It s easy for parents to misunderstand constipation and how it affects a baby they can t tell you if they re having problems pooping.
What can you use for baby constipation.
Home remedies for constipation in a baby include.
If you re concerned ask your baby s doctor about switching brands.
These signs can all suggest actual constipation.
If you recently started feeding your baby solid foods try adding a few high fiber foods such as.
Try feeding barley or oatmeal cereals prunes peaches plums apricots and most vegetables.
Straining to have a bowel movement can cause a small amount of the rectum to stretch and protrude from the anus.
A few basic facts about your baby s digestion can help.
There s no need to completely eliminate binding foods like bananas and rice but it s a good idea to cut back on them if you re worried about infant constipation.
The protein component in formula can cause constipation in some babies.
After the first month of life if you think your baby is constipated you can try giving him or her a little apple or pear juice.
As with adults exercise and movement tend to stimulate a baby s bowels.
Holding baby upright and massaging his lower back while he strains can also improve constipation and associated discomfort.
Moving a baby s legs can help relieve constipation.
Some solid foods can cause constipation but others can also improve it.
What parents can do.
Switch formula if you re formula feeding.
There are several remedies you can try at home to manage your child s constipation.
Most kids need about 3 to 4 glasses of water every day.
While the amount of iron in formula is too low to cause constipation the higher amount in iron drops can.
Baby milk formula is a common trigger as it is far less easily digested.
Offer your baby a small amount of water or a daily serving of 100 percent apple prune or pear juice in addition to usual feedings.
Make sure your child is getting enough fluids.
Water or fruit juice.
Chronic constipation may cause an accumulation of hardened stool that gets stuck in your intestines.
The sugars in these fruit juices aren t digested very well so they draw fluid into the intestines and help loosen stool.
For babies eating solids you can also offer certain foods for baby constipation relief.
Intestine that protrudes from the anus rectal prolapse.