When a baby goes from exclusive milk to adding solids, of course, constipation is pretty much inevitable, but there are lots of things we can do to help our babies, as well as to minimize it!
Offering 5 group meals don't only provide our babies with balanced nutrients but also ensures that when introducing those foods that tend to constipate them, we can also offer others that help them go. For example when introducing rice, my pediatric nutritionist Dra Mafer always suggests foods high in fiber and water consistency, to balance it out! That is one of the reasons I love working with an expert through this journey. Some foods that help are kiwi, chia seeds, prunes, sweet potatoes, flaxseeds, coconut oil, peaches, plums and pears!
WATER. This is a tricky one because babies take a little bit to learn to drink water, but as soon as we introduce solids they need to be drinking water too (ideally 8oz approx per day) so offering water through the day, even if its little sips (from an open cup first since it takes a while for them to really drink out of a sippy cup) is very important since fiber requires water to work and avoid constipation!
MOVEMENT. When starting solids, babies tend to not be mobile (yet) so movement can be hard during this time, that's why it's important to help them with movement with bicycle kicks, for example!
BABY MASSAGE. I do a nightly baby massage to help with digestion and constipation, you can go see this massage on a video, click here to watch!
The Cosntipation Support by Wellements is MAGIC. I use it when he is constipated and it works quick and gently. Plus, it's non-gmo, has no preservatives, it's also organic, and with code LAURAG you get a 15% off + free shipping (PS: if you buy more Wellements products, you get higher discount with my code).
As Dra Mafer says, not going daily does not mean they have constipation. Don't worry if they suddenly don't go regularly daily after starting solids. That's normal when starting, but of course, ALWAYS talk to your pediatrician or pediatric nutritionist if concerned.