We have all experienced the agony of loose, watery stools, abdominal cramps, and running to the bathroom like an Olympic champion. Not to be out done by feeling bloated and sick accompanied by stomach cramps and non-stop aches and pains. Unfortunately, without mentioning the names of diarrhea and constipation, just by the crappy — I mean uncomfortable symptoms that were mentioned, you no doubt knew exactly what I was talking about.
As an adult, these conditions are never welcomed and can make us adjust our schedules and appointments to always be in close proximity to the nearest restroom. Just imagine what it’s like for a baby who doesn’t understand what is happening and can only articulate the pain and discomfort through body language and tears.
My 12-month-old grandson had a brief bout of rotavirus last spring. It lasted two days. I remember has I put him on his changing table, he looked up at me with big puzzled eyes as if to say, “what is going on, and how many times are you going to change me today?
I think it bothered me more than it bothered him, but it made want to find out more about what causes digestive diseases in babies and how to prevent them.
The human digestive system was designed to work as efficient as possible. Nutrients are extracted from what we eat and drink, transferred to the bloodstream and any excess material moves through the intestine, is then stored in the colon, where water is removed and then eliminated through the bowels. Although a baby’s digestive system works the same way as an adult’s, it is still developing. So, there are a lot of questions pertaining to what is and what is not constipation and diarrhea in reference to babies.
For the first year of a baby’s life, breast milk or formula is the primary source of nutrition. Milk is so nutritious that often it is completely absorbed, leaving little to pass through; therefore causing infrequent bowel movements. The frequency of a baby’s bowel movements does not describe constipation; the degree of difficulty and discomfort in passing a very thick and hard stool is considered constipation. Below are some of the more common causes of constipation and for babies 12 months and younger:
Not enough water in diet –when using baby formula be sure to use the correct amount of water. Once the baby reaches 6 months, add additional water each day by bottle or a training cup. Breast-fed babies rarely suffer from constipation, because breast milk includes ample water.
Diet changes –as new solid foods are introduced, it is important to introduce one at a time and monitor for signs of intolerance or reactions. Constipation can also occur when whole milk is introduced into the diet and the baby is drinking too much of it.
Excess servings of dairy products — at 12 months a baby should have at least four servings of dairy products daily. Too many servings in one day can cause constipation.
Diarrhea is digestive disease that produces frequent, loose and watery stools. In an adult, it can be caused by numerous things such as, eating foods that upset the digestive system, medications, allergies to certain foods, or infection by bacteria to name a few. Diarrhea quickly depletes the body’s water supply, sodium and potassium. All are critical for proper tissue function. Babies, elderly and the sick, especially need to be watched closely and given fluids on a regular basis so they don’t dehydrate. The most common cause of diarrhea for babies 12 months and younger are as follows:
Rotavirus –infects the intestinal tract that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Most children will have contracted the virus by the age of two. Rotavirus spreads quickly. Babies and young children should be monitored carefully when infected with the virus because they can dehydrate very quickly.
Hygiene- diarrhea can be spread due to poor hygiene, Be sure to wash your hands and you baby’s hands after each diaper change. Don’t place dirty diapers on food preparations surfaces.
Unpasteurized milk — untreated or unfiltered water from a stream or lake are potential sources for viral, bacterial and parasite infections that cause diarrhea.
No one likes being sick and I especially feel for the little ones. Hold your baby as long as you feel necessary to communicate your message of comfort and love. Keep your baby comfortable, with warm dry clothes, ointments to prevent soreness, frequent diaper changes and warm washcloths to gently pat the bottom clean. They may not be able to say thanks, but when they look up at you and smile, you’ll get the message.
