Constipation in Babies

Being a parent is a big responsibility in itself, understanding your baby’s sign language for clues of well-being & health problems like baby constipation, colic etc. Certain signs of a problem, though, can be a little more difficult to detect. Bowel movement changes a lot over the course of your baby’s life and it is a big tool to detect your baby’s tummy health. From time to time, changes in color, smell, shape of the poop are the signs that will help you to know that your baby is constipated.

 

Signs & Symptoms of Constipation in Babies

There is a big difference in digestion pattern of babies on Breast milk exclusively & formula fed babies. Babies who exclusively consume breast milk may not have a bowel movement every day but formula fed babies, on the other hand, may pass up to three to four bowel movements in a day. Normal bowel movement in healthy babies is greatly affected by type of milk;introduction of Solid food and what type of foods are given. Understanding the possible signs of constipation can help you to detect a potential issue before it turns out to be a big problem for you.

Learn more about Common Signs & Symptoms of Constipation.

 

Firm Belly

A hard tummy is a sign of constipation. Pressure & Bloating caused by constipation makes your baby’s stomach stiff.

 

Straining

If your child is straining to have a bowel movement, this may be a sign of constipation. Constipated babies usually produce very hard, clay-like stools. Hard stools are difficult to pass, so your child has to put strain to pass it will face constipation pain. Child may also be fussy and cry when having a bowel movement or may get panic when asked to go to toilet.

 

Infrequent Bowel Movements

There is a fluctuation in the number of bowel movement you child is going to have. On introduction of Solid food there will be much more of change. In case your child goes more than a few days without a bowel movement, he/she is constipated.

 

Blood in the Stool

If you find streaks of bright red blood on your child’s stool, it is a sign that your child is pushing very hard to have a bowel movement. Pushing and straining causes tiny tears around the anal walls resulting blood in the stool.

 

Refusing to Eat

Your baby may feel full quickly if constipated. Due to growing discomfort baby may refuse to eat also.

 

Remedies for Your Baby’s Constipation Relief

Change your diet if Breast feeding

In case you are breastfeeding your baby, then adjust your diets your baby may be sensitive to something you’re eating, which can also be the possible reason of constipation. When your baby is on bottle fed then it is advised to try different formula milk.

 

 

Go for High Fiber Solid Food (In case you have introduced Solid Food to Baby)

There are many solid foods which can cure constipation. Try adding a few high-fiber foods in your baby’s diet such as:

• skinless apples
• pears
• prunes
• peaches
• broccoli

Offer cooked grains, such as barley, oats, or quinoa. Whole-grain breads, bran cereals etc. help to add bulk to stool, which may act as home remedy for constipation treatment in babies

 

Prefer Pureed Foods

If you have not started giving solid food to your baby yet, try some of the foods listed above in pureed form. Fruits and vegetables have natural fiber that will add bulk to your child’s stool and help in having a healthy bowel movement.

 

More of Fluids

Proper hydration is must for regular healthy bowel movements. Water and milk are the best for keeping your baby hydrated. Remember Prune and pear juice helps speed colon contractions, which can help your baby produce a bowel movement more quickly.

 

Maintain some Routine – Exercise

Movement speeds up digestion and help move things through the body more quickly. If your child has not started walking yet, leg bicycles will solve your purpose.

 

Tummy Massage

Gentle stomach and lower abdomen massages may stimulate the bowels to pass a bowel movement. Introduce some massage session in your baby routine till your child has a bowel movement.

 

When nothing natural is working

Switching up things in your child’s diet or your diet if breastfeeding will definitely help, but still if it doesn’t, there are many other ways to help with constipation. Consult your doctor for some instructions:

 

 

Baby Constipation cure techniques include:

 

Glycerin Suppository for constipation treatment in baby

If you notice signs of a rectal tear (bright red blood in the stool), a glycerin suppository may be helpful for a bowel movement. Baby Constipation relieving Glycerin suppositories can be purchased over the counter and easily used at home. When using it for the first time, follow the instructions on the package or ask your pediatrician.

 

Rectal Stimulation for Constipation relief in baby

Rectal stimulation help when baby is constipated, for this use need to use your finger, a rectal thermometer, cotton swab and gently press on the rectum.

 

Laxatives as constipation remedy for baby

When other technique does not work, then you may use Over-the-counter laxatives for constipation cure. Laxatives made from a malt-barley extract (Maltsupex) orpsyllium powder (Metamucil) help soften your child’s stool, which may help produce a healthy bowel movement.

 

Consult Your Pediatrician

If confused or concerned at any point, don’t hesitate to call your child’s pediatrician. Ask your doctor for suggestions. Your doctor will help you spot other signs and symptoms (such as fever) that could be an indication of a larger problem that may require medical treatment.

 

Remedies to treat your Baby’s Constipation? In case of any query or info please add in comments.