Does Oatmeal Cause Constipation In Babies

When Can You Start Oatmeal For Babies

You can start feeding oatmeal for your babies when they are at least six months old. Until they turn six months, you should only breastfeed your baby.

As they continue to grow, their bodies will demand more nutrients and vitamins for adequate growth and development. Hence, its the right time to introduce your babies to new food options like oatmeals after six months of age.

Do Bananas Help Constipation

“Unripened, green bananas are constipating,” says Tammy Lakatos. “But ripe bananas are very high in soluble fiber, which in some cases can help to push waste through the bowels, so bananas can also be helpful in eliminating constipation issues.” For constipation relief, be sure to pick bananas that are good and ripe.

Laxatives And Other Remedies

We recommend to see your doctor before trying any over-the-counter treatment for your baby.

Your babys digestive system is still maturing and more delicate than an adults one. Some laxative and remedies can harm your baby if not administered properly, so guidance from your trusted doctor is important.

You know your baby best. If you feel it gets worst or you have concerns, dont hesitate to see your doctor or registered dietitian for help. Yes, we are also here to help, so dont hesitate to reach out!

It is easier to prevent constipation than to treat it. Refer to your doctor to receive appropriate treatment for your baby.

References

Bae SH. Diets for constipation. Pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology & nutrition. 2014 Dec 1 17:203-8.

Tabbers MM, DiLorenzo C, Berger MY, Faure C, Langendam MW, Nurko S, Staiano A, Vandenplas Y, Benninga MA. Evaluation and treatment of functional constipation in infants and children: evidence-based recommendations from ESPGHAN and NASPGHAN. Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition. 2014 Feb 1 58:258-74.

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Infographic: Oats Bar Recipe For Babies

If your baby enjoys eating oats, then you must consider them as finger foods. When cooked to the right consistency, oats can be used as finger foods or, as we call it an oat porridge granola bars. Print out this infographic below and pin it on your kitchen board for a quick, delectable snack for your baby.

References:

Why Do Some Babies Get Constipation

There are lots of reasons your baby might become constipated. Some of the reasons why babies suffer from constipation include

• The early days of weaning, it can be common for babies to become constipated for a few days whilst their digestive system adapts to having food. This normally settles once their digestive system adjusts to regularly having solid food.

• Not eating enough high fibre foods like fruit, vegetables, beans, pulses and wholegrains.

• Eating too many processed or refined foods in the diet, for example, white bread, cakes, biscuits, crisps, pastry snacks, fast foods.

• Drinking large amounts of milk each day, meaning food intake is low

• Not drinking enough fluids

• Allergies or intolerances less commonly, persistent constipation can be one of the symptoms of Cows Milk Protein Allergy . This can affect both breast and bottle fed babies. It is estimated that 2-3% of babies under 1 have CMPA .

Generally, CMPA develops when cows milk is first introduced, either as formula or when weaning . CMPA is rare when exclusively breastfeeding although not unheard of as cows milk protein is passed from the mothers diet through breastmilk. You can read more about CMPA here.

There are often other symptoms of CMPA alongside constipation, if your baby suffers from persistent constipation, speak to your GP for advice.

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Signs That Your Baby Is Constipated

Youve noticed that your babys tummy isnt following the schedule that you got used to. Could it be constipation? Here are the signs that could confirm your suspicions:

• You notice that they cry or fuss while theyre trying to have a hard bowel movement.
• The poop, when it does come, is like hard pellets.
• You notice streaks of red blood in the hard poop.

While its not easy for a baby on a liquid diet to become constipated, trouble can start when you start introducing your baby to solid foods at around 6 months. Heres why:

Baby Poop After Oatmeal Cereal

Oatmeal is dense with protein and fiber. As a result it is very good for the digestive system. Oatmeal cereal is therefore very good for a babys digestive system.

Oatmeal cereal is easier to digest and gentler on a babys digestive tract than rice cereal .

Furthermore, constipation is a common problem most babies just beginning to consume solid foods encounter. Oatmeal cereal may be a solution to this, as it actually promote passing stools.

Babies who consume oatmeal cereal instead of other cereals like rice cereal, which can cause constipation. may experience an increase in the frequency of their poops. They may be more solid and firm than when on a liquid diet, but will most likely still have a soft consistency.

The stools may also resemble digested food and/or undergo a color change. These results may be due to the oatmeal cereal or simply starting the baby on solid food after having been on a liquid diet thus far in their lives.

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What Is The Best Baby Food For Constipation

This blog is all about poo!

Baby constipation a subject I get asked about a lot. Understandably it can cause some anxiety in parents. Ill talk you through whats normal in terms of the frequency, colour and consistency of your babys bowel movements and talk about baby constipation remedies.

This blog will attempt to get to the bottom , of what causes constipation, how to get things moving and how we can try and prevent it.

If you would like a PDF version of this blog delivered directly to your inbox, pop your details below.

Other Foods Eaten With Oatmeal Can Cause Constipation

If youre experiencing constipation regularly after eating oatmeal, take a look at the other foods youre eating with it, since oats are rarely eaten alone.

