AN IRISH nurse has explained five vital tips to support the development of a healthy gut in babies and children.
Paediatric nurse Lynda Quigley explained why babies’ tummies are very sensitive for a number of reasons.
Looking after a baby’s immune system is important for their digestive and immune system, especially in the first 1000 days.
Many parents struggle in these early days as babies can be unsettled as they suffer with wind pains.
She told the Irish Sun: “Babies often have sensitive tummies when they are gassy. Baby’s brand-new digestive system can be set off by a variety of factors.
“Babies tummies can sometimes become constipated, or may react to formula ingredients, breast milk and other allergies.”
One in 10 Irish parents claim their child has some digestive issues, according to a new report from VIVIO Junior Tummies.
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Over a quarter of parents who had a child born by c-section claim that their child has digestive issues that are above average.
The Irish nurse said that “developing good digestive health from the beginning of their child’s life” is crucial.
Lynda explained: “The first 1000 days of a child’s life are crucial for development.
“Its’ vital that gut health is supported at this life stage in order to help a healthy digestive and immune system flourish.”
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Spitting up is common for babies because their digestive system isn’t fully developed yet.
The mum-of-three said: “Babies spit up when they are experiencing gastroesophageal reflux, infant reflux or infant acid reflux.
“This can happen when a baby’s stomach is full and food travels back up the babies stomach causing them to spit up.”
Nurse Lynda said live bacteria is very important for soothing a baby’s tummy.
Lynda said: “When feeding our baby its key to make sure that babies are winded during and after feeding, whether they are breast or bottle fed.
“Live bacteria can also help with gassy tummies that need to be soothed and calmed down.”
NUTRITION AND VITAMINS
What a child eats impacts their tummies in a variety of ways.
The paediatric nurse explained: “Once baby moves onto solids maintaining a diet rich in variety with lots of fruit and vegetables is key to a healthy tummy.”
Prioritise vitamins including selenium, zinc, vitamins A, C, D, E and B which can be found in nuts, seeds, oily fish, lean meat, poultry, plant proteins, fruit and vegetables.
She added: “As a mum of three, I know this can be a challenge, so would recommend using VIVIO Junior tummies, a live bacteria supplement which can be sprinkled on porridge, yoghurts and cereals with little to no taste.”
CLEANING SOOTHERS
Babies up to three months need soothers cleaned more thorough and frequent than others.
Lynda said: “Soothers should be cleaned thoroughly and often, especially in the early stages of a child’s life.
“A nightly clean with warm soapy water and sterilization is ideal. Cleaning more often is recommended if and when soothers get dirty during the day.
“Soothers that are cracked and worn should be discarded. From six months onwards, as little ones become busy, pulling back on washing and sterilizing soothers naturally happens.”
Lynda has shared her top tips to support the development of a healthy gut in children:
Top tips for keeping a child's gut healthy
- Maintain a diet rich in variety with lots of fruit and vegetables.
- Avoid sugary cereals and drinks that will cause energy crashes during the day.
- Ensure they stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
- Prioritise vitamins including selenium, zinc, vitamins A, C, D, E and B which can be found in nuts, seeds, oily fish, lean meat, poultry, plant proteins, fruit and vegetables.
- Lean on supplements for additional immune support where needed.
