The Health Executive Ireland. Constipation in babies 0-6 months. 2022. Accessed January 20, 2022. Available from https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/constipation-children/constipation-in-babies-0-to-6-months/ Approx. Age of Baby: Birth - 2 weeks, Approx. Weight of Baby: 3.4 kg, 7 1/2 lb, Preparation for Single Feeds: 3 Level scoops, Cooled, Freshly Boiled Water: 90 ml, 3 fl. oz. (approx.), Feeds in 24 Hours: 6 Breastfeeding is the recommended choice of feeding for your baby. You should always seek further advice from a doctor, midwife, health visitor, public health nurse, dietitian or pharmacist for the proper method of use for infant milks and all matters concerning infant feeding.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended that pregnant women and new mothers be informed on the benefits and superiority of breastfeeding – in particular the fact that it provides the best nutrition and protection from illness for babies. Mothers should be given guidance on the preparation for, and maintenance of, lactation, with special emphasis on the importance of a well-balanced diet both during pregnancy and after delivery. Unnecessary introduction of partial bottle-feeding or other foods and drinks should be discouraged since it will have a negative effect on breastfeeding. Similarly, mothers should be warned of the difficulty of reversing a decision not to breastfeed. Before advising a mother to use an infant formula, she should be advised of the social and financial implications of her decision: for example, if a baby is exclusively bottle-fed, more than one can (400 g) per week will be needed, so the family circumstances and costs should be kept in mind. Mothers should be reminded that breast milk is not only the best, but also the most economical food for babies. If a decision to use an infant formula is taken, it is important to give instructions on correct preparation methods, emphasising that unboiled water, unsterilised bottles or incorrect dilution can all lead to illness. You might occasionally notice a jelly-like substance called mucus in your baby’s poo. This is usually nothing to worry about. However, if you frequently notice mucus in your baby’s poo alongside other symptoms including vomiting or discomfort, speak to your GP as it can be a sign of cow’s milk protein allergy 2,3. Read our article on cow's milk protein allergy for further information if you have any concerns.

You may also like

The intention is to make it easier to digest and help prevent digestive problems such as colic and constipation.

Whole cows' milk is a suitable choice as a main drink for your child from age 1. Semi-skimmed cows' milk is a suitable main drink for children over 2 who are eating a balanced diet. Types of milk to avoid

General

Your baby should be able to happily switch from the old formula to the new but if you would like to ease the transition, you might prefer to change over gradually. This may allow your little one time to adjust to the new milk. Pull the safety seal and open the lid. The scoop is provided under the lid. Lift the tab, pull on the foil seal, carefully and safely remove the seal and dispose of it. There are specialist products designed to help manage colic in babies. If the above interventions have not helped reduce colic in formula-fed infants and parents/carer are still struggling to cope then a comfort formula can be a useful option to consider. 5 The National Health Service (NHS). Constipation And Bottle Feeding | Feeding Your Baby | Start4Life. [Internet]. 2021. [Accessed November 30, 2021]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/start4life/baby/feeding-your-baby/bottle-feeding/bottle-feeding-challenges/constipation-and-bottle-feeding/#anchor-tabs de Weerth C, Fuentes S, de Vos WM: Crying in infants: on the possible role of intestinal microbiota in the development of colic. Gut Microbes. 2013;4(5):416–21. 10.4161/gmic.26041

Formula milk, also known as baby formula or infant formula, is usually made from cows' milk that has been treated to make it more suitable for babies. The colour of baby poo will change depending on their age, frequency of feeding and what they’re eating. Once the meconium has passed, your baby’s nappy will start to turn yellowish. If they’re formula fed, it will be a bit darker. If you change from breast to formula feeding, you’ll find your baby’s poo will become more paste-like, but they should generally be yellow in colour. SMA Comfort and Aptamil Comfort are quite similar in their nutritional content. The formulas are specially designed to manage colic and constipation through feeding. If you think your baby has colic or constipation, speak to your GP, health visitor or pharmacist for advice. SCIENCE INSPIRED BY NATURE New SMA® Comfort Formula SMA® Comfort is a nutritionally complete, easy-to-digest formula and can be used for babies from birth to 12 months.Not all milk is suitable for feeding babies. You should never give the following types of milk to a baby under 1 year: