How To Help My Newborn With Constipation

How To Help Your Baby With Constipation

by babysettler | Apr 22, 2022 | Motherhood

It can be tough to know whether or not your baby is constipated. This is because you cant really time their bowel movements! In fact, its actually pretty normal for an infant to go a few days without pooping, particularly in breastfed babies.

Very Well Family explains, Babies who are breastfed can often go several days without a bowel movement. Even though their stool is soft, it may seem like they have many days of no stool followed by a blow-out. This is completely normal, as long as your baby doesnt appear to be in pain when the bowel movement does happen.

Lets explore the signs of constipation in babies, and what to do to help give them relief.

What Causes Constipation In Babies?

Formula

Babies who are exclusively breastfed very rarely get constipated, unlike little ones who feed mainly on formula.

Katherine Williamson, a board-certified pediatrician, told Parents that, Formula is thicker than breast milk, so it can take longer to pass through the GI tract. Sometimes the molecules are harder to digest, which can lead to other GI issues in addition to constipation.

However, its important to not switch formulas without chatting to your healthcare provider. There is no one formula to treat constipation, so changing your babys diet could cause more discomfort than relief. Chat to your healthcare provider to rule out causes, such as an allergy.

Milk Protein Allergy

Constipation Signs To Watch For

Causes Of Constipation In Children

Constipation happens for several reasons.

It can happen when children hold poos in. They might hold poo in because they:

• are too busy playing
• have pain when they do a poo and theyre afraid to go to the toilet
• dont want to use the toilets at preschool or school.

Constipation might also happen because children:

• arent eating enough fibre
• have been sick and have been eating and drinking less.

These situations can all lead to a build-up of poo in the bowel. When this happens, the poo gets too big or hard to push out easily.

There are some underlying medical conditions that might cause constipation in children, but these arent common.

Baby Massage For Constipation

Baby massage is another quick way to help ease constipation in babies. Try gently massaging your babys tummy in a circular motion just below the belly button with baby-friendly massage oil. Follow this video from expert Corinna Nicol, founder of The Mummy Circle early parenting community, to see how massage can relieve constipation.

Corinna Nicol advises that Constipation is common in babies because they have an immature digestive system. Tummy massage and leg yoga can alleviate the discomfort of constipation.

Massage in a clockwise motion around the belly, removing or rolling the nappy down slightly to access the abdomen. Always massage the tummy in a clockwise direction as you are following the path of digestion, from the large intestine into the bowel. Use an organic cold-pressed, vegetable-based oil so your hands glide over babys tummy. You dont need to press hard, but apply the same pressure you would use when soaping your little one in the bath. Sing your baby a song while you are massaging to keep them entertained.

Don’t Miss: How To Obtain Social Security Card For Newborn

When Should I Call My Childs Healthcare Provider

• Is constipated for more than 2 weeks

• Cant do normal activities because of constipation

• Cant get a stool out with normal pushing

• Has red, swollen veins in the rectum

• Has belly pain, fever, or vomiting

• Has changes in urination, weakness in the legs, or back pain

Ginger is really helpful to treat the digestion problems.

Recipe of Making Ginger Honey Solution

Preferred Age

This remedy is helpful for 1 years older children.

Constipation While Breastfeeding Remedies

Here are some tips to prevent and treat constipation:

• Add more fiber to their diet if your babys started solid foods, Switch from rice cereal to barley, which has more fiber. When you start introducing fruits and vegetables, try high-fiber ones like pureed prunes and peas.
• Pump your babys legs back and forth as if theyre riding a bicycle. Also, put them on their tummies with some toys and encourage them to squirm and reach. Activity can encourage a bowel movement.
• Give your baby a tummy massage. With your hand just below the navel, gently massage your babys tummy in a circular motion for about a minute.

Can a nursing mothers diet cause or relieve a babys constipation? The short answer is probably not.

According to a 2017 study of 145 women in the Korean Journal of Pediatrics , there are no foods a breastfeeding mom needs to avoid unless the baby has an obvious negative reaction to it.

Gas and fiber are not passed from mom to baby. Neither is the acid from acidic foods like citrus and tomatoes. A breastfeeding mom can have pretty much any food she wants in moderation.

According to La Leche League International, its not what or how much you eat or drink that stimulates your milk its your babys ability to suck that gets the milk coming. Also, breast milk is made from whats in your bloodstream, not your digestive tract.

Still, its important to eat a nutritious, well-balanced diet when youre nursing, more for your own health and well-being than your babys.

Recommended Reading: How Often Do Newborns Need A Bath

When Should You Contact Your Babys Healthcare Provider

You may be asking yourself âWhen should I worry about my babyâs constipation?â There are certain signs and symptoms to look out for that can indicate more urgent medical care may be required. If you notice the following, contact your babyâs healthcare provider right away so your little one can get checked out:

• Blood in your babyâs poop.

