Infant Constipation

 

Infant Constipation Causes And Remedies 

 

What Causes Infant Constipation? 

The breastfed baby will rarely suffer from infant constipation, as breast milk is easy to digest. Moreover, breastfed babies have helpful bacteria in their large intestine, which are even capable of breaking down even some indigestible proteins in milk. This results in smooth bowel movement. As baby grows older, the composition of breast milk also changes and so it supplies the needs of your baby at all times. Bottle-fed babies more often suffer from constipation. It is because that bottle or formula milk is harder for an infant to digest. If your baby depends on bottle or formula milk, he/ she will have fewer bowel movements in comparison to a breastfed infant. You will also notice that their stools are harder and thicker in comparison to a breastfed child. Food is most usually the cause of baby constipation. However, in some cases, it can be a symptom of a severe problem. If your infant is not gaining weight or shows any other unusual symptom then, you should seek the advice of doctor.

 

How To Treat Infant Constipation?  

Massage Your Baby’s Tummy
Start from the belly button and then massage outwards in circles in a clockwise direction. Applying oil or cream on your fingers will help you. Ensure that your baby is comfortable and relax during massage. Then only, continue ahead. 

Move Your Infant Legs In A Cycling Motion
Place your baby in such a way that he/ she is lying on his/ her back. Hold your infant’s legs and turn them gently in a quick cycling motion. This action will move the stomach muscles in and in turn apply pressure on the intestines to make them move. 

Give Your Infant Warm Water Bath
A bath with warm water can make your infant relax so that stool can pass easily. Once your baby has relaxed, you can massage his/ her stomach. While bathing your baby, apply petroleum jelly or cream around the outside anus area. 

Check Formula Making Procedure
If your baby is on formula milk then it’s important to follow the making instructions on the package carefully. Don’t make the mixture too thick by adding more than recommended amount of powder. This can lead to constipation and other medical problems. There are various brands of formula milk available in the market. It’s best to stick to one brand only as different brands may require different dilutions. 

Give Cool Boiled Water
You can give your infant more fluids to relieve him/her of constipation. Give your child cooled boiled water. This will surely help him/her. 

Preventing Constipation
Once your baby is around four to six months old, start introducing more fruits, vegetables or porridge into their diet. They are rich in fiber and will help in preventing constipation.