What causes constipation in babies?
One indication that a baby’s digestion is healthy is when he/she defecates regularly , Mom.
Therefore,ParentsIt is recommended to check the baby’s bowel movements regularly to avoid constipation in babies.
Bowel Movement Schedules Can Vary
Please remember, a baby’s bowel movement schedule can differ from one baby to another.
Sometimes, babies who are still breastfed will poop right after breastfeeding, but there are also babies who poop up to once a week.
So, a baby’s digestion is considered healthy if he/she defecates regularly and routinely, but this can be seen from his/her own schedule.
Quoting fromKidshealth.org, it is actually normal for babies to strain when they have a bowel movement.
Pooping can be very difficult for babies because they do it in a lying position, meaning they don’t have gravity to push the poop out.
Initially, babies who are exclusively breastfed tend to defecate more often than babies who are given formula milk.
This is because breast milk is easier to digest. However, at around 3-6 weeks of age, breastfed babies may start to poop less often, sometimes even only once or twice a week.
Usually, constipation in babies will also be clearly visible from their feces, which have a soft texture.
It doesn’t matter how often he poops, or how hard it is to pass them.
Meanwhile, babies who experience constipation will have harder feces or even like gravel.
This type of stool may appear when the baby is introduced to solid food .
Changes in frequency, shape, and color of different stools .
Generally, babies aged 0-4 months will defecate 3 to 4 times a day, then after being introduced to MPASI the frequency will decrease to once a day.
Causes of Constipation in Babies
Well, there are several causes that may make babies constipated, namely:
1. Formula Milk
Although constipation is rare in babies who only consume breast milk or formula, it can still happen.
Jane Morton MD, a professor and pediatrician at Stanford University School of Medicine, says formula-fed babies are at higher risk for constipation.
Formula milk can make stools denser and harder than breast milk, especially if the baby is allergic to milk protein or is intolerant to this nutrient.
Dairy products consumed by the mother can also cause constipation in babies, through transfer via breast milk to babies who are intolerant to milk protein.
Therefore, avoid giving dairy products with high protein if your baby has an allergy to them.
Sometimes, changing brands with a different ingredient composition can help the situation.
2. Solid Food (MPASI)
It is not uncommon for babies to experience constipation when their tiny digestive systems are introduced to solid foods.
Foods that cause constipation in babies include rice, cereal, cheese and carrots which may be nutritious, but are low in fiber.
Therefore, start by introducing small portions and provide fiber-rich foods to prevent constipation in babies.
3. Dehydration
Even though your little one is only consuming breast milk or formula, he may not be getting enough fluids to stay hydrated.
In this condition, the water content from the intestines is slightly absorbed into the body and hardens the stool.
Make sure your little one gets enough breast milk or formula.
And when your little one is already on solid food, you can give them some foods that contain water. For example, watermelon puree and others.
4. Milk Protein Allergy
The milk ingredients consumed by mothers can be transmitted to babies who may experience milk protein intolerance .
This can cause the baby to become constipated.
5. Hormonal Imbalance
Sometimes when natural hormones are not released in balance, children, or adults, can experience a variety of symptoms.
In children, it can cause symptoms such as dry skin, slow growth , fatigue, and sometimes constipation.
6. Certain Types of Food
When a baby is given solid food, what is given to the baby will affect the type of feces that comes out of his body.
Different types of foods can cause constipation, such as bananas and apple puree.
If babies are introduced to a wider variety of foods at one time, it will be more difficult to find the cause of constipation in babies.
Signs and Symptoms of Constipation in Babies
Dr. Morton said there are several clear signs that your little one is constipated, namely:
1. Not having a bowel movement for a long time
Dr. Morton says if your baby doesn’t have bright yellow (not dark brown or green ) stool by day five, there may be something wrong with his digestion.
This usually happens when the baby does not have enough food intake.
2. Difficulty in Passing Stools
Frequency of bowel movements is not the only indication of constipation in babies.
Another symptom is if the baby has difficulty passing stool, or the texture of the stool is hard.
Hard stools can stretch the walls of the anus, causing bleeding.
