Nothing distresses a mother more than to see her baby suffer and when she has no clue to make her feel better. Constipation in babies or Baby constipation is one such problem that really troubles a baby and makes her cranky. But how will you know that your baby has constipation? Why is s/he constipated and what can you do to ease him/er? These questions have often bothered a mother so we will try to provide answers to them along with some easy remedies.
What is baby constipation?
Doctors vary in their opinion about baby constipation as every baby is unique and have different stool pattern. Some babies defecate once in a day, some once in two days or some after every feed. All these patterns are quite normal and a mother should not worry about them.
Medical theory defines constipation as a disturbance of bowel function which makes babies defecate after longer intervals.
A newborn baby who feeds on mother’s milk defecates generally after every feeding. But as babies grow up and are introduced to other foods the frequency of defecation gradually decreases to once or twice in a day.
If a baby feels pain while defecating then it is also termed as baby constipation.
Chronic constipation occurs when there is dysfunction of large intestine and babies of less than three years of age defecate less than 6 times in a week. For children over three years this frequency is less than three times in a week. Often babies suffer from pain in the abdomen which makes them cry and feel anxiety.
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Baby constipation types
Broadly baby constipation can be divided into organic and functional constipation. Organic constipation is related to deficiencies in development of the large intestine. Functional constipation occurs due to various external reasons.
Causes of constipation in babies
- Babies who are bottle fed often suffer from constipation due to lack of water in their diet.
- Even breastfed babies may suffer from constipation if their mothers follow improper diet.
- When a baby is introduced to solids, frequent change in their diet may cause constipation.
- If the baby takes more of fat or protein but less of fiber then they may suffer from constipation.
- If a child has infant rickets then also he/she may have constipation.
- If a child suffers from anemia which is induced by iron deficiency then there are chances of constipation.
Hypothyroidism causes constipation. - Sometimes allergy to certain food like cow’s milk, eggs or fish may cause inflammation which in turn causes constipation.
- Sometimes toddlers avoid toilet. They may avoid their toilet trips when her environment changes like when she joins preschool or when she is too busy with playing. Often presence of anal fissures may make defecation painful for which she may avoid defecating.
- Long term use of medicines like antibiotics and anticonvulsants often result in constipation.
Baby constipation effects on a baby’s body
- Constipation often makes babies cranky, lethargic and she may lose appetite also.
- Malabsorption of essential vitamins and minerals in the body create imbalance which may finally lead to iron deficiency.
- Constipation in babies may cause inflammation of the intestine which results in abdominal pain.
- Chronic constipation often leads to certain medical complications. Blood circulation in the intestine of the baby may be hampered and inflammation in colon can also occur.
- Cracks may develop in the babies’ rectum due to constipation. Appearance of blood in stool may follow which requires immediate medical attention.
Baby constipation remedies
Before adopting any remedy you should consult the pediatrician for correct diagnosis of the reason behind baby constipation so that effective remedy can be adopted.
Baby constipation remedy with diet
- Mothers who breastfeed their babies should follow a proper diet for appropriate nutrition of the baby. Foods that may induce constipation should be avoided. Water intake should be adequate. Foods that produce gas like cabbages and grapes should be avoided.
- Breastfeeding is always recommended for babies till the age of one year as breastfed babies suffer less from constipation.
- The child should be given diet suitable to her age. Foods from all groups should be included for her growth and development.
- Fibers and fruits should be introduced to inculcate good food habits and also to reduce constipation of the baby.
- As you wean your baby from milk and introduce solids do not forget to make them drink enough water to prevent constipation.
Motor activities and exercises as baby constipation remedies
- Exercise and motor activities are an important part of a baby’s growth.
- Newborn babies should be laid on their stomachs before every feed for a few minutes.
- Ensure that your baby gets some exercise every morning. Playing with you baby and expanding her motor activities is a nice idea to develop bonding between you and for her healthy growth.
- Massages, if done correctly and with doctor’s advice can cure constipation problems.
- Often bicycling the baby’ legs gives her relief from constipation.
Don’t forget to consult the pediatrician immediately if your baby suffers from abdominal pain and you find traces of blood in her stool.
Following these simple suggestions will reduce your worry and act as remedies of baby constipation.
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