What you will find that breastfed babies rarely get constipated, and they may not have a bowel motion for several days or up to a week. Many babies will strain and go red in the face when trying to do a normal poo. This is not a sign that baby is constipated not unless the poo is hard and does cause pain and discomfort to baby. True constipation in babies is rare and you should seek advice from your doctor.
What is constipation in infants?
To determine if a little one is constipated you do not measure it by the frequency of bowel movements or straining by baby, what you need to look at is the consistency of the stools. A little one is constipated if their stools are firm, dry or pebbly. If the stools have fluid, are soft or have a paste consistency then baby is not constipated. If you find that baby cries when trying to do a bowel movement or is bleeding from the anus, is experiencing abdominal pain and has a reduced appetite these also can be signs that baby is constipated.
Causes of constipation in babies
There can be reasons why a baby can suffer from constipation such as the formula could be too strong, therefore do make sure that the formula is made up correctly. A change to a different formula can also cause constipation. If weather is warm and your baby is bottle fed then it will require extra fluids such as cooled boiled water. If baby is breastfed it may require more breast feeds. Also if you are giving your little one solids this can also cause constipation. Sometimes when a baby does a hard poo it can tear or crack the skin around the baby's anus. Baby will know this hurts so it could hold on. All this causes is for the poo to become harder and more painful to pass.
Treating constipation in babies naturally
If your little one is suffering from constipation it is always good to get advice from your child health nurse or doctor in regards to introducing solids to infants that are less than a year old. If your baby is bottle fed, do make sure that you are making the formula correctly, always make sure that you measure the water first and then proceed to add the formula powder. You can also offer extra drinks of water that has been boiled and cooled down. Also you can give baby a tummy massage which can also assist. Make sure that when massaging baby's tummy that you do it in a clockwise direction as this will help to alleviate constipation. You could also provide baby with a warm bath, as this will help to relax baby's muscles and they could possibly do a poo in the bath. If you are considering giving baby medicine then check with your doctor first.
Things you should NOT do when a baby is constipated
You have been give so much advice on natural remedies extra on treating constipation in infants but are they all appropriate is the question. Therefore be wise and do remember that prune juice is not recommended to treat constipation in babies as it contains a natural bowel irritant and not suitable for infants that are under the age of nine months, even if you choose to dilute it. Also do not add any form of sugar, malt extract or rice cereal to baby's formula as this will not help with constipation. Some people think that introducing solids to baby before four to six months of age will not cause constipation. Providing baby with solids before four months of age is not recommended as your baby's digestive system is still forming.
In conclusion
When a baby is constipated there is a limited amount of natural and effective remedies that will relieve constipation. It is always important that if you find that baby is constantly suffering from this then do seek medical advice for baby.
What is constipation in infants?
To determine if a little one is constipated you do not measure it by the frequency of bowel movements or straining by baby, what you need to look at is the consistency of the stools. A little one is constipated if their stools are firm, dry or pebbly. If the stools have fluid, are soft or have a paste consistency then baby is not constipated. If you find that baby cries when trying to do a bowel movement or is bleeding from the anus, is experiencing abdominal pain and has a reduced appetite these also can be signs that baby is constipated.
Causes of constipation in babies
There can be reasons why a baby can suffer from constipation such as the formula could be too strong, therefore do make sure that the formula is made up correctly. A change to a different formula can also cause constipation. If weather is warm and your baby is bottle fed then it will require extra fluids such as cooled boiled water. If baby is breastfed it may require more breast feeds. Also if you are giving your little one solids this can also cause constipation. Sometimes when a baby does a hard poo it can tear or crack the skin around the baby's anus. Baby will know this hurts so it could hold on. All this causes is for the poo to become harder and more painful to pass.
Treating constipation in babies naturally
If your little one is suffering from constipation it is always good to get advice from your child health nurse or doctor in regards to introducing solids to infants that are less than a year old. If your baby is bottle fed, do make sure that you are making the formula correctly, always make sure that you measure the water first and then proceed to add the formula powder. You can also offer extra drinks of water that has been boiled and cooled down. Also you can give baby a tummy massage which can also assist. Make sure that when massaging baby's tummy that you do it in a clockwise direction as this will help to alleviate constipation. You could also provide baby with a warm bath, as this will help to relax baby's muscles and they could possibly do a poo in the bath. If you are considering giving baby medicine then check with your doctor first.
Things you should NOT do when a baby is constipated
You have been give so much advice on natural remedies extra on treating constipation in infants but are they all appropriate is the question. Therefore be wise and do remember that prune juice is not recommended to treat constipation in babies as it contains a natural bowel irritant and not suitable for infants that are under the age of nine months, even if you choose to dilute it. Also do not add any form of sugar, malt extract or rice cereal to baby's formula as this will not help with constipation. Some people think that introducing solids to baby before four to six months of age will not cause constipation. Providing baby with solids before four months of age is not recommended as your baby's digestive system is still forming.
In conclusion
When a baby is constipated there is a limited amount of natural and effective remedies that will relieve constipation. It is always important that if you find that baby is constantly suffering from this then do seek medical advice for baby.
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