Content

• Steps
• Warning

Infants are constipated when their stools become hard, dry, making it difficult for them to defecate. This usually happens when a baby begins to eat solid foods (between 5 and 6 months of age). Infrequent defecation is not a problem if the stools are soft and the child is not in pain. There are several solutions you can take to prevent constipation in infants by making changes to your diet and daily routine.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Prevent constipation

1. 

   Give your child foods high in fiber. Some hard foods that can cause constipation include bananas, carrots, and rice cereals. On the other hand, there are certain foods that can help prevent constipation, like prunes, pears, oats, and barley cereals.

2. 

   
   
   Give your child lots of exercise. Being sedentary can lead to constipation. Infants often need support if you find they aren't getting enough exercise.

3. 

   Move the child's legs. Hold the lower leg and gently move the baby's legs as if they were cycling if they are still not able to crawl. Moving the child's legs up and down helps the bowels function better.

4. 

   
   
   Use rolling and moving toys when playing with your child. These toys encourage rolling or crawling on a regular basis, increasing the child's range of motion. Your appearance will also help your child move more to chase you.

5. 

   
   
   Massage your baby's stomach after eating. Gentle massage can help relieve constipation. Place 3 fingers on the baby's belly, near the navel. Then press lightly down. advertisement

Method 2 of 3: Identify constipation in a newborn

1. 

   Observe the baby and the diaper for signs of constipation. Children with constipation will experience pain and discomfort while defecating. The stools on the diaper are usually harder and drier than usual, in the form of small pellets or dry balls. This usually happens after a baby has started eating solid foods, not while still breastfeeding or drinking formula.

2. 

   Note the change in how often you go out. While frequency is not a reliable sign of constipation, a sudden change in the time it takes to go outside can indicate constipation or diarrhea. Breastfed babies can go outside once a week, but babies who drink formula without going out for 2 to 3 days and having discomfort during defecation may have constipation.

3. 

   Consult a pediatrician for advice. If your child has frequent and severe constipation but does not improve due to the effects of diet or a change in activity level, your doctor may examine you to find out what potential cause of the constipation. You can also use an anal insert to make it easier for your baby to pass but consult your doctor. Constipation is a common condition, but for some children it is a sign of hypothyroidism, food allergies or other illnesses. Congenital aneurysm can cause constipation, but it is very rare. The doctor can diagnose this disease in the first week of life.
   • The doctor will prescribe medicine to treat constipation for your child if the condition is severe or does not improve with a change in diet and activity.
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Method 3 of 3: Take care of a child with constipation

1. 

   Always keep your child well-hydrated and at the right temperature. Dehydration can cause constipation or make it worse. Give your baby a bottle or breast milk regularly to maintain water levels, especially in hot weather.

2. 

   Offer children water or juice when they are 4 years younger. Juices provide water to the intestines and can help soften stools. Practice giving your child 60 to 120 ml of filtered water, plum juice, apple or pear. However, talk with your doctor about how much water and juices are safe for your child.
   • Let children drink 30ml of fruit juice mixed with 120ml of filtered water.

3. 

   Change the type of formula you use. Talk to your pediatrician about your intention to change the type of milk before making a decision. The doctor will give advice based on the child's medical history and symptoms. Your baby may not respond well to some ingredients in formula. You can also ask your doctor if you should add prune juice to powdered milk to soften your stools.

4. 

   Eat foods high in fiber. When feeding constipated babies, avoid foods prone to constipation like bananas, carrots, and rice cereals. Instead, feed your baby plums, pears, oats, and barley cereals to aid digestion. advertisement

Warning

• Be wary of herbal infant constipation therapy. Talk to your doctor about medications or treatments before applying to your baby.
• Tell your doctor if you are constipated with blood in your stool or diaper, vomiting, discomfort, stomach swelling or swelling, or loss of appetite.