Having a baby is sweet, but babies can also encounter various problems in their daily lives, such as digestion. Poor digestion can affect development, weight, and height. So, what should we do if a baby has poor digestion? Let's find out together with me!
Reasons for Baby's Poor Digestion
Baby's digestive organs are not fully developed, and their digestive function is relatively weak. If parents cannot feed their children correctly, the children may experience symptoms of poor digestion. In addition to improper feeding, gastrointestinal inflammation, excessive use of antibiotics, cold weather, low resistance, and exposure to cold can also cause poor digestion.
1. Normal physiological development in infants
During this time, the baby's digestive organs are not fully developed, and the secretion of digestive juices is insufficient. The function of enzymes is also imperfect, and the mucous membrane in the stomach and intestines is delicate. Therefore, the digestive function is relatively weak.
2. Improper feeding
If parents cannot feed their children correctly and give them everything to eat, the quality and quantity of the child's diet may be improper, which can damage the intestines and cause gastrointestinal disorders. The child may experience bloating, vomiting, loose stools with an acidic odor, and a large amount of undigested food residues, which are signs of poor digestion (food injury).
What to Do If a Baby Has Poor Digestion
If a baby has poor digestion, the time between feedings should be extended, and the frequency of feedings should be reduced appropriately. Mothers who provide breast milk should pay attention to adjusting their own diet and avoid eating too much at once. Avoid greasy and hard-to-digest foods. Do not change the mixing ratio of formula milk arbitrarily and avoid switching formula milk before six months of age.
1. Observe the baby's condition to determine whether the poor digestion is caused by illness or something they ate.
2. If the poor digestion is caused by illness, the root cause needs to be identified and treated properly.
3. If the poor digestion is caused by eating hard-to-digest foods, the baby should be encouraged to eat easily digestible foods such as congee.
4. Allow the baby to rest more. Ample sleep can help the baby recover.
5. Provide foods that aid digestion to accelerate the baby's gastrointestinal digestion.
Methods for Preventing Poor Digestion
To prevent poor digestion, attention should be paid to diet - eat less fried, preserved, and cold foods. Establish regular and moderate eating habits, and the temperature of the food should be "neither too hot nor too cold." Chew food thoroughly and eat slowly. Pay attention to staying warm. Conduct timely examinations and actively treat the underlying diseases.
1. Eat a balanced diet. Try to breastfeed infants and young children, and cultivate good eating habits from an early age to help their internal organs adapt better.
2. Feed the baby at regular intervals and in appropriate amounts. Do not overfeed in one go, and let the child drink some boiled water between feedings.
3. Maintain the baby's appetite. If the milk supply is insufficient, feed the baby easily digestible foods such as rice soup, noodle soup, and egg cakes.
4. Pay attention to hygiene. After weaning, pay attention to food hygiene and do not let the baby eat leftover rice, leftover vegetables, or unclean food.
5. Stay warm. Cover the baby's abdomen properly at night to keep the belly warm and prevent exposure to cold.
6. Pay close attention to maintaining a healthy digestive system and develop a habit of regular bowel movements.