This can be seen from the small blood stains that stick to the baby’s feces.
3. Stiff Stomach When Pushing ( Pushing )
If your baby makes a face as if he is straining ( ngeden in Javanese), accompanied by a stiff and painful stomach when touched, this could be a sign of a problem in his intestines.
4. Doesn’t want to breastfeed or eat MPASI
Another sign that your baby is constipated is when he refuses to breastfeed or eat solid food.
If no stool can come out of the stomach, the baby will feel uncomfortable and will not want to eat anything.
5. Straining More Heavily
Your little one will show other signs, namely pushing or straining harder than usual.
This is because hard feces are difficult for your little one to pass.
6. Changes in Stool Texture
As explained above, normal feces will have a soft and mushy texture.
When a baby is constipated, the stool will become hard, small, like hard pebbles, or like large round golf balls.
7. Bloating
Another change when a baby is constipated is that the stomach looks bloated or swollen due to gas buildup.
8. Cramps and Stomach Pain
Even though your little one cannot express pain yet, stomach discomfort can be seen if he is constantly fussy and looks uncomfortable with his stomach.
How to Treat Constipation in Babies
So, what should you do when your baby is constipated?
Here are some things that mothers can do when their baby is constipated, including:
1. Changing the mother’s food intake
Overcoming constipation in breastfed babies can be done by changing the mother’s food intake for breastfed babies.
Meanwhile, for babies who are given formula milk, it is a good idea to change the milk brand.
2. Choose Types of Food that Contain Fiber
For babies over 6 months who are already on solid food, choose several types of fruit and vegetables such as pears and broccoli which can make the baby’s bowel movements smooth again.
Also give fruit juice and water to help fight constipation.
3. Do Simple Movements
Don’t be surprised, Mom.
Even though your little one cannot do exercise movements yet, you can help him stretch his muscles so that constipation can be overcome.
If your baby has started crawling , this activity is one of the sports that helps overcome constipation.
If he still hasn’t reached this milestone , you can help him do gentle pedaling movements while lying on his back.
The pressure on the abdominal area while doing the pedaling motion can improve bowel movements.
4. Massage
Gentle abdominal massage and regular tummy time activities can also ease discomfort when your baby is constipated.
5. Replace Solid Foods
Add two servings of fruits and three servings of vegetables each day to your baby’s diet.
The dietary fiber in these foods will help your child fight constipation and have regular bowel movements.
6. Puree the Food
Offering fruit and vegetable purees helps babies get dietary fiber in an easily digestible way.
It is very useful to give purees to constipated children who may not be able to chew solid foods yet.
7. Laxative
When natural laxatives like purees don’t work, you may need to consult a doctor before using over-the-counter laxatives.
Be careful because babies can quickly become dehydrated , so this medicine needs to be given under medical supervision.
MPASI Foods That Can Help Overcome Constipation
When your little one has started on solid food, you can help relieve constipation with these foods.
However, if your little one has not consumed MPASI, try consuming this food as part of your daily intake.
Perhaps the nutritional content transmitted through breast milk can help relieve it.
Try including these high-fiber foods in your baby’s MPASI or mother’s intake.
These foods not only relieve the condition but also prevent constipation in the future.
1. Plum
Plums are rich in fiber and a source of multivitamins.
It is a good source of fiber, and can facilitate and speed up bowel movements.
Plums can be soaked overnight and given to babies in the morning.
You can also give your little one prune juice.
2. Nuts
Beans contain fiber and can be included in your baby’s diet if he is constipated.
Eating nuts will improve bowel movements.
Since beans contain both soluble and insoluble fiber, this will aid in digestion of food and help your little one pass it properly.
3. Green Beans
Green beans are the perfect food for constipation.
This type of bean can be given as a snack and can be boiled into porridge to help overcome and prevent constipation.
4. Apricot
Apricots are another fruit used to treat constipation.
It can be given raw or in juice form. This fruit can be soaked overnight and given to the baby.
5. Oatmeal
Oatmeal is an excellent food for little ones with recurring episodes of constipation.
Oatmeal can provide babies with much-needed fiber and can prevent constipation.
