If your baby has irregular bowel movements, or not being able to poop regularly – then this might be a sign of constipation. Depending on your baby’s age and whether he/she is being breastfed or formula-fed, the average normal frequency of bowel movements can be different. Also, baby constipation is likely to happen when he/she starts solid foods.
Signs Of Constipation To Look For
Consult with the pediatrician if :
- your baby is not passing stools for more than 5 – 10 days
- he/she is being uncomfortable when passing stools
- the stools tend to be hard vs soft
- he/she strains or pushes while passing stools
- he/she might experience pain while passing stools
- he/she feels bloated
Helpful Ways To Relieve Your Baby’s Constipation
Water or Fruit Juice With Feedings
If your baby is younger than 1 year old, consult with the pediatrician if it’s recommended to start fruit juices.
- If your baby is older than 4 months, you can add a small amount of water into their feedings.
- 100% fruit juices contain sorbitol- a sweetener that acts as a laxative.
- Prune juices, apple, or pear juice are good examples of fruit juices to include in the feedings.
- Start with 2 to 4 ounces of fruit juice and then keep monitoring to see if your child needs more or less.
High Fiber Solid Food
- If your baby is starting solid food then you can try to include high-fiber solid foods. Fiber can help in loosening up your baby’s stool and help in his/her bowel movements.
- You can include pureed peas, pureed prunes, and whole wheat cereal.
Warm Bath
- A warm bath can relax your baby’s abdominal muscles and soothe any discomfort related to constipation.
Massage
- You can massage your baby’s stomach with your fingertips in a clockwise motion. This will help relax the stomach’s muscles.
- Bend their knees to their chest or in a bicycle motion
To Wrap Up
If your baby finds it difficult to poop and feels uncomfortable, then it might be a sign of constipation. Although constipation is common among children, it depends on your baby’s age and whether he/she is being breastfed or formula-fed.
Consult with your baby’s pediatrician if it’s suitable to add 100 percent fruit juices into the feeding along with high-fiber foods. Also, check if you can change the milk formula brand in case your baby is sensitive to it.
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