Just like adults, babies get constipated, too. Sometimes it is difficult to tell if your baby is constipated because, after all, he or she can’t tell you. Here are ways to determine if your baby is constipated and how to help them regulate.
Exclusively Breastfed Babies
If your baby is exclusively breastfed, meaning no solids have been introduced yet, your baby will probably never be constipated. Breast milk is specially formulated for your baby and is usually composed perfectly for his or her intestinal flora and digestive system.
One concern I heard from many of my friends who breastfeed their babies is they believed their babies were constipated because all of a sudden they stopped pooping every day. The cool thing about some breast-fed babies is that sometime around 2 to 4 months old, the frequency in their bowel movements drops significantly. You may only have to clean one poopy diaper a week like I did! My baby’s once-a-week poop was still a runny, mustard-colored consistency, so I knew she was not constipated.
Exclusively Formula Fed Babies
Your formula fed baby should poop frequently. How frequently is really dependent on your baby, but you should know what is normal for your little one. If for whatever reason you notice a sudden decrease in poopy diapers and the consistency is becoming more solid, you may have a constipated baby. This usually has to do with the brand of formula you are using. Consult your doctor to see which brand would be a better alternative.
Babies on Solids
Expect some changes in your baby’s pooping patterns when you begin solids. Your baby is much more likely to become constipated once he or she starts solids because his or her digestive system is not used to the new foods. When introducing solids, you can follow the old guideline to introduce one new food every three or four days to see how your baby reacts. This method of introducing solids is very helpful in pinpointing certain solids that cause constipation with your baby. Bananas and rice cereal are frequent culprits of constipation.
If your baby does develop constipation, his or her poop will look more or less like what an adult produces – more hard and more defined. Sometimes your baby will produce pellet-like droppings and some stools may even be streaked with blood due to straining and anal fissures.
Ways to Treat Constipation
There are several methods of treating constipation:
Diluted juice – Give your baby some diluted juice. The sugars in the juice can stimulate the intestines. Avoid citrus-based juices as these can cause burning when your baby does decide to go poop.
Prunes – Pureed prunes have never failed me yet. You can also give your baby diluted prune juice. This method is most appropriate for babies who have been introduced to solids.
Glycerin suppositories – You can buy these without a prescription at your local pharmacy. Insert the suppository into your baby’s rectum. The suppository dissolves and lubricates the rectum. This is also available in liquid form.
Flax oil– Give your infant 1 teaspoon of flax oil per day to alleviate blocked bowels.
In more severe cases, you can get a prescription-strength suppository for you baby. And finally, as a last resort, you can purchase an enema kit and follow the directions stated on the package.
Having a constipated baby is not fun and probably isn’t very comfortable for your baby either. If you believe your baby is constipated, don’t fret. There are many natural ways to treat him or her before resorting to an enema.