This could include:

Dairy in particular commonly causes digestion issues, including constipation.

You can take out a particular ingredient for a few days in order to see if its the real issue behind your constipation.

While the oats themselves are sometimes the cause of constipation, oatmeal is often eaten alongside other foods that can be triggers for stomach issues.

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Baby Allergic To Oatmeal Cereal

As mentioned previously, if your baby is crying, experiencing upset stomach, and/or vomiting after being fed oatmeal cereal, he or she may be allergic to oats, which may in turn cause food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome in babies. Oat allergies are caused by an ingredient in oats called Averin.

There are other indicators that your baby is allergic to oatmeal cereal besides stomach and digestive issues. Other ways you can tell if your baby is allergic to oatmeal cereal include:

• skin that is blotchy and itchy
• red, irritated spots
• rash in or on the babys mouth
• nose that is runny or congested
• itchy, irritated eyes

If you notice these signs after your baby has consumed oatmeal cereal, you should cease feeding him or her oatmeal cereal and consult a doctor.

Seeing a medical professional is important in order to get a correct diagnosis, as cross-contamination with gluten products during manufacture may also cause these symptoms if the baby is actually allergic to gluten instead.

You can substitute other cereals or foods for the oatmeal cereal in the meantime until the issue is resolved.

Foods That Relieve Constipation In Babies And Toddlers

Seeing your baby in distress is very taxing on parents. Especially, when the child is still a baby and cannot express to us what exactly is causing the discomfort. Constipation is a common problem in babies and toddlers as they switch from breastmilk to formula or whole milk. Every time the child goes through a routine change or a dietary change some gastrointestinal issues arise. Their bodies take time to adjust. We can help with constipation though. Today, I will share with you some common foods that relieve constipation in babies and toddlers.

AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE

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What To Eat When Constipated And Bloated

Everyone can experience constipation from time to time. The best way to deal with bloating and a hard stool is to drink water. Since constipation occurs because of dehydration of the GI tract introducing more water into the body can help remedy the situation.

Foods other than water exist that can help you alleviate your constipation and its symptoms. These foods include:

How To Store Oatmeal For Baby

REFRIGERATOR

You can store the oatmeal cereal in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days.

FREEZER

This oatmeal puree can be frozen for up to 3 months.

• Spoon pureed oatmeal into a freezer storage container do not overfill.
• Place the lid on the storage container or cover with a piece of saran wrap and label with date and recipe name.
• Place the tray into the freezer and let freeze completely preferably overnight.
• Pop-out the baby food cubes and place in a zip-lock baggie or stasher bag dont forget to re-label the baggie or stager bag for future reference.

Label Tip: Dont forget to label your purees before you place them in the fridge or freezer with the name of the puree and date you made it. Take it from me, you will completely forget when and what is in your freezer by the end of the week ).

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What Is The Difference Between Baby Oatmeal And Regular Oatmeal

Baby oatmeal is a simplified and softer version of regular rolled oats. Baby oats are steamed and flaked so that they can enjoy a thinner and tender texture, it closely resembles quick oats or instant oats.

They are slightly more processed than regular oatmeals. But, the health and nutritional profiles of these two oat variants are almost similar.

Since baby oatmeal specifically has a thin and soft texture, they are easy to cook, easy to process, and easy to digest. For example, most baby oatmeals come with a powdery texture that you can quickly mix with milk or plain water and safely feed to your little ones.

Thats why its ideal to feed them baby oatmeal rather than offering them regular oatmeal versions such as old fashion oats or steel cut oats, which have a thick and coarse texture that should be chewed to aid digestion.

How To Prepare Oatmeal For Babies

Oatmeal is a staple dry food that must be properly prepared before it is safe for your baby to eat. Oats are commonly soaked or cooked in plain water before mixing in other ingredients.

Baby oatmeal is finely flaked or ground into a coarse meal and fully cooked. Preparation is simple as it only requires adding water to fully hydrate the mixture.

In contrast, homemade oat powder needs to be cooked before serving to your infant.

Here are liquids to use for preparing oatmeal for babies:

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Why Does Oatmeal Make Me Poop

As weve learned in this article, oatmeal has high amounts of dietary fiber. Fiber helps relieve constipation as well as move your digestive tract along. One cup of raw oatmeal can contain up to 14 grams of fiber.

The main form of fiber found in oatmeal is called beta-glucan, and raw oats contain up to 8% of beta-glucan. The breakdown of beta-glucan can stimulate the growth of good gut microbiota.

The growth of this microbiota can improve digestive issues like irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhea, and constipation. Unlike other fiber-rich foods, oatmeal encourages bowel movements without causing constipation.

Beta-glucan fiber can also lower your cholesterol levels, protect your body against colon cancer, lower your blood glucose, and even suppress your appetite if youre looking to lose weight.

Does Oatmeal Cause Constipation

Oatmeal doesnt usually cause constipation. In fact, oatmeal usually relieves constipation due to its high soluble fiber content.

