the most part once a day. This is also a variant of the norm. Pediatricians believe that this process in the body proceeds individually. Focus more on the health of the crumbs. Pay attention to whether the child has colic, bloating, frequent spitting up. If you notice such symptoms, then stop giving the baby a new product. Most likely, some of the components does not fit the little man.
If the child feels well, he has not disturbed sleep, he is cheerful during wakefulness, but he has a slight upset stomach, then do not stop administering the product. The body of crumbs in this way reacts to an unusual diet. Wait three days. All this time, do not increase the dose of the new mixture, but do not stop the introduction. After three days, the crumb stool should return to normal. If nothing has changed, then stop giving babies a new product. Talk to your pediatrician. The doctor will choose a new type of food for the baby in accordance with his needs. A new mixture can only be added to the diet after at least one week.
Another indicator of whether the mixture is suitable for the baby is the presence of rashes, that is, allergic reactions to the mixture. If the crumbs cheeks turn red and pimples appear, then most likely the product is not suitable for the child.
Reviews of parents and recommendations of doctors
The reviews of constipation mixtures that are presented here are good. All these products are certified and provide real assistance to children. Negative reviews also happen, but they appear as a result of an improperly selected product. Doctors warn mothers and fathers against an independent decision to introduce a therapeutic and prophylactic substitute for breast milk.
To decide on the need to introduce such a product, you need to analyze feces of crumbs for dysbiosis. Pediatricians select treatment mixtures in accordance with the results of the tests.
Also, negative reviews often occur in parents who misuse the mixture: they dilute the powder "by eye", overfeed the child. It happens that the half-eaten liquid is stored, and then given to the child after some time. This is not permissible, since pathogenic microflora can develop in breast milk replacer. This not only does not contribute to solving problems with the gastrointestinal tract, but also exacerbates the situation. If you follow the instructions on the package and follow all the doctor’s instructions, then a mixture of constipation for babies will certainly help. In order for any functional product to solve a health problem, its use must be approached wisely.