What goes in ... must come out!

Starting Solids - What goes in must come out 

Please note the information in this blog is general in nature and should not replace the support and advice from your health care provider. If you have concerns or questions about your individual situation, please contact your chosen healthcare provider. 

I’m so excited you have found this blog, for those of you who are new here I am Rebecca Bradshaw, a rural woman, mother, wife and the founder of Rural Child Health. I'm a child health nurse and clinical nurse who has dedicated nearly two decades to helping rural and isolated mothers throughout their parenthood journeys. My vision is happier, healthier more connected families! I'm also a lover of all things chocolate, English breakfast tea and it totally matters what cup you have your tea out of. 🫖

My second most favourite thing about babies, zero to five, is starting solids and the transition through food and right through to toddler food. This blog is a great starting point for you if you’ve started solids and suddenly realised what goes in does in fact come out... and you’re suddenly spending an unexpected amount of time thinking about your little humans' poop! If you haven’t quite started solids you might like to start here . 

Introducing solids 

Alright, let's tackle the topic that's often left unspoken: baby's bowel movements. It's a journey, folks, and sometimes, it can get a bit... backed up. But fear not, we're diving into the world of constipation with tips and tricks to keep things moving smoothly. 

First things first, let's talk about those sensitive baby guts. Introducing solids can sometimes throw their digestive system for a loop, especially if there's a switch to formula or a change in formula brands. Cue the constipation, it's not a fun time for anyone involved, but we've got some strategies up our sleeves to help ease the discomfort. 

What’s the deal with constipation? 💩

What's the deal with constipation? Are you wondering what it is? Any bowel movement thicker than play dough is a cause for concern. That's when we bring out the big guns: fibre. However, it's not just about loading up on fibre-rich foods. We need to get proactive about hydration too. That's where water comes in handy, it helps soften things up and keeps everything flowing smoothly. 

Did you know pears and prunes can be the heroes of the day? These babies are your allies in the battle against constipation. Reach for those squeezy pouches of pear goodness—they're a game-changer -quick, easy, and perfect for mixing into meals. Trust me, I get the struggle with pears, they're like avocados—hit or miss. But when they're right, oh boy, they're a lifesaver. Remember though, pears and prunes can only do so much.  

Sometimes a little extra help with needed.  

Sometimes, we need a little extra help from our pharmacist pals. If your little one is struggling for more than a few days, it's time to take action. Head over to your local pharmacy and chat with the experts. They'll chat with you about coloxyl drops or movical to get things moving in the right direction. 

If you’re worried or unsure 

If you're worried or unsure about what's going on down there, don't hesitate to reach out. You know your baby the best. Give me a shout, or swing by your local pharmacist they're like walking encyclopedias of knowledge. Well, most of them anyway, if you encounter a grumpy Gus, it might be time to find a new pharmacist. Trust me, you deserve someone who's as sweet as those squeezy pear pouches. 

And there you have it, folks—a crash course in baby constipation. Remember, we're in this together, and there's always help available when you need it. So keep calm, keep hydrated, and keep those little tummies happy. 

If you’ve enjoyed this little exploration into the world of constipation this information is part of a full masterclass Starting Solids Masterclass. If you’d love to watch the full masterclass (32 minutes, for all those mummas with calendars to plan), head to this link here.