7 Effective And Simple Tips To Treat Constipation In Babies

Your infant may suffer from constipation even after consuming a healthy diet and adequate amounts of water. In fact, constipation is a common problem in babies and may lead to difficulty in passing stools or passing hardened stools. This condition can also cause pain and stomach ache in your child. 

The good news is that constipation in babies is easily treatable at home with some effective and simple methods. Knowing the symptoms of a constipated baby may help parents differentiate it from regular stool motions and implement appropriate treatment methods. 

Common Signs Of Constipation In Babies

The primary symptom of a baby’s constipation is dry and hard stools, which appear as individual lumps in the diaper. Some other signs include:

• Bloated belly due to gas accumulation
• Release of abdominal gas while passing stools
• Strain while passing stool, which is evident from the baby’s facial expression

While the reduced frequency of pooping is also classified as one of the signs of constipation, do not take it into factor while recognising constipation in babies. Instead, focus on the deviation from their usual pattern of pooping and the texture of the stools. 

If you notice changes in your baby’s pooping schedule or hard, lumpy stools in your diaper, your baby is constipated.

What Is The Normal Stool Frequency In Babies?

The normal stool frequency of a baby varies through the first year. Most newborns have one or two bowel movements in a day. This count may increase to five or 10 per day during the first week of their life. However, the stool frequency reduces as the baby grows older, and they may have 1-2 bowel movements per day, by the time they become six weeks old. 

Additionally, babies who have just begun to consume solid foods may have fewer stools initially. However, once their gastrointestinal system adjusts to solid foods, their stool frequency sets back to normal.

Main Causes Of Constipation In Babies

The following conditions may lead to constipation in babies:

• A sudden switch to a new formula may cause constipation in babies. Even an unsuitable formula feed may cause this condition.
• Dehydration may lead to constipation during the hot summer months.
• If your baby is being weaned, a lack of fibre in their solid food may cause constipation.
• Adding too much powder to water while preparing formula may also lead to this condition.
• A crack near the baby’s anus may make it painful to pass stools. Hence they may refuse to poop, leading to constipation.

7 Ways To Treat Constipation In Babies

Keep Your Baby Hydrated

Make sure that your baby is getting sufficient breast milk and formula. If your baby is older than six months, you may consider giving them small amounts of water, especially if the weather is warm and humid.

Exercise

Light physical activities such as crawling or giving your baby tummy time may help stimulate bowel movements. You may also lay your baby on their back and bicycle their legs gently to provide assisted exercise. Repeat this at least two to three times a day to allow easy passage of stool in your baby.

Besides encouraging gentle exercises and light movements, you may also apply a tummy relief roll-on on your baby’s stomach. Use a tummy-relief roll-on made with ingredients like peppermint oil, ginger oil, nutmeg oil, and fennel oil to relieve gas and flatulence, calm stomach ease, and ease constipation. 

Give Your Baby A Warm Bath

A warm bath may help relax your baby’s abdominal muscles and relieve any tightness. While preparing the bath, make sure to check the water temperature carefully and adjust it to a suitable temperature. Use a moisturising baby wash with nourishing ingredients like pumpkin seed oil, and moringa seed oil to hydrate their skin and essential oils such as strawberry oil and rose oil to calm and relax them.

Give Your Baby Fresh Juices

Certain fruit juices may act as natural laxatives and help relieve constipation. For instance, prune juice is a popular remedy for constipation, including for babies younger than six months. You may give your little one up to 30 ml of homemade prune juice regularly.

To make prune juice at home, follow these instructions:

• Boil five cups of water and add one cup of pitted prunes to it. Let the prunes soak in the water for at least 12 hours.
• After 12 hours, transfer the prunes and the water to a blender and blend them.
• Sieve the mixture to remove any solid particles and dilute it with some additional water.

Give Your Baby A Gentle Massage

Gently massage your baby’s belly in a circular motion to stimulate bowel movement. Additionally, massage can help relieve muscle and stomach cramps that your baby may be experiencing due to constipation. Use a nourishing baby massage oil formulated with ingredients like moringa oil, avocado oil, saffron oil, and almond oil to help relax your baby, reduce discomfort, and stimulate bowel movements. 

Use An Alternative Formula

If you suspect that the formula is causing your baby’s constipation, then you should consider switching to a different brand. However, consult your child’s paediatrician to make sure your baby gets the right formula milk for nourishment.

Switch To High-fibre Foods

If your baby is on solids, they may be provided with high-fibre cereals, such as the ones made with oats, whole wheat, and barley. You may also include other sources of fibre such as broccoli, berries, beans, and apples. Offer fruits and veggies in mashed form so that your baby can digest them easily. If your baby is older, you may serve them whole-grain porridges with finely chopped high-fibre fruits on top.

The pain and discomfort caused due to constipation can make your baby fussy and cranky. Use the methods described above to stimulate bowel movement in your child and provide relief from this condition. Do not hesitate to take your paediatrician’s opinion and discuss what dietary changes you should bring to treat your baby’s constipation. 

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