Homemade remedies: Treat Baby's constipation

A constipated baby would not only experience infrequent stool passing but may also pass hard stool as well. When this happens, your baby would be in pain, irritable and very uncomfortable. New parents, oftentimes, immediately take their babies to the paediatrician. But did you know that infant constipation could be cured at home without any need for medicines of any sort?

Baby constipation

Infant constipation is a constant concern among babies who are drinking milk formulas as well as those who have just started on solid food. Normally, constipation refers to the frequency of passing stool. But in babies, constipation could also apply to the consistency of the stool. A constipated baby would not only experience infrequent stool passing but may also pass hard stool as well. When this happens, your baby would be in pain, irritable and very uncomfortable. New parents, oftentimes, immediately take their babies to the paediatrician. But did you know that infant constipation could be cured at home without any need for medicines of any sort?

Cure

Prune juice diluted with water seems to do the trick in most babies. For babies that are four months and above, fill his feeding bottle with an ounce of water or 4 ounces of milk and an ounce of prune juice. For babies younger than 4 months, add only a teaspoon of prune juice to the water or milk. Let him drink the juice twice a day and he should be pooping in no time. If you child does not like prune juice, opt for white grape, apple or pear juice instead.

For babies who had just started on solid food

Stop giving baby food that contains rice and bananas as these foods encourage hardening of the stool. Try giving softened and mashed pears, apricots and prunes instead. Continue with giving him his milk – be it breastmilk or milk formula.

Karo Syrup

Most grandmothers would suggest giving Karo syrup to constipated babies. A teaspoon of Karo syrup mixed with 4 ounces of water or milk is indeed effective in relieving constipation but is it safe? Many doctors do not recommend giving Karo syrup to babies because of the increased risk of botulism. Although there have been no linked cases, doctors advise parents to be cautious when giving Karo syrup to their babies.

Tummy massage

Apart from giving him food and drinks that could help alleviate his constipation, giving him a massage would do wonders as well. Begin by gently rubbing his tummy in a clockwise motion and gently pressing on the right side. Note the feel of your baby’s stomach in your hand. If it is soft then he is not constipated. A hard tummy is a sign that he could be suffering from constipation. Also, lift up the ankles of your baby and rotate his legs in a bicycle motion. This fun and simple exercise can help promote bowel movement by loosening his intestines.

No nos!

Do not attempt to give your baby any laxatives as this would be bad for him. Additionally, do no insert anything in his anus, not even a rectal thermometer because you could tear something. When all homemade constipation remedies fail and your baby still had not passed stool, visit the paediatrician immediately. There really isn’t a time table as to when to call the doctor but it is recommended that you notify him immediately as soon as you notice any signs of constipation. If you don’t, do not let it take you more than a week to visit or call him.

Written by

Karen Mira

constipationhome remediestreatmentBaby