Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 2: How to notice symptoms
• Part 2 of 2: How to treat constipation in babies
• Warnings

Constipation is a rather serious problem for newborns. Without proper treatment, it can lead to intestinal obstruction, which will require surgery. Quite often, constipation in newborns indicates more serious health problems. This is why it is very important to know how to prevent constipation and how to treat it. Fortunately, there are several ways to relieve your toddler's constipation.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: How to notice symptoms

1. 1 Notice if the baby shows signs of discomfort and pain during bowel movements. If the baby is in pain when trying to defecate, it is most likely that he is constipated. Try to understand if the child is in pain by their facial expressions; in addition, the baby may arch his back or cry while trying to defecate.
   • Keep in mind that babies often tense when defecating because their abdominal muscles are not yet well developed. If the child pushes for several minutes, but in the end his stool is normal, then everything should be in order.
2. 2 Observe your baby during the bowel movement. A sign of constipation in a child is a prolonged absence of bowel movements. If you have any doubts about this, try to remember the last time your child had a bowel movement.
   • If you are worried that your toddler might be constipated, make a note in your notebook each time your baby has a bowel movement.
   • It is not normal for a baby to have no bowel movements for several days. In addition, if the child has not defecated for more than five days, it may well cause constipation, in which case it is necessary to see a doctor.
   • If the baby was born less than two weeks ago and you notice that he has not had a bowel movement for two days, you should immediately consult a doctor.
3. 3 Examine your baby's bowel movements. The baby may be constipated even if there is some bowel movement. The following symptoms may indicate this:
   • bowel movements in the form of small rounded fragments (the so-called "sheep" feces);
   • very dark, black, or gray stools;
   • dry stools, practically free of moisture.
4. 4 Look for traces of blood in the pot or diaper. Due to constipation and the child's increased attempts to defecate in the thin and delicate intestinal mucosa, micro-tears can form.

Part 2 of 2: How to treat constipation in babies

1. 1 First, give your child more water and fluids. Very often, constipation is caused by a banal lack of fluid in the gastrointestinal tract. Offer your baby breast milk often (every two hours if needed).
2. 2 Use glycerin candles. If changes in diet have not brought the desired effect, you can try using special glycerin suppositories. Such a candle must be carefully and gently inserted into the child's anus. After some time, it will melt and will act as a lubricant. These suppositories are intended for emergency use, so you should consult your pediatrician before using them.
3. 3 Try it give the baby a massage. Gently massage the baby's tummy in the navel area with gentle circular movements. This will help him relax and ease the bowel movement.
   • Putting your baby on the back and helping him do the bicycle exercise with his legs may help too.
4. 4 Prepare a warm bath for your baby. Warm water will help him relax and ease the bowel movement. You can also simply place a warm, damp towel on your baby's tummy.
5. 5 See your doctor. If none of these methods work to relieve your baby of constipation, see your pediatrician as soon as possible. Long-term constipation can lead to intestinal obstruction, which is a serious problem and requires medical attention. Keep in mind that constipation in an infant may indicate more serious health problems. A pediatrician will examine your baby and prescribe treatment to help relieve constipation.
6. 6 If the problem gets worse and the situation is really serious, call an ambulance. When combined with a few additional symptoms, constipation can be a very serious problem. Bleeding from the rectum, as well as vomiting, combined with constipation, can indicate intestinal obstruction, which can threaten the life of the child. If your baby has these symptoms in addition to constipation, call an ambulance as soon as possible. Here's what should alert you:
   • excessive sleepiness or irritability;
   • swollen and swollen belly;
   • poor appetite and nutrition in general;
   • Difficulty urinating

Warnings

• Do not try to cope with constipation in a baby with an enema or laxatives without consulting a pediatrician and without his recommendations!