Can prunes be used for constipation in babies?

Constipation is a recurrent pathology in babies, especially during food diversification. This is an important stage in the development of the baby, it corresponds to the introduction of solid foods and the discovery of new flavors. Fruits and vegetables are the first foods offered. Going from a liquid to a solid food is a source of change for the digestive transit. To prevent constipation, the diet must emphasize fiber and hydration. Excessive fiber is not recommended, especially for babies, who may experience digestive discomfort. Prunes are dried fruit and naturally contain more fiber than fresh fruit. Therefore, are prunes recommended for babies?

Mild laxative effect of prunes

The prune is known for its laxative effect in adults. This property comes from its high fiber content: about 6 g of fiber per 100 g of prunes. Fibers are indigestible carbohydrates, which pass through the digestive tract. They can be divided into two categories: insoluble fibers, which swell in contact with water; and soluble fibers, which form a gel in contact with water.

Their solubility in water gives them slightly different virtues, but these disappear when they are taken in large quantities. Prunes contain more insoluble fibre (3.5 g per 100 g) than soluble fibre (2.6 g per 100 g).

This balance of contribution allows prunes to accelerate the digestive transit: by increasing the mass and the hydration of the stools, without entrainer the digestive disorders which brings the excess of fibres (abdominal pains, diarrhoea, flatulences, heavinesses, etc).

Thus, prunes are recommended for babies. Be sure, however, to adapt the daily amount: we will ensure not to exceed the 25 g of prunes per day, or 4 prunes (weighed with pits) before three years.

If constipation persists despite a balanced diet and adequate hydration, you can ask your doctor for advice. The doctor may also suggest massage or physical therapy to relieve the baby's constipation.

At what age should they be offered?

Prunes can be offered from the beginning of food diversification, that is 4 months. Indeed, food diversification is not very regulated except that at this period, the child goes through a phase of neophilia: he appreciates the novelty. There is also the apprehension of the hands and mouth, the digestive tract becomes fully mature. Moreover, this period is accompanied by a strong tolerance to food allergens.

Nevertheless, dried fruits present a choking risk for babies, so it is essential to adapt the texture of these to the age of your child: rehydrated and blended before 8 months, rehydrated and finely cut after 8 months.

If there is a history of digestive problems, it may be best to delay the proposal of prunes slightly until 5 months.

Prune Recipe Ideas for Baby

Prune-apple-quince compote

Ingredients:

  • 1 apple
  • 1 quince
  • 1 prune
  • 1 teaspoon of walnut oil
  • 5 g of butter
  • Spices and aromatics: cinnamon, carob, cardamom, vanilla, dried orange and powder, dried lemon powder, etc.

Directing:

  1. Wash, peel and cube the fruit.
  2. Pit and slice the prune.
  3. In a saucepan, melt the butter with the aromatics of your choice. Add your fruit and the prune.
  4. Cover the ingredients with water and simmer for 10 minutes.
  5. Mix your preparation and add the oil at the end of cooking.

This recipe is suitable from 6 months, after prior introduction of the fruits and spices individually. Before 6 months, it is best to remove the spices.

Prune juice

Ingredients:

  • 5 prunes
  • 150 mL of baby-friendly water
  • Spices and aromatics: cinnamon, carob, cardamom, vanilla, dried orange and powder, dried lemon powder, etc.

Directing:

  1. Pit and slice the prune.
  2. Rehydrate prunes in water for 30 minutes.
  3. Add your spices and blend your preparation. You can add water depending on the consistency you want.

This recipe is suitable from 6 months. Before 6 months, it is best to remove the spices.

Organic Agen prunes... Dried fruits in bulk

28 notes

See the product