Digestive system immaturity: how does a child's digestive system develop?

The immaturity of the digestive system in infants and the associated symptoms are a common cause of concern for parents. When does a baby's digestive system mature? On the forum, many worried parents ask when the immaturity of the digestive system in infants will end and how to survive this difficult time? 

In today's article, we have collected the most important information about the maturation of the digestive system in infants.

How is maturation of the digestive system in infants?

The process of maturation of the digestive system in infants begins already in fetal life. It then progresses dynamically throughout the first years of life. The speed of this process is determined by various factors, including:

  • how to feed the baby;
  • possible prematurity;
  • infections;
  • medications used.

Exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months of life is the most recommended method of feeding by WHO, supporting the maturation of the infant's digestive system.

Maturation of the digestive system in infants includes:

  • changes in the secretion of digestive enzymes: mouth, stomach, pancreas and intestines;
  • development of the immune system: over 70% of human lymphocytes are cells of the lymphatic tissue associated with the digestive tract;
  • differentiation of intestinal microbiota: mainly under the influence of the food consumed;
  • sealing the intestinal mucosa barrier;
  • gradual improvement of the motor function of the gastrointestinal tract.

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Anna Milewska

Senior specialist in the Department of Assessment and Cooperation Development, Institute of Mother and Child

When does a baby's digestive system mature??

The most important changes in the digestive system occur from... fertilization, up to approx 3 years old. We already know when the baby's digestive system matures. However, a child's digestive system usually reaches full maturity only when the toddler is a teenager 5-7 years. 

When we wonder when a baby's digestive system matures, it is worth remembering that each child develops individually, and parents should always consult a doctor if they have any doubts about their baby's health.

The most common symptoms of immaturity of the digestive system in infantst

Jolanta Wacławek

Pediatrician in the One-Day Hospitalization Department, Institute of Mother and Child

The expert advises:

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) are transient symptoms associated with the immaturity of the digestive system in infants. They are characterized by chronic or recurrent ailments that do not have clear structural or biochemical causes. FGIDs are mild. They only require monitoring, and their spontaneous resolution does not leave any lasting consequences. 

Research shows that nearly half of infants are under the age of 6 months and about 1/4 of children up to 12 months of age manifests at least one of the FGID disorders, including: regurgitation, gastroesophageal reflux, infantile colic, dyschezia or constipation.

Although these signs of immaturity of the digestive system in infants are considered temporary and physiological, On the forum, parents admit that they are a source of stress for them and their child, often disturbing the proper functioning of the family. When does a baby's digestive system mature? When will this physiological immaturity and the associated troublesome symptoms end?

Regurgitation, colic and constipation

On the forum, parents ask when this symptom of immaturity of the infant's digestive system will go away?

Regurgitation (regurgitation)

They occur in: approximately 67% of infants and most often result from a physiologically reduced tone of the lower esophageal sphincter and a shorter abdominal section of the esophagus in infants (immature antireflux barrier). Almost every online forum for parents asks when the downpour will end.

Jolanta Wacławek

Pediatrician in the One-Day Hospitalization Department, Institute of Mother and Child

The expert advises:

In most cases, regurgitation is a natural symptom of the immaturity of the infant's digestive system and disappears spontaneously around 6-10 months of the child's life, without requiring medical intervention. However, if they negatively affect the child's nutritional status and well-being or contribute to recurrent respiratory diseases, you should take your child to a specialist.

Infant colic

This is a problem that affects up to 43% of infants under 3 months of age. Manifestations include: paroxysmal crying, twitching of the legs and increased abdominal circumference. The symptoms of colic, which indicate the immaturity of the baby's digestive system, last at least 3 hours a day, repeated min. 3 days a week for at least 1 week, worsening mainly in the evening.

On the forum, parents often ask when the colic associated with the immaturity of the child's digestive system will end?

Colic usually goes away on its own between the 4th and 5th month of life. The causes of infant colic are not fully understood, and disturbing symptoms should always be consulted with a doctor.

Constipation

It is difficult, effortful passage of stools or bowel movements less frequent than typical for a given age. They affect approximately 3% of children, negatively affecting the quality of life. 95% of constipation in babies is functional.

When does constipation in an infant disappear as a symptom of the immaturity of the digestive system? Effective treatment of constipation in a child requires an individual approach and careful medical diagnosis.

When the immaturity of the infant's digestive system passes: a few words about dyschezia and reflux 

Gastroesophageal reflux disease

Jolanta Wacławek

Pediatrician in the One-Day Hospitalization Department, Institute of Mother and Child

The expert advises:

It occurs when stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, irritating the lining. Physiological gastroesophageal reflux, common in infants, most often occurs after meals, is short-lived and disappears as the infant's digestive system matures (the cause is an immature anti-reflux barrier). 

Pathological gastroesophageal reflux causes serious consequences, such as inflammation of the esophageal mucosa, larynx, bronchi and lungs, heart rhythm disturbances and even malnutrition. These changes constitute an important basis for the diagnosis of an organic disease.

Infant dyschezia

It occurs in approximately 2,5% of infants and is characterized by violent screaming and crying for approximately 10 minutes, which precedes the infant's passage of stool of normal consistency.

Dyschezia results from physiological lack of coordination of the abdominal muscles and pelvic floor. When does dyschezia disappear as a symptom of the functional immaturity of the infant's digestive system?

The problem usually resolves spontaneously around 6 months of age, as the infant's digestive system matures and neuromuscular coordination develops.

If parents are concerned about any signs of immaturity of the infant's digestive system, they should always consult a pediatrician. The doctor will collect a detailed history from the parents, examine the baby, provide appropriate recommendations, and, if necessary, refer the child to additional diagnostic tests.

 

 

Medical consultation

Jolanta Wacławek

Pediatrician in the One-Day Hospitalization Department, Institute of Mother and Child

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