Constipation is one of several digestive problems your child may develop in the first couple years of life. Infant stool should be moist and soft. Constipated babies may still produce bowel movements, but the consistency of these is likely dry, firm and pebbly, according to BabyCareAdvice.com. But it's unlikely that the consumption of probiotics like those found in yogurt are the cause of your baby's constipation -- if anything, probiotics can serve as a remedy for the condition.
Probiotics in Breast Milk
Although probiotics can be taken as a medical supplement or consumed naturally through foods, the bacteria can also be found in breast milk. These probiotics are healthy for your baby to consume, and according to the "FASEB Journal," the probiotics can improve the function of your digestive system, relieving the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease as well as constipation.
Probiotics to Treat Constipation
Probiotics can also be applied medicinally as a treatment to constipation. According to research published in the "Journal of Pediatrics," babies taking probiotics experienced an increase in weekly bowel movements from less than three to almost five after 8 weeks of treatment. This treatment produced no side effects in the babies. The research concluded that probiotics treatments are safe, natural and effective in improving digestive tract function and reducing the risk of constipation in babies.
Digestive Changes
Constipation is more likely to occur in children when dietary changes occur. According to BabyCareAdvice.com, these can include when a baby switches from breast milk to formula or when the formula changes. Solid foods can also affect the digestive system and lead to constipation both when the food is introduced and during periods when solid food consumption increases. Cow's milk can also affect a child's body and cause constipation to occur.
Considerations
If you do think probiotics are causing your baby to become constipated, don't make adjustments to your baby's diet without talking to a doctor. Probiotics are healthy for your child, and eliminating them could exacerbate constipation and/or fail to properly address the digestive disorder.
