Constipation in babies is not at all fun. It’s heartbreaking to see babies crying with pain and discomfort. We as an adult, suffer a lot, feel uncomfortable when constipated now imagine the state of a baby who can’t even tell and understand what’s happening. Constipation in babies makes bowel movements irregular. And it occurs when there are less than three bowel movements in a week.
A constipated baby may be uncomfortable while passing the stool or passing hard or dry stools. Due to constipation, the baby may be in pain and discomfort and definitely needs help.
Constipation in babies is common and can be cured using home remedies. And the problem is different for each child. So, it must be treated accordingly. Sometimes it gets treated with simple home remedies, but it may require medical help to treat constipation in some cases.
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Signs of constipation in Babies
As babies cannot communicate or even cannot understand what’s going on there, we need to check on these symptoms if they face any.
Constipation may make the baby uncomfortable, cranky, and can give a really tough time. Baby is constipated when the baby is making straining faces while trying to poo and if you see these signs-
- When a baby is not eating properly or normally.
- There is blood in the stool, or is Blacky.
- When the poo is hard, dry, or crumbly
- The baby is having fever, tiredness, or vomiting
- When poop or wind smells terrible.
- If the baby has swollen belly.
- When the baby does not poop at least once every 5 to 10 days.
Please note; You Should Never Give medicine for constipation without consulting a pediatrician.
Causes of constipation in Babies
- There are many causes of constipation in Babies, like babies is not getting enough fluid in their diet as required.
- A baby may not pass stool or delay due to pain or discomfort; this may worsen constipation.
- Constipation in babies mainly happens when switching to solid foods for the first time or from breast milk to formula milk.
- Sometimes constipation in Babies might happen due to travel, moving to New place, or any stressful situations.
- Another reason for constipation might be allergy To dairy products. Sometimes babies get allergic to dairy products, and it can cause constipation.
- More intake of junk food might be a reason for constipation.
Remedies For Constipation In Babies
Subtle changes in a baby’s diet can help relieve constipation; adding more fiber-rich foods and fruits can alleviate it. Here are some other remedies.
Hydration
Make sure the baby is well hydrated. Infants get hydration from breast milk or formula milk. Occasional Prune and pear juice may help speed up your child’s colon contractions and help in constipation. Adding more water and juice to the baby’s diet may benefit and can help soften And break up the hard stool.
Massage To Cure Constipation In Babies
Massage is an effective remedy for constipation in babies. All you need to do is lie your baby down and gently move their legs. The baby will surely be happy lying down. You can give them a gentle tummy massage. You can use warm oil or moisturizer too. The warmth of your hands will also help soothe and calm your constipated baby.
Use Solid Foods
Some solid foods can cause or worsen constipation, but others can also improve it. Try adding a few high fiber foods in your babies diet, such as:
- Skinless apples
- Peaches
- Pears
- Broccoli
- And prunes
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Using Organic Coconut Oil
This one is a very effective remedy for treating constipation in babies. If your baby is more than six months of age, add 2-3 ml of coconut oil to your baby’s food, or you can apply coconut oil around your baby’s anus to ease the stool.
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Fruit Puree
Fruit Puree is one of the best remedies for constipation. For this, you can use apples and fruits that start with ‘P’ Pear, Peaches, Prunus, plum, papaya, pomegranate. All you need to do is just peel, de-seed, and add chopped fruit into a saucepan, pour water, cover, and bring it to a boil. Cook for 8-10 minutes. Once ready, add water and blend using a hand blender and offer it to the constipated baby.
A Warm Bath
A warm water bath helps in relaxing their abdominal muscles and helps them stop straining. Most importantly, a warm water bath can also relieve some of the discomforts relating to constipation. Also, check out some of the best baby soaps that you must consider buying to protect the delicate skin of your baby.
Various Foods That Helps Constipation In Babies
Ripe banana, oats porridge, green spinach puree, sweet potato purees, figs, black raisins these foods work wonder to ease or control constipation in babies.
Movement
Always encourage lots of movements in babies like tummy times, crawling, bicycle kicks, etc. These movements help to treat constipation in babies.
Limit The Intake Of Dairy Products
Sometimes consuming a lot of dairy products may also cause constipation in babies. So it is advised to limit the intake of dairy products. Here are some tips on What You Can Do If Your Toddler Is Constipated.
Avoiding Food That Causes Constipation
Sometimes we parents keep on feeding foods that cause constipation unknowingly. Instead, we must avoid fewer fiber foods during the constipation phase, like white rice, bread, cooked potato. We can reintroduce them when this phase is over.
Raisin Water
Raisin water is also one of the best home remedies that work for constipation in babies. Soak a few raisins in water overnight, squeeze the pulp out, and give this pulpy water to the constipated baby. We all know that raisins are Rich in fiber and iron, which helps improve bowel movements moderates digestion. Give this water regularly.
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Conclusion
As new parents, we are not aware of these issues and might seem like helpless souls. But there is no need to worry because you will find yourself sharing your insights over coffee with other parents. Switching up these things in your baby’s diet will surely help, but never hesitate to contact your baby’s pediatrician if these remedies don’t work.
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