Some Effective Constipation Remedies For Babies

Although constipation normally occurs among adults, you can still find cases when it happens to breastfeeding babies. This however is a rare phenomenon and might indicate that something is wrong with the baby medically. Remember, breast milk is a natural laxative, but when the baby consumes other foods such as baby formula, the problem might show up. It is therefore important to know about any constipation remedies for babies.


Before you can decide on the course of action to take, you should learn why the baby is constipated in the first place. As indicated earlier, it might be due to an illness, which means you must consult your doctor immediately. It can also be due to formula introduction or starting solids.



You should also know how to define and identify the condition. According to doctors, constipation in babies is delay or difficulty in defection for a period not less than two weeks. You should consult a physician when your baby has less than five bowel movements over the two week period.



Another sign for this condition is passing hard, pebble-like stool. There might also be excessive straining and even crying in pain. However, you must note that a little bit of straining is normal. You can be sure of this if the resulting stool is soft. In such a case, no treatment will be necessary. With a clear idea of what the condition entails, you can seek the most appropriate remedy.



The first remedy is giving more breast milk. This applies if you had introduced baby formula. Remember, the protein in cow milk can be very irritating to the baby's stomach. However, reverting to breast milk only will help sooth the irritation. This will ease the problem.



It is also good to exercise caution when feeding the baby. Avoid over feeding as this could be causing the problem. It is better to spread out the feeding throughout the day. Remember the baby has a small body thus a small digestion system that might not handle a lot. If you are using baby formula, it is also good to include some water to ensure there is more fluid in the body.



Another step to take when searching for constipation remedies is to make sure water is above the stomach of your baby when bathing him. This helps in relaxation and also allows you to massage the baby to prevent constipation. If the problem persists, it is wise to seek the opinion of your doctor.