Eat, sleep, poop, repeat. That's what babies do during the first few months. This is why it's crucial that babies get this routine down pat. But what happens if a baby has trouble with the poop part? Learn more about baby constipation and how it affects your baby's well-being here.
Baby Constipation
What is constipation?
Baby constipation refers to the condition where infants experience difficulty in passing stools regularly. It often leads to hard, dry, and infrequent bowel movements, causing discomfort and fussiness in babies.
What Usually Causes Constipation in Babies
Constipation can be a common concern for parents of young babies and toddlers. Understanding the causes of constipation in infants is essential for addressing and relieving this uncomfortable condition. Let's explore six common factors that can contribute to constipation in babies, providing you with valuable insights. So let's dive in!
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Introduction of Solid Foods: When babies transition from a diet solely consisting of milk to solid foods, their digestive systems adjust to processing different textures and consistencies. This dietary change can sometimes lead to baby constipation as their bodies adapt.
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Switching from Breast Milk to Formula: Switching from breast milk to formula can affect a baby's bowel movements. Formula milk may have a different composition that could lead to changes in stool consistency and frequency, potentially causing baby constipation.
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Lack of Fibre: As older babies and toddlers start consuming a wider range of foods, it's crucial to ensure they receive adequate fibre. A diet low in fibre can contribute to constipation by slowing down the movement of waste through the digestive tract.
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Inadequate Fluid Intake: Dehydration can contribute to constipation in babies. If they don't consume enough fluids, their bodies can absorb excess water from the stool, making it harder and more difficult to pass.
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Withholding Bowel Movements: Sometimes, babies may ignore or resist the urge to have a bowel movement due to various reasons, such as being too busy or experiencing a stressful event. Ignoring the urge can lead to baby constipation as the stool remains in the colon for a more extended period, causing it to harden.
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Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions can also cause constipation in babies and children. Diseases affecting the muscles or nerves in the bowel can disrupt the normal movement of waste through the digestive system, leading to constipation.
Remember, it's important to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect your baby is experiencing chronic or severe constipation, or if you have any concerns about their bowel movements.
How to Tell If Baby Has Constipation
There are several factors that will help determine if your baby is constipated. Let’s talk about some of the things that you need to watch out for, namely: frequency, consistency, and baby’s antics.
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Frequency
Is your baby breastfed or formula-fed? Take note that breastfed babies do not have bowel on a daily basis since almost all of the nutrients are absorbed. Another reason to promote breastfeeding!
Formula-fed babies, on the other hand, may have up to three or four bowel movements in a day, or have a bowel movement every few days so it will greatly vary. The frequency of bowel movement is mostly affected by the type of milk, whether solids have been introduced, and what specific foods are being consumed.
If your child goes more than a few days without a bowel movement and then has a hard stool, then your baby might have constipation.
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Consistency
Does your baby’s stool turn into little clay balls? Is its colour black or does it have streaks of red?
Due to newly introduced food types, your baby’s stool form may change into something harder which will be more difficult to pass.
Harder poops can stretch the anal walls a bit, which causes bleeding and a small streak of red blood in the stool.
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Baby Antics
Is your baby fussy or does he strain when the poopy time comes? Does he lose appetite because of growing discomfort? Is your baby’s tummy firm or is he bloated?
Your baby may be constipated if you answered “yes” to any of the questions above. Keep a watchful eye on your child’s behaviour, even a tiny twitch on his face during poopy time may be a sign that needs medical attention.
Other Signs of Constipation in Babies
It is paramount to observe your baby’s poop to look for signs of constipation. Here’s a quick rundown of symptoms of constipation in babies:
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Spitting up more often and feeling irritated
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Hard, dry, large, or wide stools
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Feeling of pain while pooping
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Less than 3 bowel movements in a week for older children
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Difficulty in passing stools or straining
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Crying due to discomfort while pooping.
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Blood on the stool
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Hard or firm belly
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Traces of liquid or poop on their underwear.
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Lack of appetite
As soon as you notice symptoms of constipation in your baby and determine what causes it, you can find the right ways how to relieve constipation in babies quickly.
Home Remedy for Constipation in Babies
How to relieve constipation in babies quickly? Here are five home remedies for constipation in babies that you can try!
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Diet Change
If your baby is breastfed and over 6 months old, you may try adjusting your food choices. This is an important tip for constipation in babies since it is rare but your baby might be sensitive to what you eat. If your child is formula-fed, you may want to switch up the milk until constipation clears.
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Solid Food Intake
Yes to high-fibre foods! Solid foods commonly cause constipation yet they can also be the cure! Several kinds of fruits and veggies, such as pears and broccoli, can get things back on track. Other foods that are rich in fibre that you can give your baby are peaches, plums, spinach, apricot, beans, and prunes.
If your baby has not made the transition to solid foods yet, try some of the foods listed above in their pureed (crushed cooked food) form.
