Getting Started Right
The best way to protect your children’s digestive health may be to breastfeed. Babies who are formula fed are more likely to have sulphurous bacteria in their stomachs. These bacteria are harmful and may cause irritable bowel syndrome later in life. What’s more, these infants also have fewer probiotic, or healthy, bacteria, while breastfed babies have high levels of bifidobacter—a bacteria that fights off the bad guys.
As anyone who ever burped a newborn knows, gas is very common in babies, leading to crankiness and crying. Almost half of all babies suffer from it in their first two months. Infants with gas may try to relieve the symptoms by curling up or pulling up their legs.
Vomiting frequently after eating during the first two years of life means children may have an increased risk of developing heartburn and reflux problems, such as GERD, later in life. Children with reflux problems are likely to have other health problems as well. Potential issues include sinusitis, laryngitis, asthma, pneumonia, and dental problems.
Don’t give up if your child refuses a new fruit or veggie. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, many children will not accept a new food until it has been offered at least ten times. Continue to offer new foods until your child considers them familiar.
Colic is one of the most common problems during the first three months of an infant’s life, and can affect up to 28 percent of newborns. While the exact cause isn’t known, some suspect digestive problems may be to blame. Breastfed babies are less likely to develop colic, and there are some studies relating colic to gut flora, especially a lack of Lactobacillus acidophilus.
Discuss the timing of food introduction with your child’s health care provider. Frequently, early exposure may lead to an increased likelihood of problems. Parents are often excited about starting junior on baby food, but may end up creating a food intolerance. Peanut products should not be given until age three at the earliest.
