9 Nutrilak
Whey is what underlies Nutrilak. According to reviews from doctors, it can be used in the absence of allergies from the first days of life. Like all products for newborns containing milk extract, it has a laxative effect on the intestines. Adapted for the delicate structure of a child’s body, the drug will not only help the child go to the toilet, but also relieve colic and ailments.
Some people are wary of using Nutrilak. The reason is the high content of oils, including coconut. It can cause the baby to develop allergies and also cause constipation. However, there are also a large number of positive reviews.
Infant formula for colic and constipation
Infantile constipation and colic are common conditions with many variations. And in order to cope with them, you need to try to explain the cause of their occurrence and adjust the infant’s nutrition. Pediatrician Anastasia Anatolyevna Nikulina explains in detail what to do with constipation and colic in children.
— Anastasia Anatolyevna, what is colic and how can parents distinguish it from other problems with the gastrointestinal tract?
- Intestinal colic is a behavioral syndrome that most often occurs in children from 2 weeks to 4 months, in which the baby cries for at least 2 hours more often at the same evening time for no apparent reason - no actions of the mother lead to his calming down. In approximately 5% of children, infant colic is associated with characteristics of child development and a reaction to nutrition, for example: enzyme deficiency, development or disruption of the microbiota, food intolerance to cow's milk proteins.
— When will colic be a manifestation of indigestion or allergies?
- Typical functional colic is never accompanied by “anxiety symptoms.” Symptoms of anxiety include:
- rashes on the body;
- defecation disorder;
- loss of appetite;
- the appearance of blood streaks in the stool;
- vomiting, sometimes with blood.
The listed symptoms require additional examination to diagnose the causes of the child’s ill health.
— Should colic be treated or should we wait until the newborn “outgrows” it?
— It is necessary to remember the “red flags” that exclude the functional nature of intestinal disorders. If colic is not accompanied by anxiety symptoms, parents can follow a wait-and-see approach until three to four months, although colic can occur at five to six months.
— Anastasia Anatolyevna, constipation is another common childhood problem.
— Constipation in children refers to a frequent decrease in the frequency of bowel movements or the passage of feces in an extremely small volume. At an early age, as a rule, constipation is functional in nature and is caused by a number of factors.
Causes of constipation in a baby, or how to help a baby with constipation
Low quantity of breast milk:
- Check the amount of milk your baby eats using control weighings. Poor weight gain in an infant also often indicates poor lactation;
- Frequent attachment to the breast, even to an empty one, helps increase the amount of breast milk.
Small amount of liquid:
- Under normal conditions, the baby does not need additional feeding;
- If it’s hot outside and complementary feeding has already begun, then water is necessary: it softens the stool and helps it pass. The daily volume of liquid is equal to one of the feedings per day.
The mixture did not work:
- Constipation may be a manifestation of intolerance to the components of the mixture. The problem can be solved with the correct selection of nutrition.
Lactase deficiency:
- A congenital disease requires the direct participation of a doctor;
- More common is age-related deficiency of the enzyme lactase, which disappears by about three months.
Other reasons:
- Taking certain medications;
- Violation of intestinal microflora;
- Other problems that are diagnosed during additional examination when visiting a doctor.
— What does the appearance of constipation along with colic indicate when feeding with formula milk?
- Functional colic will never be accompanied by constipation. If colic is accompanied by constipation, the problem can be solved by individual selection of the mixture. In this situation, medical consultation is necessary. The type of formula and serving size must correspond to the age needs of the child.
Adding probiotics and prebiotic oligosaccharides to infant formulas can help normalize the gut microbiota and eliminate colic triggers, as well as produce softer stools that are similar to those of breastfed babies.
— What methods help fight colic and constipation?
— To prevent and alleviate the child’s condition, various methods of assistance can be used as directed by a doctor:
- light massage with stroking the tummy clockwise, laying it on the stomach;
- gas tubes, suppositories - they help relieve gases and relieve pain;
- antispasmodic drugs - relieve intestinal spasms;
- enzyme preparations - improve digestion;
- sorbents - with increased gas formation;
- simethicone preparations have a carminative effect and destroy gases.
— Are there mixtures for colic and constipation?
— If various methods are ineffective, the doctor will prescribe a mixture with a therapeutic effect for the child, depending on the main active ingredient:
- mixture with lactulose;
- mixture with indigestible polysaccharide from carob gluten;
- mixture with probiotics and prebiotics.
The type of infant formula is determined under the guidance of a doctor after a thorough examination of the child and diagnosis of the causes of his anxiety. Mixtures with a dairy fat component without palm oil, with pre- and probiotic ingredients can relieve constipation and improve digestion.
— Let's talk about goat mixtures. What effect does goat's milk have on the digestion of newborns and infants?
— Goat milk has many benefits due to its similarity in composition to breast milk. When digested, its proteins turn into soft, curdled clumps, making it easier to digest. And this is important for children who often spit up.
In addition, goat milk contains very little alpha-S1 casein protein, which can cause allergic reactions in newborns and toddlers. Due to its small molecular size, goat's milk fat is also easily digestible. Babies especially love the sweetish, creamy taste that goat's milk gives to the formulas. MAMAKO® Premium goat mixtures contain all the components for comfortable intestinal function, which were mentioned above. The mixtures do not contain palm oil, and the source of fatty acids is natural goat milk lipids, which is also beneficial for digestion. And in order to saturate the intestines with beneficial microflora, the composition of the formulas is enriched with prebiotics and probiotics.
Intestinal colic and constipation are common problems in infants in the first months of life. They are often physiological or appear against the background of poor nutrition, food allergies, dysbacteriosis and other problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, I recommend contacting a pediatrician. The doctor’s task is not only to understand what is behind the child’s crying and bowel retention, but also, if necessary, to prescribe diet therapy or refer for additional consultation to a pediatric allergist or gastroenterologist.
Pediatrician Anastasia Anatolyevna Nikulina
*The ideal food for an infant is mother's milk. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months. MAMAKO® supports this recommendation. Before introducing new foods into your baby’s diet, consult a specialist.
7 Agusha gold
Powdered milk products from Agushi are intended for feeding children from 0 to 6 months. It does not contain preservatives, GMOs, synthetic flavors, and the formula is as close as possible to breast milk. The sweet taste is achieved through maltodextrin. This component is produced from plant starch and is used for better absorption of nutrients.
In addition to improving digestion, Agusha Gold promises to strengthen the baby’s immunity and gain weight, which is necessary for development. The manufacturer also claims to reduce the risk of allergies when consumed. Moms' opinions about the mixture are divided, but positive ones still prevail.
Which mixture for constipation and colic for newborns is best to buy?
When asked which mixture to choose from birth in order to protect the baby’s body from dyspeptic disorders, a pediatrician should give recommendations. Much also depends on the individual characteristics of the digestive system. Lactose is contraindicated for some, cow's milk is intolerant for others, etc. What to buy is determined by the parent himself, and based on an expert review, the following conclusions can be drawn:
- Nan 1 Fermented milk - feeding, most adapted to breastfeeding;
- Friso VOM 1 – anti-reflux effect, thick consistency;
- Humana Anticolic – patented formula with high bioavailability;
- Nestozhen 1 Prebio – best value for money;
- Agusha 1 – popular choice, the most purchased product;
- Bibikol Nanny 1 with prebiotics - for children with intolerance to cow's milk.
Infant formula against dyspepsia and difficulties with defecation necessarily contains prebiotics, probiotics, and valuable bacteria to normalize the intestinal microflora. Only in this case will it not only nourish the body, but also help the gastrointestinal tract with its tasks. Each rating nominee is worthy of attention.
3 Nutrilon
The world-famous company for the production of baby powder food has in its arsenal products to solve stomach problems. Active elements are phosphorus, prebiotics and lactic acid bacteria. They have a beneficial effect on the baby's intestines and loosen stools. However, the mother should pay close attention to the last component. If a newborn shows signs of lactose intolerance, then treating him with this powder is prohibited.
According to reviews from young parents, this mixture has a fairly low price. For some, Nutrilon has become the best choice and cure for colic. In any case, it is important to consult a doctor before use.
Rating of mixtures for constipation and colic for newborns
Once reliable baby food manufacturers have been identified, you can move on to determining the criteria by which they were included in the top list. Initially, the opinions of leading pediatricians helped determine the list of contenders for the title of best mixtures for constipation and colic for newborns. Further, the experts relied on the following assessment criteria:
- Type – milk with gum, lactulose, adapted, fermented milk;
- Ingredients – split proteins, dietary fiber, vitamins, prebiotic, probiotic, etc.;
- Indications – individual physiological characteristics of the baby’s body;
- Age limit – the number “1” means up to six months;
- Safety – no GMOs, vegetable oils, flavors, taste enhancers;
- Directions for use – cooking method, packaging consumption;
- Storage – shelf life, storage requirements.
During the study, experts also got acquainted with the opinions of parents, who were convinced from their own experience of the quality and beneficial properties of various products. Based on this information, the defining strengths and weaknesses of each nominee were identified.
The best feeding bottles
1 Similak
Another example of a milk substitute for a child. Manufacturers do not use palm oil in production, which makes an incredible number of mothers happy. The formula is as close as possible to the composition of breast milk. The active ingredients are probiotics and unsaturated fatty acids. Use is possible from the first days of a newborn’s life.
According to reviews, children usually absorb Similac well. The formula itself and consistency have an excellent effect on the intestines. After feeding, babies feel good, as evidenced by their mood and lack of abdominal discomfort. The formula, pleasant in smell and taste, has an excellent effect on relaxation and relief from constipation.
What should you remember when artificial feeding?
It is very important to follow the rules that will help restore the child’s body. When feeding, the child must consume enough liquid (this should be clean water). To make artificial mixtures easier to digest, you need to perform a simple tummy massage. It is recommended to ensure that the feeding mixture is not very thick.
Can Nutrilon itself cause constipation? Yes. Each child has a special body, and it reacts differently to certain foods. In most cases, Nutrilon helps restore the digestive system. The main rule is to select an artificial mixture, taking into account the age of the baby. If a mother uses Nutrilon and sees that the baby is constipated, you need to wait a couple of days: the baby’s body is just adapting to the new diet. To soften the stool, you need to give your baby water or a decoction of dill and fennel seeds.
