What should I do if my baby is constipated from drinking formula milk?

Sep 13, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xie Zixing
Introduction
If a baby experiences constipation from drinking formula, you can give the baby an appropriate amount of water—for example, offering some warm water between two feedings to help soften the stool. Gently massaging the baby's abdomen regularly can promote intestinal motility and help relieve constipation to some extent. Additionally, giving the baby probiotics may help regulate digestive function.

In daily life, some mothers are unable to breastfeed their babies for various reasons, making formula the primary food source after birth. However, some babies may experience constipation after consuming formula. So, what should you do if your baby becomes constipated from drinking formula?

What to Do If Your Baby Is Constipated from Drinking Formula

If your baby suffers from constipation due to formula feeding, you can give them an appropriate amount of water—such as a little warm water between two feedings—to help soften stools. Gently massaging your baby's abdomen regularly can also promote intestinal motility and help relieve constipation to some extent. Giving your baby probiotics may help regulate digestive function, support the establishment of healthy gut flora, and thereby alleviate constipation.

Additionally, supplementing with more probiotics may improve bowel movements. Another often-overlooked factor is calcium supplementation—babies taking calcium supplements may also experience constipation. If your baby is receiving extra calcium, consider pausing it temporarily and observe whether there is any improvement. Another possible reason could be that the baby is not suited to the formula. Most formulas are derived from cow's milk.

Cow’s milk contains high levels of casein and calcium salts, which tend to form clumps in the stomach under the action of gastric acid and are difficult to digest. Formula should always be prepared according to the instructions and should not be made too thick. If your baby consistently develops constipation right after feeding, it may be best to stop using the formula temporarily. When necessary, check whether the baby has an allergy or intolerance to the formula and consider switching to an extensively hydrolyzed formula. We hope this information helps. Wishing you good health and happiness!

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