Natural Constipation Remedies for Babies

Constipation is a common problem that parents face when taking care of their babies.  This is also a common problem diagnosed by pediatricians. In infants, constipation is based usually on the consistency of the stool rather on the frequency. It is easily noticeable in an infant if he or she is suffering from constipation, the baby has difficulty in passing stool and if stool does pass it is painful as evidenced by crying.  Parents are often advised to immediately seek medical attention if constipation occurs but there are remedies available to help relieve constipation in babies.

One treatment that is very common to relieve constipation in infants is to give them prune juice that has been diluted in water. Now before you go and give that to your child take note that this remedy is suitable only for babies older than 6 weeks. Feed this to your infant twice in a day. The preparation is one part water and one part prune juice in one feeding bottle. Continue breastfeeding even while prune juice is given. This mixture should never be replaced as a milk substitute.

Now for those of you who have babies less than the age of 6 weeks or whose babies refuse to ingest prune juice, try obtaining your babies rectal temperature. Take note not to do this if you do not know how instead go to your doctor and let him or her do it for you. Taking the rectal temperature stimulates the baby’s bowels thus relieving constipation. If you note that your baby has a temperature which is higher than the normal temperature, then immediately seek medical attention.  Try using a glycerin suppository which softens and stimulates the bowel. Check with your doctor or pharmacist.  Be warned that laxatives are never used on infants.

Sometimes constipation in infants older than 5 months is caused by weaning or the period where solid food is introduced. Due to the fact that the baby’s digestive system has not gotten used solid food thus causing it to react in a different way causing bowel movements to change as well. It would be advisable to avoid feeding infants with solid food such as: bananas and rice cereal. Starting a solid food diet with pears, prunes and apricots are better since these do not cause constipation. When weaning always continue breastfeeding or bottle feeding the infant.

Constipation is also more common in babies who are given formula milk than being breastfed. Talk to your primary physician to switch infant formulas with those that are proven not to cause constipation. Another one of the constipation natural remedies proven to prevent constipation is to always make sure your baby gets the adequate amount of water they need in a day.

Constipation is also considered colic when discomfort or pain lasts for more than an hour in babies and this condition should be immediately be referred to your primary pediatrician. If you notice blood in the stool, then take your baby to a doctor immediately as well.

Bloating or babies passing gas is sometimes confused with constipation so make sure you check all the symptoms of your baby or if unsure then seek medical attention. For gas, over the counter medications are available such as Mylicon. Do follow the instructions on the package before using the product. For gassy and constipated infants, placing a warm compress on his or her tummy provides the needed relief for the pain felt from constipation.  Remember that if none of these work, never hesitate to go see your baby’s pediatrician to have your infant checked.

A tummy massage is also effective in relieving constipation as this stimulates bowel movement and the warmth created by your hands relieves the pain caused by constipation which is felt by your baby.

The most important of all the constipation natural remedies is that when your baby is constipated just give him or her the “B.R.A.T.” diet which stands for Bananas, Rice, Apple juice and Toast. Applesauce contains the whole fruit which contains higher amounts of pectin which aid in firming stools thus leading to constipation. This is not to be given to an already constipated infant. There is a big difference in apple juice and applesauce, so do take note.

Constipation in infants is a common problem for parents. It is easily prevented and cured. I hope that what I’ve listed above would aid you in relieving the constipation felt by your baby and in the future prevent it form occurring.