Back to list 2020-01-21 10:32:56

Compared to adults, babies may go a longer time between bowel movements and it’s perfectly normal. Breast milk is highly nutritious and it may happen that a baby’s body absorbs almost all of it, leaving a few to go through the digestive tract.

Baby constipation is not common but when it appears, it might be complicated to detect it as your baby won’t be able to tell you when he/she’s having trouble pooping. For parents, this kind of situation can be confusing. If your infant seems to be in pain or you have any worries, call your doctor.

However, there’s very little basic facts you can keep in mind in order to help you understand how it affects your baby.

• Hard or pellet-like bowel movements
• Bowel movements that appear difficult to pass, causing your baby to arch his or her back or cry
• Infrequent or less frequent bowel movements
• More than three days since the last stool
• Lack of appetite
• Firm belly
• Spitting up more than usual

Don’t forget that each baby is different, some may have a slower (but completely normal) gut and then won’t go very often. It also varies depending on his/her age and what he or she is eating. Babies are still developing and their abdominal muscles are weaker which can also explain less regular bowel movements.

A first-line treatment that may be recommended by a pediatrician is using home remedies. Indeed if a baby is constipated some easy and natural tricks may solve the problem.

1. Exercise

Exercise for babies but also adults, speed up digestion and stimulate bowel movements. In some cases, your baby may not be walking or crawling yet, you can still help him or her to exercise in order to solve constipation.

Leg bicycles gently your baby may be helpful. While they are lying on their back move your baby’s legs just like he or she was riding a bicycle.

2. Warm Bath

A warm bath will relax your baby’s abdominal muscles and help him or her to stop straining. It may as well relieve discomfort relating to constipation.

Your pediatrician may also recommend a Sitz bath for your baby. Usually, adults use it to help relieve pain in their bottom or around their private parts by sitting in warm water.

3. Dietary

Babies only breastfed won’t generally get constipated very often but it can still happen. If that’s the case, you might want to consider changing up your diet. Your baby might be sensitive to something you’re eating.

For formula-fed babies, parents may want to try a different type of formula. Always consult a pediatrician first before switching to a gentle or dairy-free formula.

If your infant is already eating solid foods, it might be wise to introduce foods that are good sources of fiber. Fruits and vegetables can also help stimulate the bowels move