What Are The Signs Of Constipation In Babies

The following signs may indicate your baby is constipated:

• Pooing fewer than three times a week

• Hard, dry or lumpy poos or poo that comes out in little pellets

• Poos that are bigger than usual

• Your baby finds it hard to poo and may look like he or she is straining

• Poo and wind may be smellier than usual

• Reduced appetite or a tummy ache that gets better after doing a poo

• Traces of blood in the poo

• In children over 1 year old, soiled underwear can be due to constipation. This happens when runny poo, or diarrhoea runs around a hard stool thatâs causing a blockage.

You May Like: How To Help A Constipated Newborn Poop

Talk With Your Pediatrician

Finally, the last remedy for helping your kid with constipation is having a word with the pediatrician. If you are confused at any point, just dont wait for anything. Call your childs pediatrician and ask them about the treatment for curing constipation.

I cant remember how many times I called mine over the months since my baby was born, I want to make sure Im doing the best for my little one. If its late in the day or on the weekends, theres always a night nurse available to talk to which is great.

A doctors advice always helps to keep your baby fit and healthy. In fact, the doctor would be able to diagnose every other sign and symptom that could be an indication of a larger problem that may need medical treatment.

There are many signs that might show that your little one is having constipation issues, just keep monitoring your babys activities and emotions.

Amanda Why Did You Put This Thing On Georges Mattress Daniel Asked His Wife

Amanda wouldve suffered without the presence of her mother-in-law. This is so exhausting! Everybody talks great advice in those pregnancy books, but I have half the mind to sue every author and self-proclaimed expert right now.

Everybody, including you, told me that the babies sleep through most of the day in their initial months, Amanda sounded frustrated as she tried to rock George to stop his relentless crying and put him to sleep.

I dont understand, dear. Babies really are supposed to sleep a lot during these months. It helps them grow. Daniel would. As a baby, Daniel was not like this, and I was a single mother, Mrs. Hamilton explained.

Lets not rush to the doctor right away. Modern medicine isnt necessarily the best always. Lets try a couple of traditional home remedies to help George sleep.

From then, it was a series of experiments with oils, balms, and essences. While Daniel and Amanda did not like it one bit, they felt obliged to let Mrs. Hamilton try things to her satisfaction.

But when nothing worked, Amanda stopped Mrs. Hamilton from running any new trials, and put her foot down. Thats it. We should take him to the doctor now.

The pediatrician couldnt find any reason why George wasnt sleeping. She told them that it might be a phase, and it happens with some babies. Mrs. Hamilton tried to get George, but he had gotten so used to sleeping in Amandas arms that it was difficult for him to find peace with anyone else.

Read Also: Must Have For Winter Newborn

You May Like: Can You Give Newborns Probiotics

Home Remedies For Curing Constipation In Infants

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Constipation is an irritating and painful condition not only for the adults, but for the babies as well. Its very difficult to see your little one suffering and crying from this ailment. Introduction of solid food in babys diet, milk-protein intolerance or allergy, consumption of dairy products in large quantities by a breast-feeding mom, formula milk, and dehydration are some of the main reasons that lead to constipation. Distended stomach, intense abdominal pain, discomfort or crying before passing stool, dry and pellet-like poo, and less than 3 bowel movements per week are some signs that indicate that your ward is constipated. You cant employ the same remedies for adults and infants to cure constipation, as some remedies which are used for grown-ups may have adverse effect on the health of your tot. Before opting for any home treatment, its crucial to consider the age of the child.

Dont Miss: How Many Hours Does A Newborn Baby Sleep

Constipation In Breastfed Babies: Symptoms Causes And Treatment

Breast milk is easy for babies to digest. In fact, its considered a natural laxative. So its rare for babies who are breastfed exclusively to have constipation.

But that doesnt mean it cant happen.

Every baby poops on a different schedule even ones who only are fed breast milk. Read on to learn more about constipation in babies, including symptoms, causes, and how to treat it.

Don’t Miss: Can A Father Get Custody Of A Newborn

When To Call Your Pediatrician For Constipation

According to Dr. Bowling, you should consult your pediatrician if your child:

• Is younger than 6 months old
• Is straining more than normal or seems uncomfortable or irritable arches back or cries while trying to pass stool
• Stools are hard or pellet-like
• Infrequent or less frequent bowel movements
• Has blood in the stool
• Does not respond to treatment for constipation

Do not give your child a laxative, enema or suppository without calling your pediatrician first, Dr. Bowling said.

You May Like: Can I Use Water Wipes On Newborn Face

Is It An Allergic Reaction

Allergic reactions can cause raised, swollen bumps, or hives, to appear on the skin.People do not tend to confuse hives with acne. This is because hives is very uncommon under 6 weeks old, does not look like acne, and is usually not confined to the face, neck, and upper chest back as baby acne is.

