Maintaining good gut health for your baby matters because their gut microbiomes can shape their metabolic and immune-related health, not just for now but in the future as well. This is because the bacteria in their gut can affect your child’s lifelong risk for obesity, asthma, allergies and autoimmune diseases, hence it is important to keep their gut health in tip-top shape right from the start.
Researchers have found that a child has until the age of two-and-a-half to establish healthy gut bacteria. The study from Newcastle University in the UK also highlights the important role breastfeeding plays as it helps a baby to develop a healthy and diverse gut microbiome.
How to tell if your baby’s digestion needs a little help
According to Elke Pascoe, the founder of New Zealand-based LittleOak Company, the obvious signs that your little one’s gut is out of balance include, “bloating, diarrhea, constipation and stomach pain to name a few.”
“Other signs that might not be as obviously connected include skin rashes, eczema, mood swings, fussy eating and sleep issues,” she says. An unhealthy gut produces symptoms that are horrible for mum to deal with, but it is even more stressful on your baby. Thankfully, there are easy ways to help.