Breastmilk is the best for babies. The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Unnecessary introduction of bottle feeding or other food and drinks will have a negative impact on breastfeeding. After six months of age, infants should receive age-appropriate foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond. Consult your doctor before deciding to use infant formula or if you have difficulty breastfeeding.
Your child is on an incredible journey, constantly learning new skills and transforming before your eyes. Every day nutrients help her grow and develop. And whilst every parent wants their little one to eat well, sleep and fill their nappy regularly, babies and toddlers can be sensitive little things, and sometimes they can have problems with feeding and digestion.
Tummy health is vital, protecting them from viruses and germs on the outside, and strengthening their immunities on the inside. Here are 5 things you can do to help your little one develops a healthy and happy tummy
1) Build them up from the inside
Although they are invisible, the tiny microscopic bacteria in your baby’s tummy are essential to her health and wellbeing, and an imbalance of healthy bacteria can cause digestive discomfort for your little one. Childhood is an important time to help promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria. A diet rich in probiotics and prebiotics can have a positive impact on gut health. The easiest way to think about probiotics is that they are the friendly bacteria found in the gut and prebiotics act as food for the friendly bacteria to thrive.
The population of all the bacteria living in the gut is known as the “microbiome”. Encouraging some interaction with nature is also important to diversify your little one’s microbiome, which in turn supports their immune system.
2) Encouraging healthy eating
The food your little one eats has a big impact on their gut health, so it’s good to make sure every mouthful is packed full of the right nutrients and goodness. In addition to their usual milk, and from the age of 6 months onwards, a healthy diet should become more varied with increasing amounts of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, some lean meats and fish, whilst the amount of sugary and processed foods should be limited. It’s perfectly normal for your little one to need a little encouragement to try new foods. If they see you and the rest of the family enjoying these foods, they will be more likely to try them.
Once you start introducing solid foods to your baby’s diet, it’s good to know that probiotics can be found in natural yoghurts and fermented vegetables, such as sauerkraut. Prebiotics are found in garlic, onions, leeks, asparagus, and some enriched formula milks. If you have any concerns or doubts about your baby’s weaning, please contact a healthcare professional.
3) Little and often
Did you know that your baby’s tummy is around 10 times smaller than yours? So, by feeding her smaller portions more regularly, you’ll help her keep her energy up during the day and ensure she never gets too full or bloated.
Reflux is when a baby brings up milk or is sick shortly after feeding. Reflux is really common in babies and something that they often grow out of. You may worry that your little one isn’t getting enough nutrients, but as long as they’re growing well and soiling their diapers there shouldn’t be a problem. Reach out to your healthcare professional if you have any concerns or need additional support.
4) Keep them hydrated
The prebiotics in breastmilk will ensure that your little one’s poo will remain soft. However, when they become a bit older, constipation can become a common problem. Hard poo that looks like small pebbles, smelly wind, or excessive straining are all signs to look out for.
Making sure your little one is well hydrated will help prevent constipation. Healthy babies under 6 months old do not need extra liquids (such as water or juice) because they should receive adequate hydration and nutrients from their milk intake. For children older than 6 months, offer water in a cup throughout the day. Juice is not recommended for children under 1 year.
5) Let’s get moving
We all know how much better we feel after exercise and it’s no different for your little ones! Massaging your baby’s tummy, or gently moving their legs in a cycling motion can help encourage bowel movements in babies, and for toddlers some general exercise may help to get things going. Why not enjoy some dancing, stretching or yoga together? If possible, taking a walk outside whilst remaining responsibly distanced and avoiding large crowds is a great way to encourage your little one to enjoy exercise.
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