A common concern among parents of infants is constipation. Even though the problem is rare among breastfed babies, it may still occur. When the child has a hard abdomen, seems uncomfortable, and strains, usually with a red face, to pass a small, dry, hard stool, constipation is likely at fault.
Mild dehydration is often a contributing factor in infant constipation. Small drinks of sterile water in between feedings may alleviate the problem.
If your baby is on a formula, when preparing the day’s supply, be sure to add all the water that the directions specify. If frequent constipation is a problem, speak to your doctor or pediatrician about changing the brand. There are a variety of nourishing blends available and some are less constipating than others.
For an immediate problem, massaging the baby’s tummy is sometimes helpful. Gently rub his stomach in a circular, clockwise motion, starting at the navel and slowly moving in a outward direction. A warm bath to relax the muscles, followed by a tummy massage is often effective.
Another helpful strategy is the “baby bicycle ride”. Lay the child on his back and hold his legs in a half-bent position. Gently rotate his legs as if he were riding a bicycle. Sometimes you can alternate a tummy massage with the bicycle exercise until you achieve success.
If more drastic measures are called for, try gently inserting the tip of a glycerin suppository into the baby’s rectum and sliding it back and forth. This will stimulate the anal sphincter muscles, and success usually follows in short order.
The suppositories are available without prescription at your local pharmacy. They dissolve, have a softening action and make the stool easier to expel.
A common treatment for babies older than six weeks is to give them prune juice. In a bottle, mix one ounce of prune juice with one ounce of sterile water. Feed this to the baby once or twice a day. The juice should be given between regular feedings. It should not be substituted for a breast or formula feeding.
In babies older than five months, the introduction of solid food will often cause constipation. If this happens, avoid or decrease rice cereal and bananas, and substitute foods which contain more fiber: barley or oatmeal cereal, strained peaches, pears, prunes, apricots, plums, peas and spinach. Fiber stimulates the lining of the bowel and softens the stool, thus enabling it to pass out more easily.
Fruit juices are also helpful, especially apple or prune, but they should be used in moderation and should not replace formula or breast milk because they are not as nutritious.
If the baby’s constipation persists for more than two days, consult your doctor. He will be able to exclude the presence of a more serious condition, and prescribe a more effective remedy if necessary.
Constipation is a common problem in babyhood. It is uncomfortable for the child and worrisome for parents. When it occurs, the simple, natural solutions should be attempted first, and they will usually be effective. Only when they do not succeed, will responsible parents seek professional help.
Reference:
Natural Home Remedies.com
Accessed February 9, 2011
http://www.natural-homeremedies.com/blog/home-remedies-to-cure-constipation-in-babies/