However, it is possible for oatmeal to cause constipation if someone is not used to eating it, or if its eaten alongside another food like dairy, which can be the root cause of digestion issues.

Ill summarize everything you need to know about this topic in this short post.

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Does Oatmeal Cause Constipation For Toddlers Or Babies

Oatmeal is generally healthy for children, just like everyone else. The fiber acts as a natural laxative and can help regulate healthy bowel movements.

However, many babies and young children can experience constipation when introduced to a new food. Oatmeal should be fed to them in small amounts at first.

Finally, hydration is also important to avoid digestion issues.

Is Oatmeal Good For Constipation

Oatmeal is a great healthy snack. When you eat oatmeal, youre getting all kinds of benefits, including lowering your blood sugar levels, lowering your cholesterol, as well as helping you maintain healthy weight loss.

And yes! Eating oatmeal can make sure your bowel movements are regular and keep your digestive health up and up.

Lets take an in-depth look at why oatmeal is great for constipation.

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How To Help A Constipated Baby/toddler

Being a parent involves a lot of talk about poo! Before becoming a mama I never realised just how much timeI would spend discussing my sons poo with a whole range of people!

As parents, it’s so worrying when our little ones are constipated and it is a really common problem for many young children it can be painful, uncomfortable and make them feel quite miserable.

Can Babies Eat Oatmeal Made With Milk

Yes, babies can eat oatmeal with milk. Its one of the most recommended ways to introduce oatmeal to your babies.

For example, you can boil the baby oats in a cup of water and ensure its fully cooked. Once done, mix it with some milk.

You can use breastmilk or formula as well. Cool down the oatmeal mixture to room temperature before feeding it to your baby.

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Oatmeal Vs Rice Cereal: For Reflux And Swallowing Disorders

Rice cereal used to be recommended for babies with swallowing disorders or GERD . But it’s not recommended anymore because of the high levels of arsenic.

Instead, the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends oatmeal as a safer alternative for feeding babies with GERD or a swallowing disorder.

These babies benefit from the thicker texture of oatmeal mixed with breastmilk or formula. The thicker texture helps reduce reflux or assists in safe swallowing.

My Baby Is Constipated What To Do

I started giving my six-month-old some baby foods a few weeks ago. Now, my baby is constipated. What should I do?

Many babies become constipated when foods are first added to their diet. The main reason for this is that the standard recommended starting foods are all constipating rice cereal, bananas, squash, and applesauce. Why do health care professionals choose these starting foods when they know they will make most babies constipated? Good question.

The truth is, there is nothing special about these foods that makes them better to start out with. Babies dont actually even need rice cereal. If these starting foods are making your baby constipated, follow the tips below.

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How Liquid Foods Affect Constipation

Constipation in infants can be a symptom of an allergy to the protein in cow’s milk, says Diana Lerner, M.D., a pediatric gastroenterologist at the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. Both breastfed and formula-fed infants can be affected. If you suspect a cow’s milk allergy , the first step is to eliminate it from your baby’s diet to see if the change relieves their symptoms.

If your baby is breastfed and you’re the one nursing them, removing cow’s milk from their diet ultimately means removing cow’s milk products from your diet to avoid passing those proteins along. To replace it, try adding foods that help your baby poop, such as prunes and fiber-filled items.

Exclusively formula-fed babies are more likely to experience constipation than breastfed infants, says Jane Morton, M.D., an emeritus adjunct clinical professor of pediatrics at Stanford University School of Medicine. Some ingredients in formula might be more challenging to a baby’s digestive system and can result in much firmer poops. Before switching infant formulas, however, it’s always best to consult with your child’s pediatrician.

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What Foods Should You Avoid When You Are Constipated

You may not feel like eating when you are constipated. But if you are hungry, you do not want to make your body feel worse by eating the wrong thing. Several foods can help facilitate bowel movements, but besides dairy, there are many foods to avoid.

Here are three major foods that you should not eat when constipated:

Oatmeal In Bottle Choking Hazard

So if you feed your baby oatmeal cereal, you may mix it with breastmilk or formula in a bottle when starting the baby out on solids in order to provide a sense of familiarity. Try starting out with oat milk when adding something different to a baby bottle.

Is putting oatmeal cereal, or any cereal, in a baby bottle really safe though? Putting any kind of cereal in a baby bottle poses a serious choking hazard.

This risk is caused by the fact that babies may not possess enough motor skills to safely swallow on their own, causing them to choke when trying to take cereal from a baby bottle. They can aspirate, or swallow, the cereal into their lungs.

The thicker consistency of cereal makes it too hard for babies to drink it down on their own. Therefore, it is best to use caution when putting cereal in bottles.

You can safely serve oatmeal cereal in a baby bottle if you follow adequate precautions. Use the bottle nipple with an adequate hole size, adjust the consistency of the oatmeal cereal so that it flows smoothly from the bottle and also make sure to feed the baby while he or she is seated in an upright position.

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