Constipation in babies can be treated at home quite successfully. First you need to know causes and treatments of constipation for regulating bowel movements. A lot of newborn babies normally have their first bowel movement within 24 hours after birth. Newborn babies will have a thick greenish black like stool called meconium in the first 24 to 36 hours after birth. After the first few days, the poop will be yellowish-orange in color and grainy in composition. Baby may be constipated if she does not have a bowel movement in three or more days, or if there is any blood in the stool.
You know the pattern of baby's bowel movements as the baby grows older and can recognize any future constipation. If you notice the stool to be very dry and hard like pebble, your baby may have constipation. If your baby has occasional bowel movements like once in 2 or 3 days or if baby makes a sound or stresses a lot during bowel movement, it does not necessarily indicate she is constipated. Grunting and struggling would go away after the baby stretches and loosens the anus muscles and has had many bowel movements. Consistency and number of stools varies from baby to baby. Some may have 3 or 5 stools a day or one bowel movement after every feeding. Some may have stools once every two days.
Possible causes of constipation in babies
Newborn babies:
- Newborn babies, have stools less than once a day with straining and difficulty to pass can be a sign of constipation
- Babies who pass dry, hard pebble like stools and pain during a bowel movement
- Some babies pull their legs up on abdomen when passing stool, even do grunting and it will turn babies face into red
- Abdominal discomfort along with hard and infrequent stools.
Introduction of solid foods:
- Low fiber Diets: When babies are introduced solid foods they often get constipation. The main reason behind is that their diet is mainly composed of low fiber diet like rice cereal, which is low in fiber
- Foods like banana, applesauce, potato and cereals may cause constipation
How to treat constipation in newborn babies?
- You can attempt giving one ounce of diluted prune juice once a day to treat constipation. Always consult with your pediatrician first.
- Offer high fiber foods such as prunes, apricots, pears, peaches, peas and plums.
- Try oatmeal cereal along with mashed prunes when baby has constipation.
- Juices like apple and prune is helpful to ease constipation in your infant.
Other treatments
Tummy massage to treat constipation: Massage your baby's belly. Place your hands at baby's belly button and rub in a circular motion. You can carry on this practice if the baby enjoys this and is relaxed and comfortable. This may facilitate the baby in a happy bowel movement.
Warm bath: A warm bath can sometimes make the baby comfortable and aid the stool to expel more easily. After you bath the baby, apply some baby oil or Vaseline around the outside of the baby's anus. Always ask your baby's doctor first before applying.
Bicycle exercise: You can lay your baby on its back and hold the legs and turn them in a quick cycling motion.
P.S. It is always a good practice to consult a qualified pediatrician before applying any treatment.
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