Tried And Tested Foods And Methods To Help Relieve Constipation In Babies

As parents, we become quite obsessed with poop. The bowel movements of our baby becomes a major topic of discussion in our lives. The number of times a baby poops differs from one to the other. One might poop after every feed, while another may poop once in a day. However, if your baby is straining while passing stool or you find hard pellet like stool in the diaper, then all is not well with their tummies and they could be constipated. You can help your child by just choosing the right foods. However, if your baby is passing blood in the stool or has severe stomach pain, then please rush to a doctor immediately.

While constipation is not frequent in breastfed babies, it could happen and that may be because of what mom is eating. Meanwhile, formula fed babies may face some constipation issues or at the very least, stools will be firmer than breastfed babies. The change happens when babies start solid food. They start eating white rice, white bread, cereals, bananas – all things that tend to firm up the stool.

You May Also Like: Weaning Food For Indian Babies

If you notice your child being visibly uncomfortable then it is time to help by introducing these foods to loosen the stool and ease your baby’s troubles.

Fibre-rich food

Fibre-rich food is essential to get things moving even for adults, so why should kids be any different? If your baby is on solids, switch from bananas, applesauce and white rice (which can cause constipation) to brown rice, bran cereal, whole wheat pasta etc. These should help loosen things up.

You may also like: Fibre and nutrition – all in one bowl of khichadi!

Prune juice

Image Source: http://s1.dmcdn.net

Prunes are rich in fibre and potassium. Since babies can’t eat these, the next best alternative is prune juice. Dilute the prune juice with as much water as your doctor recommends. Pears, apricots and apple juice also have the same laxative effect. Indians recommend soaking raisins in water overnight and having your baby drink the water in the morning.

The P List of foods

Just choosing the right vegetables and fruits can help too! The easiest way to remember this is by calling them the P foods. Plums, peaches, aPricots, prunes, peas – all help with relieving constipation. Also, try introducing your baby to broccoli and green beans.

Also, try these small tips that will go a long way in helping your baby through constipation

Massage

Image Source: http://pad3.whstatic.com

Measure three finger width under the navel and gently but firmly massage that area. If the baby fusses or cries that means you’re pressing too hard. Massage the belly in big circles. This will help release pressure and give relief to the baby. The gentle massage should help ease movement of the bowels. You could also use ‘hing‘ powder diluted with some water and massage the navel area.

You May Also Like: Massage For Newborns: The Indian Context

Bicycle legs

Image Source: https://assets.babycenter.com

Lay your baby on her back and let’s get those little legs pedalling in the air. The movement of cycling in the air and legs pushing against the stomach will help release gas and aid in the easy passing of stool.

Water

Image Source: http://media.gettyimages.com

Dehydration could be a cause of constipation. Give your baby plenty of water. Even if your baby is breastfed, but baby’s poop resembles pellets then it is safe to assume that she’s not getting enough liquid. Check with your paediatrician before serving water or juice.

Change the formula brand

Image Source: http://cdn.sheknows.com

Sometimes the formula-milk you’re giving your baby doesn’t suit them. Ask your paediatrician for alternatives.

Get them to squat

There was wisdom in ancient customs. Babies often poop while they are walking or playing. So the position may prove to be uncomfortable. Simply get them to squat and aid in the process. You could make a game out of it by squatting in front of them and asking them to do it too.

Suppositories

Image Source: https://thetofubaby.files.wordpress.com

In extreme cases, you can use glycerine based suppositories as stool softeners. But please consult your paediatrician before you use it. The suppository will have to be gently inserted into the bay’s rectum. This softens the poop inside and you should see some action in about 20 minutes.

Points to remember: 

• Always consult your paediatrician before going ahead with any definitive treatment.
• Do not follow old wives tales and myths. They may prove to be harmful to your baby.
• Remember every baby is different. There is no norm when it comes to baby poop.

Image Source: www.verywell.com

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & Pinterest or subscribe to our YoutubeChannel for more information.