What Nobody Warns You About Your Baby’s Poop

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“Have you started her on whole milk yet?” asked the pediatrician.
“No, I was waiting for your go-ahead. Do we just switch it up completely, or is it a gradual process?”
My pediatrician nodded. “You can start today. However, easing her into it might be gentler on her stomach. Some babies handle the transition well, while others don’t. It’s tough to predict.”
“What should I watch for during the switch to whole milk?”
“Look out for general constipation. You can offer prune juice or mix pureed prunes into her meals to help.”
I made a note to pick up some prune juice on our next grocery run. I had a feeling this was going to be challenging for our little one.

Just two days after introducing whole milk, our daughter was facing a major bout of constipation.
To all new moms out there: When you’re gearing up to welcome a baby, no one prepares you for the obsession you’ll develop regarding their bowel movements. You’ll find yourself discussing poop with your partner, pediatrician, and other moms with babies the same age. You’ll be cleaning up messes, tracking diaper contents (yes, there’s an app for that!), and comforting your little one through tough times. When you see a diaper filled with hard pellets, you’ll truly empathize because you know that was no easy task for them. And when they finally have a healthy poop, you’ll be overjoyed because you know you’ve been monitoring their diet closely.

But the poop struggles are just part of the story. When they’re constipated, there’s the whining, the tears, and the endless fussiness. Their appetite can be unpredictable—one moment they’re hungry, and the next, they turn their nose up at food because their tummy is so bloated.
As I dealt with a crying baby struggling with constipation, I was also trying to figure out the right amount of prune juice to give her for relief without triggering explosive diarrhea. Here’s a tip: there’s no magic formula. It’s a lot of trial and error depending on what she’s already eaten and what she will eat.

When our daughter was younger, we faced similar issues transitioning her to various foods. Switching from breastmilk to formula? We experienced a week of poop problems. But eventually, she adjusted to the formula. Introducing purees? We quickly discovered to steer clear of apples and bananas. Why? Apples can harden stool due to their pectin content, and bananas are starchy and can cause backups. (See? I told you, as a parent, you’ll be discussing all sorts of poop-related topics.)

Foods That Help with Baby Constipation

As the months passed and our daughter navigated her digestive challenges, I identified some foods that can help things move along. Some are obvious, while others surprised me.

  • Prunes: This one’s a no-brainer. Most people know to grab prunes for constipation issues. Pureed prunes can be mixed into your baby’s food. Combinations that work well include pureed prunes with pureed cantaloupe, pears, or blackberries.
  • Sweet Potatoes: Rich in fiber, sweet potatoes are fantastic to blend with other foods. They make a great side dish when introducing pureed meats like turkey or beef.
  • Pears: High in fiber, pears are a great first food for babies. Pair them with prunes or mix them into a broccoli-pear puree for added nutrients.
  • Peas: Peas are packed with both soluble and insoluble fiber, making them effective for digestion. A spinach-peas-pear puree is a great option to keep handy.
  • Pumpkin: Continuing the trend, pumpkin is another high-fiber food that’s excellent in purees. Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon for extra flavor.
  • Peaches: Rich in vitamin C, peaches can have a similar effect as prunes. I found that if I didn’t regularly add peach puree to my daughter’s baby oat cereal, she wouldn’t touch it. Plus, they make great finger foods when chopped into small cubes.

We try to include at least one of these items in our daughter’s meals. It’s relatively easy with all the various purees available at the grocery store. And above all, always consult with your pediatrician and trust your maternal instincts. For more tips on home insemination, check out our other blog posts here.

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Summary

Navigating your baby’s bowel movements can be a surprising journey for new parents. From transitioning to whole milk to managing constipation, it’s crucial to monitor your little one’s diet closely and know which foods can help ease their digestive troubles. Remember to consult with your pediatrician and trust your instincts as you tackle this essential aspect of parenting. For further insights into pregnancy and home insemination, consider visiting this excellent resource as well.