Babiesâ skin is thinner than adultsâ skin and has fewer oil glands. This makes their skin more vulnerable to injury and irritation.

Adult acne remedies can irritate babiesâ sensitive skin. Caregivers should avoid using OTC remedies unless a dermatologist or pediatrician suggests otherwise.

To treat baby acne at home, keep the skin clean but do not overmoisturize it. A gentle cleanser for sensitive skin can help. Avoid touching or picking at acne, which can make it worse and cause infections.

For most young babies, the fewer things that touch their skin, the better. However, if the baby has dry skin and a face moisturizer may work, it is best to use one that manufacturers have specifically designed for use on baby skin.

Though there is no clinical evidence supporting this claim, some caregivers claim that a breast milk remedy can work. Breast milk is rich in antibodies, and some believe that applying it to a babyâs acne can help clear it up more quickly.

Baby acne typically goes away on its own within a few weeks. If it does not go away, or if it gets worse, a person may wish to consider seeing a doctor.

Also Check: Do They Test Newborns For Nicotine

Can Few Poops Still Be Normal

Because breast milk is so nutritious, sometimes a babyâs body absorbs almost all of it, leaving little to move through the digestive tract. Your baby may poop only once in a while — itâs perfectly normal for breastfed infants to have a bowel movement once a week.

Some infants just have a slower gut, so they don’t go very often. Hard stools are common from time to time. But if your baby seems to be in pain or you have any concerns, call your doctor.

In rare cases, a medical problem causes lasting, serious constipation. For example, the muscles in the intestine arenât working the way they should or thereâs a blockage in the digestive tract.

How To Prevent Constipation

• Make sure your child has plenty to drink offer breastfed babies who are not eating solids yet plenty of breastfeeds. Formula-fed babies can have extra drinks of water between their formula feeds. See more advice on drinks for babies and toddlers.
• Give your child a variety of foods, including plenty of fruit and vegetables, which are a good source of fibre. See what to feed young children.
• Encourage your child to be physically active. For more information, read the physical activity guidelines for children aged under 5 years.
• Get your child into a routine of regularly sitting on the potty or toilet, after meals or before bed, and praise them whether or not they poo. This is particularly important for potty-trained boys, who may forget about pooing once they are weeing standing up.
• Make sure your child can rest their feet flat on the floor or a step when theyre using the potty or toilet, to get them in a good position for pooing. ERIC, The Childrens Bowel & Bladder Charitys leaflet, Childrens Bowel Problems shows this position.
• Ask if they feel worried about using the potty or toilet some children do not want to poo in certain situations, such as at nursery or school.
• Stay calm and reassuring, so that your child does not see going to the toilet as a stressful situation you want your child to see pooing as a normal part of life, not something to be ashamed of.

Don’t Miss: When Should My Newborn Sleep Through The Night

How Can You Tell If A Newborn Is Constipated

Sneed shared that parents experiencing newborn constipation may see different signs.

Parents may encounter Infant Dyschezia where their babies scream excessively and strain for ten minutes, only to produce loose stools, she said. These infants have not figured out how to simultaneously relax their pelvic floor and push stool out at the same time.

Another recognizable instance of constipation is when foods are introduced into the diet. To avoid constipation problems, Sneed recommends giving babies foods higher in fiber.

This age group should receive a recommended five grams of fiber daily, she said. The best fiber-rich foods are peas and prunes, which have two grams of fiber per serving, and whole wheat, barley or mixed grain baby cereals, which have one to two grams of fiber per serving. The worst options are rice cereal and bananas.

How To Relieve Baby Constipation Quickly

Natural remedies are a great way to relieve your babys constipation, so you dont necessarily have to visit the doctor:

1. Extra water: If youre making up a bottle, add about one ounce of extra water to every feed so the baby is always getting extra fluid, says Dr Gerlis. For hot summer days this is especially important.

2. A warm bath: A warm bath may help relax your baby and ease constipation. Follow the bath with movement and massage suggested below whilst your baby is on the changing mat, and that might also do the trick. Just make sure you have a nappy or muslin handy!

3. Change of diet: If your baby has already been weaned then eating pureed apricots, peaches, pear, plums or prunes might relieve constipation. Try this easy recipe for blueberry puree to get started. Likewise you could give them a small amount of apple or prune juice diluted 50 percent with water if they are over 3 months.

Donât Miss: How Often Do I Feed My Newborn

Recommended Reading: Why Does My Newborn Cry So Much

Texture: What Stool Texture/consistency Is Normal

There isnt a normal consistency for poop. Each babys individual digestive system and current diet will affect the texture. In general:

• Formula-fed babies have soft, mushy stools.
• Breastfed babies or babies fed formulas that have prebiotics can have loose, seedy stools.
• Babies eating solid foods will have more solid stools.
• Hard, dry, pellet-like stools are a common sign of constipation.
• Watery stools lasting for 24 hours could be diarrhea, and you should contact your babys doctor.