Constipation In Babies – How You Can Avoid And Cure It

If you’ve read our post on signs and symptoms in babies when they are constipated, you probably know why it happens too. When your baby is constipated, you try to do everything possible under the sun to relieve him of the pain and discomfort. But little does he get relief from the number of things you try. So here is a list of some of the most common things you can do that will genuinely help relieve your baby of constipation and avoid future episodes of the same. And I speak this from hands on experience of constipation with my one year old –

1Increase water intake

It is a given fact for not only babies but adults as well that the more we drink water the less chances of the stomach getting upset resulting to constipation. If your baby is 6 months or older, please ensure that you are giving him enough water on a daily basis. Anything up to 2 ounces for a 6 month old should be fine. When your baby is hydrated enough, he has regular bowel movements.

2Use food in pureed form

When babies make a transition to eating solid foods, they don’t really chew the food properly so as to be digested easily. It is highly recommended that if your baby has started eating solids, then you only give him pureed foods in order to avoid any episode of constipation. If you puree fruits and veggies for your baby, it will help more as they have a lot of fiber content in them.

3Switch your baby’s formula

A number of times the recurring cause of constipation in babies is formula. Sometimes you may feel your baby is well adapted to the formula he is taking but other times he may show opposite signs. When your baby gets constipated, one of the things you could try is switching up your baby’s formula. Usually, the cases of constipation are relieved only after doing this bit. So you might as well give it a try.

ALSO READ – Constipation In Babies – Why It Happens And Signs To Watch Out For

4Offer tummy massage to your baby

Another great and a very old method to relieve a baby of constipation is massaging your baby’s tummy. Gently lay your baby on his back and take some coconut oil. With gentle pressure massage your baby’s belly button in clockwise motion using the oil. Be careful not to put a lot of pressure though.

This technique works when your baby has a milk episode of constipation. However, in cases where your baby is very constipated, chances are he will not let you touch his tummy as it is painful to the touch even. So be wary when you consider massaging.

5Using a glycerin suppository

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When my baby was constipated, even a laxative to soften her bowel movements did not work because she had not pooped in two days (very unlike her). A glycerin suppository is the last resort for worse constipation cases like my daughter’s. These are bullet shaped capsules of glycerin to be inserted in your baby’s bottom. Depending upon your baby’s age, your doctor should recommend how much of the suppository you should use. My doctor advised I use only ½ of it for my daughter. Once in, it causes a bowel movement in less than half an hour.

Be careful when you use it though as it is to be inserted with the pointed part up. If it is broken, it may be painful for your baby to take in. I would rather advise you to get it done by a doctor though.

ALSO READ – The Benefits of Coconut Oil For Babies

6Give a rehydrating solution to your baby

When the baby is constipated, you should do everything to keep him hydrated. When my daughter suffered from it, the doctor advised I give her ORS which is readily available in the market. Yes, it did help a lot during that time but do consult your doctor before giving it to your baby.

Have you ever had a constipated baby? What measures did you take to correct it? Let us know about your experience in the comments section.