7 tips to relieve constipation in babies

Constipation in babies can wreak havoc in a mother's life. Read on to know how to deal with it.

Dealing with her baby's constipation or anything related to their bowel movements can put a mother in disarray. First a baby's stool pattern is not defined and then your pediatrician's advice on anything related to the baby's stool is just confusing. If you've had to rush to a clinic in the past, after changing too many diapers for your baby all soaked in poop, complaining about diarrhea, your doctor has probably assured you that it's nothing to be worried about. And in the same breath your pediatrician also says, that missing a bowel movement for a day or two does not indicate constipation either. Sounds confusing doesn't it? Well, here is when you should worry about constipation in your baby.

Look for these signs:

If your baby has not passed stool for a few days and shows signs of irritability, uncontrolled crying, abdominal pain (crying while pulling the legs up to the abdomen) or breaks into weird facial expressions while trying to pass stools and fails, chances are it's an onset of constipation. Know when is it that a loose motion doesn't indicate diarrhea.

The probable causes of constipation:

All babies are different, their individual eating pattern, digestion and cycle of bowel movements also differ. However there can be a number of things that can result in harden stools and cause discomfort. Here are those constipation causing culprits:

Baby foods: It is a general observation that babies who are breastfed exclusively are less likely to suffer from constipation compared to their formula-fed friends. In fact, breastfed babies can pass stools as many as 15 times a day which can be lighter and thinner in consistency, while formula-fed babies pass motions which is a little thicker in texture. Many formula fed babies suffer from a bout of constipation earlier in life than breastfed ones. If on formula and your baby has not passed stool for several days then talk to your doctor for a change of brand. But don't experiment with brands too often, this is just going to disrupt your baby's immature digestive tract.

Introduction of solids: Weaning time calls for more attention from mums both formula and breastfed ones. Especially if you have introduced rice cereals and dals, don't be surprised if your baby starts to pass mildly hard stools or has difficultly during a bowel movement. Your baby's systems are still developing and will take time to adjust with new food groups. This can make motions little tough to deal with. Know ways to wean your baby right and effortlessly.

Insufficient intake of liquids:Constipation is generally noticed in babies after the introduction of solids as there is lack of sufficient water intake after every meal. Mothers need to be vigilant during those initial days with solids. In case of insufficient fluid intake, your little one's body gets dehydrated and the system responds by absorbing fluids from food and stool. This results in hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. Read things you should know before offering your baby water.

Effect of medications: If your baby is on any kind of medication and finds it difficult to pass stool, check with your doctor for the same. Sometimes iron-rich syrups or medicines can interfere with the stool formation.

What you can do:

Usually some simple dietary changes can help you get your baby back on track. Try these simple methods to help your baby combat constipation:

Simple dietary changes: Try switching the brand of formula you use after consulting your doctor. If possible breastfeed your child for a while till the problem settles. If you are weaning your baby, remember to puree the food well before you feed your baby till the time the bowel problem is resolved. This makes the food easy to digest and keeps your baby's tummy at ease.

Up the fruit intake: If it's your toddler who is complaining about the problem try including a variety of fruits like papaya, melons and ripe banana to prevent constipation. To your weaning baby you could try pureed apple, pear or mashed banana as a snack between meals. You can also try giving your baby mashed papaya, if your baby can tolerate it. Read a complete guide on weaning foods.

Keep track of liquids: Remember to give your baby enough sips of water throughout the day, consciously. If you have kept your baby off water for the first six months (as is the norm), it might be difficult to force enough water intake at this time. So start by giving spoonfuls at a time and at regular intervals. Include fruit juices and milk into your baby's diet plan as well. If you are still breastfeeding continue to do the same.

Try a natural remedy: Soak dry black currents in warm water and feed the solution to your child during bedtime. This works well with toddlers as well. A cup of warm milk with ghee is also a great remedy for relief.

Encourage enough play: For a crawler allow crawling to the fullest or try pumping the legs. To do this, while your baby lies on its back, gently move the legs in a forward, circular motion as if pedaling a bicycle. If your baby has started to take those first steps go to a park and play. This gives your baby enough exercise and the digestive system a jolt.

Give a belly massage: Although this may sound like the simplest thing to do, make sure you do this only if you are sure of how to go about it. Here are a few tips to give your baby a belly massage, with your fingertips apply gentle pressure on your baby's tummy just three finger widths below the navel area for about three minutes. This will initiate movement of the stools.

Try medical help: If even after trying all the above mentioned ways you fail to provide your little one any relief from constipation, visit your pediatrician immediately. Your doctor might suggest using pediatric glycerin suppositories for your baby. Remember to insert the glycerin when your baby does not want to pass motions. If you try to push the medicine when a hard stool is coming down it will only push the stool inside and cause more discomfort. While inserting the suppository remember it will cause your baby some discomfort though not pain. Give enough hugs and skin to skin contact to soothe your baby, if the need arises.

If you notice some tear or fissures in the anal region due to the passage of hard stool. Apply medicated cream or aloe vera lotion to help it heal faster. You may even choose to visit your pediatrician for an opinion on remedial measures for the fissure.

Did you know?

A very liquid stool in your baby's diaper doesn't mean diarrhea, but it is an indication of constipation. Liquid stools can slip past the blockage in the lower intestine and wind up in your child's diaper making it look like diarrhea.

References:

Parental understanding of basic infant nutrition: www.jpedhc.org

Mild dehydration and risk of constipation: http://www.nature.com/ejcn/journal/v57/n2s/full/1601907a.html

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