Remedies and Tips for Constipation Relief in Babies

• Introduction
• What Is Constipation In Babies?
• How To Tell If Your Baby Is Constipated?
• What Causes Constipation In Babies?
• What Are Some Home Remedies For Constipation In Babies?
• How To Relieve Constipation In Babies Quickly With Dadi Maa's Remedies?
• Key Takeaways
• FAQs
• Message From SuperBottoms

When our babies are younger, we keep track of everything related to them, right? The feeding frequency (how often and for how long they nap), the pee count, and the poop count. Any deviation from regular patterns is the only way to know if something needs attention, as babies are too young to communicate their pain or discomfort directly.

This also applies to how frequently your baby poops and the consistency of the poop, as constipation in babies can be painful and irritating. This SuperBottoms article explains what causes constipation in babies and how to relieve it quickly.

What Is Constipation In Babies?

Breastfed babies can pass poop as frequently as after every feed or as infrequently as once a week. Breast milk doesn't produce much digestive waste that a baby needs to pass down as poop. On the other hand, formula-fed babies usually poop once a day or once every two days. This is because the poop of a baby—still not on solids—is soft when everything is normal.

If the poop frequency you have observed in your baby changes suddenly, gaps between poops are longer, and the poop is more complicated than usual, this could be a sign that your baby is struggling to pass the poop. They will also show signs of pain or cries; this can mean your baby is constipated.

How To Tell If Your Baby Is Constipated?

Here are the signs and symptoms of constipation in babies:

Signs and Symptoms of Constipation in Babies

These signs and symptoms may vary in severity and frequency depending on the individual baby and the underlying causes of constipation. Always consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and management.

What Causes Constipation In Babies?

1• It is not common for babies who are not yet on semi-solids or solids to experience constipation, and even if they do, it is usually temporary. However, switching to formula milk can cause constipation in babies. Sometimes, even the wrong proportion of hindmilk and foremilk in the case of breastfed babies can cause irregular bowels.

2• If you're breastfeeding, your diet and changes in your baby's food patterns can affect your baby's milk, which could also cause constipation.

3• When you stop breastfeeding or formula feeding alone and start your baby on solids or are in the transition phase, chances are that your baby could experience constipation or stomach issues. This should generally subside as they get used to their new diet pattern.

4• As your child ages, a lack of fibre in their diet can cause constipation. Junk food is also a primary culprit for constipation in children. Just ensure their diet is a good mix of solids, liquids, and fibre and pay attention to their eating and pooping patterns at each new transition.

What Are Some Home Remedies For Constipation In Babies?

As mentioned earlier, baby constipation is usually a temporary condition. There are many over-the-counter or prescribed baby constipation remedies available. Still, the first and best step to relieve constipation in babies is to make necessary dietary changes to help ease constipation, pain and discomfort for your little ones. So, if you are wondering how to treat constipation in babies, here are some remedies that can help you:

1. Water: Once the baby transitions from breast milk/formula milk to semi-solids and solids, offer them a few sips of water with and after meals.

2. Natural Laxatives And Fibre-Rich Fruits: A few sips of undiluted fruit juices, such as apple, pear, or prune, are rich in natural laxatives and can help relieve constipation in babies. Similarly, introducing fibre-rich fruits and veggies, such as pears, prunes, peas, carrots, etc., also contributes to baby constipation relief.

3. Massage: Light stomach massages in a clockwise direction and moving legs in cycling motions while massaging the baby can help them pass gas and poop, thereby relieving the pain caused by constipation. Use SuperBottoms Mustard Seed Pillow; it will help them relax during this process.

4. BRAT Diet: The BRAT diet, a well-known remedy for treating loose motions in kids, consists of Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. Avoid these four foods if your baby is constipated.

5. Warm Bath: The struggle to pass poop while constipated can make the baby's body tense, which might result in them refusing to pass the poop altogether. Giving a warm bath or making them sit in a tub filled with warm water will relax them and help them defecate easily. You can make them wear SuperBottoms' Dry Feel Langot to stay dry and comfortable.

6. Mom's Diet: Breastfed babies are rarely constipated. But if they are, it might be linked to the mother's diet or hydration level. Therefore, seeking medical help to change a mom's diet is advised in such a case.

7. Castor Oil in Warm Milk: For older kids, who are over two years of age, a few drops of castor oil in warm milk also acts as a laxative and helps in getting baby constipation relief.

How To Relieve Constipation In Babies Quickly With Dadi Maa's Remedies?

There are many other Dadi maa's baby constipation home remedies that many older women swear by, such as jaggery diluted in water, eating raisins that have been soaked overnight in water, fennel-soaked water, honey mixed with lukewarm water, and date syrup mixed with warm milk.

None of these can cause any side effects. Still, if these baby constipation home remedies do not treat baby constipation immediately, it is better to seek medical help before it becomes excruciating for the child.

Key Takeaways:

1. Although constipation is not a severe medical condition, it is better not to take a chance with their health when it comes to babies.

2. For example, if the constipation is not treated with the above baby constipation remedies, and the baby is experiencing blood in the poop, fever, vomiting, a swollen and tight belly for many days, loss of appetite, or lethargy, you should immediately consult your baby's paediatrician.

3. Looking at a macro-level picture regarding your baby's health, ensuring that you introduce good food habits, avoid junk, and seek proper medical attention in case of any severity will keep constipation away and keep your little one happy, active, healthy, and playful.

FAQs:

Q.1 When should I be concerned about my baby's constipation?

Ans. If your baby is experiencing severe pain, has blood in their stool, or hasn't had a bowel movement in several days, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider.

Q.2 Can I give my baby over-the-counter laxatives or medications?

Ans. It's crucial to avoid giving any medication to your baby without consulting a healthcare provider first. They can recommend safe and appropriate treatments based on your baby's age and condition.

Q.3 My baby is exclusively breastfed. Can I do anything to relieve constipation?

Ans. Ensuring that your baby is well-hydrated by breastfeeding frequently can help relieve constipation. You can also try massaging their abdomen or gently moving their legs to stimulate bowel movements.

Message from SuperBottoms

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Reference Links:

1. The best home remedies for baby constipation
2. Constipation in infants and children