Constipation in babies could be a very stressful moment for parents, specifically when the little one is feeling very uncomfortable and consistently in distress. While occasional episodes of constipation are very common, the prolonged difficulty in passing the stool will lead to discomfort, fuzziness and may even reduce the appetite. So, understanding the entire situation of constipation in babies with the help of pediatric doctor will always be recommended for parents so that they can relieve the baby from discomfort and further prevent the constipation from becoming a repetitive problem.
Constipation in babies is usually characterised by infrequent, hard and dry stools which are difficult to pass, and the frequency of the movement in this case will be dependent on the age and diet factors of the babies. In the case of a newborn, stool will be passed several times in a day or once in every few days, which is still normal. In formula-fed babies, there will be very few bowel movements in comparison to breastfed babies, and they might be more prone to constipation. On the other hand, in the cases of babies on solid foods, they might experience constipation whenever there is a transition to a new food category.
Tips to deal with constipation in babies:
- Comprehensively checking the feeding pattern: In breastfeeding babies, constipation is rare because milk is very easy to digest and contains the natural balance of nutrients. However, if you still observe any symptoms of constipation, then you need to make sure that the baby has been fed properly and is getting enough milk in every session. On the other hand, in the cases of formula-fed babies, you need to prepare the formula as per the instructions given by the doctor so that you can achieve the ideal ratio of water and powder. Additionally, consulting the paediatrician about switching to a new formula designed to promote digestive comfort is important if constipation is still persistent.
- Offer a small amount of water: Once your baby is approximately six months of age and has started eating solids, you can offer a small sip of water in between feedings. Extra hydration levels will always allow you to soften the stools and make sure that passing of the stools becomes very easy. For the young babies, you should avoid giving water unless advised by paediatrician consultant.
- Including the fibre-rich food items: If your baby has started consuming solids, then you should include fibre-rich food items, which help regulate the movement of the digestive system. Some of the gentle options in this case will be puree of prunes, pear, apple and peas with spinach and sweet potato. You should avoid giving banana and rice cereal when your baby is constipated because it can lead to significant other issues.
- You should do a gentle tummy massage: Soothing the belly will always be helpful in stimulating the digestive system and will relieve constipation, which is the main reason that placing your baby on their back and using your fingertips to gently massage the tummy in a circular motion is important in a clockwise direction. You should keep your movements very gentle, and you should immediately stop if your baby appears to be uncomfortable. You can also consult the doctors in all such cases so that there is no chance of any kind of abdominal issue to the baby at any point in time.
- Practising bicycle leg movement: Moving the legs of the baby in a bicycle motion will also be helpful in getting trapped gas released very easily because it will stimulate bowel movement. Lying your baby on their back and gently holding their legs to move them in a cycling motion for a few minutes is recommended because this activity will be helpful in strengthening the abdominal muscles and will also be helpful in supporting the direction over time without any problem.
- Giving them a warm bath: A warm bath will always be helpful in relaxing the abdominal muscles of the baby and will further help ensure that it becomes very easy to pass the stool. After the bath, you can try giving a massage on the tummy area and cycling the legs for an additional element of relief so that things are very well sorted out.
- You should monitor your dairy intake: In some cases, too much consumption of dairy products like cow milk can create constipation in older babies and toddlers, and if you have recently introduced cow milk or dairy-based food items and then constipation has happened, then you should consult your paediatrician about moderating the intake of dairy products. The paediatrician consultant will also be suggesting alternatives so that you can give them a try and eventually deal with the things very well without any problematic situation of constipation.
- You should avoid overfeeding of processed baby foods: Some of the commercial foods, particularly those that are low in fibre, will contribute to constipation and choosing the home-made puree in this case is a very good idea so that you can enjoy fibre-rich options whenever possible. Keeping the eyes on how the baby is reacting to multiple food options and adjusting accordingly is also equally important, so that you can get things done on the right track very easily.
- Considering and checking the food sensitivity: Some babies are very sensitive to certain food items, which can lead to digestive discomfort, and if constipation happens regularly after a specific food is introduced, then you should discuss the possible intolerance with your paediatrician to avoid any problem.
Conclusion
Apart from the points mentioned above, you should focus on seeking medical advice for persistent constipation with the help of a paediatric gastroenterologist so that everything will be very well done in the right direction and there is no chance of any distressing moment for anyone in the family. The paediatrician doctors will always provide you with the best approach to preventing constipation and will ensure that your little one remains happy and healthy at all times.