Baby Constipation Practical Advice on Relief and Prevention

If your baby only suffers from an occasional bout it's not too bad but if it is a chronic problem you begin to search for solutions to this problem.

SYMPTOMS OF BABY CONSTIPATION

• If your baby strains and had pain to pass hard pebble like stools.
• If your baby has a distended stomach but not painful or hard to the touch.
• Some babies have a decreased appetite.
• Your baby might have fussiness or restlessness.

REMEDIES AND RELIEF STRATEGIES

• Formula and vitamins with added iron can cause constipation.
• If you breast feed your baby check your diet. I've heard of mothers ingesting a great amount of dairy or wheat products and causing constipation in their babies.
• Rice cereal can be binding. Try switching to oatmeal or bran.
• Getting your baby to drink more clear fluids can help soften stoles. Water is the best but if your baby won't take plain water try half water and half prune or pear juice.
• Avoid sports drinks they have added sugars and additives. If changing diet or adding fluids is not working talk to your doctor there are medications that work well.
• Fevers over 100.5 should be reported to your physician. If you are directed to use a fever reducing medication follow

• Avoid giving foods like breads,cereal,crackers and bananas.
• If your baby is old enough to eat baby foods add baby foods like prunes,peaches,plums,pears,beans and peas.



• You may stimulate a bowel movement with a rectal thermometer or cotton swab with Vaseline or K-Y Jelly by inserting 1 to 1-1/2 inches and rotate a few times.
• You can purchase glycerin suppositories and baby enemas over the counter. Check with your pediatrician first and avoid using with very young babies.
• Try moving your baby's limbs in a bicycle motion and rubbing his stomach in a downward motion.
• Warm baths can sometimes relax a baby and help with the passage of hard stools.
• If your baby continues to have problems with his bowel movements there is medication your pediatrician can prescribe to regulate your baby's system.

Baby Care Concerns

Baby Constipation

Colic Remedies

Baby Allergies Advice

Baby Food Transition Advice

Choosing a Pediatrician

Bottle Feeding Advice

Breastfeeding Advice

Home Page