What is constipation?
Constipation is a condition where stools becoming firm and hard, making them more difficult to pass through the body than usual.
Your baby will be distressed and in some pain when she tries to have a bowel motion, and the bowels will not be emptied as often as they normally are.
How can I tell if it's constipation?
If your baby is straining to have a bowel motion, it's not always a sign that she is constipated. In time, you will get to know the different faces and sounds she makes when she is working on opening her bowels.
You will also begin to recognise what looks 'normal', when you change your baby's nappy.
How often should my baby poo?
Like us, babies will need to have a bowel movement at varying times of the day. Usually there is no set number of times. The texture of stools can also vary from day to day. Even if your baby hasn't had a bowel movement for a day or two, it doesn't necessarily mean that she is constipated.
What should I be looking out for?
If you think that your baby may be suffering from constipation, here are the signs you may want to look out for:
• Having less than three bowel motions in a week
• Very bad smelling (than usual) wind and bowel motions
• Severe reduction or total loss of appetite
• Being distressed and in pain before opening the bowels
• A hard tummy
• Hard, dry, bullet-like stools which have been difficult to pass
A bowel motion that just consists of fluid can also be a sign of constipation. Fluid can pass by the blockage of a hard stool in the lower intestine.
What are the causes?
Bottle feeding
Bottle-fed babies are more likely to suffer from constipation because formula milk is more difficult to digest than breast milk, making the stools harder than those of a breast-fed baby.
It is very unusual for a breast-fed baby to be constipated. A breast-fed baby's stools will more often than not be soft, even if the baby has gone a few days without having a bowel motion.
Weaning
When a baby is introduced to solid food, her body has to learn to manage these new foods and can in some cases cause constipation.
Not enough fluids
Dehydration will cause constipation. Your baby may be refusing milk or water because she is teething, or she may have another ailment. Always consult your family doctor.
Illnesses
Sometimes, a food allergy can be the cause of constipation. A metabolic disorder (a problem with the body's absorption of food) can also cause constipation.
There are a number of medical reasons why your baby could be constipated. Always consult your health professional.
How Can I Help my Baby?
Foods
If your baby is not yet on solid food, then you could give her extra water in between feeds. If you are bottle feeding your baby, make sure that you mix the formula as you usually do. Do not dilute the mixture.
A baby who is already eating solid food can be given pureed or chopped fruit. Diluted fruit juice can also help a baby with constipation.
Here is a list of fruits that are ideal for a baby suffering from constipation:
• Strawberries
• Prunes
• Grapes
• Raspberries
• Apples
• Pears
• Apricots
• Plums
If the change in diet doesn't relieve your baby of her constipation, your doctor may want to prescribe a mild laxative.
Tummy massage
Rub some oil or cream into your fingers and, starting at the tummy button, massage outwards in clockwise circles. If your baby seems to be enjoying the experience, then continue. If she seems agitated in any way, then stop.
The bicycle
Gently lay your baby on her back and hold her legs - gently turn them in a quick cycling motion (like peddling a bike). This action helps to get the stomach muscles moving, which could help to loosen the bowels.
A relaxing bath
A warm bath may get your baby nice and relaxed; this could also help her to pass stools more easily. You could also give her tummy a massage while she is in the bath.
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