For older children, on the other hand, you can give whole grains. Whole grains are rich in fibre and can help ease your kid’s constipation. In addition, avoid giving your child processed foods, fast food, meat, ice cream, and cheese. These foods may worsen their constipation.
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Proper Hydration
Provide fruit juice, water, and milk to hydrate your baby only if they are above 6 months of age if breastfeeding. These will speed up your baby’s colon contraction, which may help their bowel movement go quickly.
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Massage
Gently massage your baby’s stomach area or lower abdomen. Doing this help stimulate bowel movement. Massage your baby’s stomach, several times throughout the day until they can have a bowel movement.
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Encourage Movement
Help speed up your baby’s bowel movement by promoting gentle workouts. Leg bicycle can improve digestion and make poop time fly by easily! Another way how to relieve constipation in babies quickly!
Why not turn your bonding moments into Mum and Baby massage time? Soft massages on your baby’s stomach or lower abdomen may stimulate their bowel movement.
Paedia Time: How To Relieve Constipation in a Baby Quickly?
How to relieve constipation in babies quickly if the home remedies are not effective?
If the steps above do not work, your baby may need more specialised medical attention. Visit your child's paediatrician as soon as you can to get your baby’s constipation cured. Your baby's doctor may recommend the usage of glycerin suppositories and laxatives which are clinical remedies for constipation.
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Laxatives
There are various over-the-counter laxatives for babies under one-year-old. However, remember that laxatives with malt-barley extract or psyllium powder can help ease constipation in older children but cannot be used for babies. These kinds of laxatives are not recommended for babies.
Consult your paediatrician first, before giving laxatives to your baby. Your doctor will recommend options of laxatives that are safe for the baby to take.
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Glycerin suppository
If you noticed signs of an anal tear such as a hard stool with streaks of bright red blood, talk to your doctor. Your paediatrician may recommend you glycerin suppository to help ease bowel movement out of your baby’s body.
The suppository can be bought over-the-counter in pharmacies. You can purchase a baby’s suppository and use it at home. Ask your paediatrician what is the proper way of using a suppository depending on the age of your child. It is important to follow instructions to avoid more problems regarding your baby’s constipation.
It’s also important to consult your paediatrician if aside from other symptoms of constipation, your baby experiences vomiting. They may also be able to further check if the symptoms indicate a bigger problem that requires immediate medical attention.
The steps above are ways how to relieve constipation in babies quickly. Take note of the clues to guarantee your baby’s safety and try the steps above for possible remedies.
Baby Constipation: When to Seek Medical Help
While occasional constipation is common in babies, there are instances when medical attention may be necessary. It's important for parents to be aware of when to seek medical help to ensure the well-being of their little ones. Here are a few situations that warrant medical assistance for baby constipation:
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Persistent Constipation: If your baby consistently experiences constipation that lasts for three days or longer, despite home remedies and dietary adjustments, it may be a sign to consult a healthcare professional.
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Severe Discomfort or Pain: If your baby appears to be in significant pain or discomfort while attempting to pass stools, it's advisable to seek medical help. This can indicate a more serious underlying issue that requires attention.
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Blood in Stool: If you notice blood in your baby's stool, whether it's bright red or dark and tarry, it is crucial to contact your healthcare provider promptly. Blood in the stool may indicate a more serious condition that needs immediate medical evaluation.
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Vomiting or Refusal to Eat: If your baby experiences vomiting or refuses to eat in addition to constipation, it could be a sign of an obstruction in the digestive tract. This requires medical evaluation to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.
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Weight Loss or Failure to Thrive: If your baby is not gaining weight as expected or shows signs of failure to thrive, along with constipation, it's important to consult a healthcare professional. This could be indicative of an underlying medical condition that needs attention.
How to Prevent Baby Constipation
Dealing with baby constipation can be a real poopstorm, but fear not – we've got some tips to keep things moving smoothly for your little one. Here's how to prevent baby constipation:
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Stay Hydrated: Make sure your baby is drinking enough fluids, whether it's breast milk, formula, or water once they start solids. Hydration helps keep things soft and moving in the right direction.
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Fiber-Rich Foods: As your baby starts solids, introduce fibre-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These can add bulk to their stools and promote regular bowel movements.
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Tummy Time: Gentle tummy time exercises can help stimulate your baby's digestive system and keep things flowing. Plus, it's a great way for them to build those adorable little muscles!
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Massage: Gently massaging your baby's tummy can provide relief and encourage bowel movements. Use circular motions and apply light pressure – they might even find it soothing.
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Warm Baths: A warm bath can relax your baby's muscles and ease any discomfort. Plus, it's a fun bonding activity for you both!
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Fluid Intake: If your baby has started eating solids, offer water between meals to help with digestion. Just a few sips here and there can make a difference.
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Consult Your Pediatrician: If constipation persists or if you're concerned, don't hesitate to reach out to your paediatrician. They can offer guidance and ensure everything's A-okay.
Remember, every baby is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. Be patient, trust your parental instincts, and if you ever have doubts, your paediatrician is there to help!
Republished with permission from theAsianparent Philippines.
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