Infant Constipation

Constipation in infants is a common concern among parents everywhere. This article will introduce some of the causes of infant constipation and ways to relieve these symptoms.

Common Signs To Look For

1. Your baby cries during bowel movements.

2. Stools are hard and dry. This is a really good indication if a problem is present.

3. Blood is visible in the stools

4. Child hasn't had a bowel movement for 2 days or more.

Common causes of infant constipation

1. Introduction to solid foods - Babies that are breastfed are more likely to be constipated when solid foods are introduced into their diet. This is because the babies' small stomach is use to easily digesting mother's milk.

2. Not getting enough fluids. If your infant is dehydrated, his stools will be hard and dry. These dry stools can be hard to pass and cause discomfort in the baby.

3. Baby might have medical condition or illness. It's unlikely, but it's possible that he has infant constipation due to an underlying medical condition such as food alergies. If you suspect this in your child, you should probably have the child checked out by a doctor.

4. If your baby is using a formula, it could be causing constipation. Some formulas might have something in it that is making it hard for your child to digest. If this is the case, talk to your family doctor about switching baby formulas.

5. Some foods are also likely to to trigger symptoms. These foods might include rice cereal, bananas, cooked carrots, pasta, cheese, large amounts of potato, yogurt, and white bread.

6. Diets that are low in fiber.

7. Diets including excessive dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)

Changing a child's diet can usually relieve infant constipation. However, here are a few more tips you can use to help relieve symptoms.

Infant Constipation Treatment and Remedies

1. Bicycle legs - Put your baby on its back and put its legs in a half-bent position. Then gently move your child's legs in a circular motion as if it was riding a bike. This puts gentle pressure on the intestines while stimulating the stomach muscles.

2. Tummy massage - Rub and gently massage the infant's tummy in a clockwise direction. Place your hands at baby's navel and massage in a circular motion, moving your hand(s) out and away from the center of baby's belly.

3. Give baby a warm bath - Some medical doctors suggest giving child a warm bath to relieve infant constipation. This should make the child feel 'relaxed' and help get things moving again. You can even do a tummy massage while drying the baby.

4. If child is eating solid foods, try introducing pears into his diet. Pears are known for relieving symptoms of constipation very well. You could also try fruits such as peaches, apricots, and plums.

5. If your child is already crawling, encourage him to do a couple laps.

6. If your infant is using formulas, try talking to your doctor about switching to a different brand.

7. If your baby is already eating solid foods, make sure his diet is high in fiber (fruits and vegetables are good).

Just remember, never give your child any medications for relieving child or infant constipation without consulting your medical doctor first.