6. Pear
Pears are rich in fiber and Vitamin C. Both fiber and Vitamin C help in good digestion and relieve constipation.
Babies can also be given a little fresh pear juice to relieve constipation.
7. Broccoli
Broccoli is a source of protein and rich in fiber.
Broccoli is also a good source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate.
Green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli add weight to stool, making it easier to pass through the intestines.
You can give small steamed broccoli florets to your baby as finger food .
These green vegetables also contain sulforaphane, which can protect the gut and aid digestion.
8. Sweet Potato
Sweet potatoes, unlike other tubers, are one of the best baby foods and do not cause constipation.
Sweet potatoes can help relieve constipation and provide essential nutrients and carbohydrates for your growing baby.
9. Berries
Berries are rich in antioxidants and are an excellent food for babies and toddlers.
They are also high in fiber, which is why they should be included in baby food.
You can give your little one berries in the form of porridge.
By eating berries, your little one will not complain of constipation.
10. Whole Wheat Bread
Whole grain foods have high fiber content in them, which is good for the heart as well as for the digestive system.
You can give whole wheat bread to your baby, because it contains high fiber and will prevent constipation in your little one.
When to Worry About Baby Constipation?
Most of the above mentioned methods will help to overcome constipation in babies.
But if one or a combination of natural remedies does not work, it is highly recommended to consult a pediatrician.
If your little one seems uncomfortable or has a fever, a medical examination may be necessary to rule out an underlying illness.
Especially if repeated occurrences of the following symptoms occur:
- Children become irritable or uncomfortable when defecating.
- Despite trying to defecate, he could not.
- Your child is passing blood in their stool or you see anal tears or fissures. This can be very painful for your child and needs immediate attention.
- If recurrent constipation has resulted in fecal incontinence. You start to notice dirty diapers too often or when your baby passes gas and involuntarily passes stool with it.
If changes in the baby’s and mother’s food intake (for breastfed babies) do not work, you should contact a doctor.
The doctor will perform treatment that can stimulate the baby’s intestines to expel feces that have accumulated due to constipation.
Constipation in babies can make babies fussy, not want to eat and keep crying.
Therefore, never forget to check his diaper, whether he is defecating regularly and what his stool looks like.
It may sound disgusting, but as parents, we will certainly do anything to ensure our babies grow up healthy, right, Moms?
Popular Questions Regarding Constipation in Babies
How Long Does Constipation in Babies Usually Last?
Constipation in babies usually lasts for 3 days, Mom.
However, each baby’s condition is different, so some babies may experience constipation for longer.
If constipation does not improve and your little one experiences other symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.
What Should Babies Eat If They Have Hard Poop?
Hard feces or bowel movements in babies are usually caused by a lack of fiber intake.
Therefore, mothers can give their babies foods rich in fiber in their MPASI menu.
For newborns, mothers can consume foods rich in fiber and minerals so that these nutrients can be transferred to the little one through breast milk.
What are the Natural Remedies for Babies with Constipation?
Nutritious foods, especially those high in fiber, are the best choice as a natural remedy for treating constipation in babies.
Not only that, symptoms of constipation in babies can also be overcome by bathing the baby in warm water to reduce discomfort.
Remember, do not give your little one constipation medication such as laxatives without first consulting a doctor, especially if the baby is 0-6 months old.
The use of laxatives for babies needs to be under the supervision of a doctor because it can cause dehydration in your little one if used not according to the instructions and recommended dosage.
How to Massage Baby’s Stomach to Make it Easier to Poop?
Mom, there are several baby massage techniques that can help your baby have smooth bowel movements. One that you can try is the ILU massage orI Love U massage.
Mothers can lay the baby down comfortably, without having to take off their clothes, then massage the baby’s stomach slowly with movements forming the letters I, L, and U.
For a more complete explanation of ILU massage to treat constipation in babies, you can click on the following article .
Or, you can also try massaging your baby’s stomach with certain movements.
The method can be seen here: Video Tutorial on Baby Massage to Overcome Constipation .
That’s the information about constipation in babies. Hopefully it’s useful, Mom!
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Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia
