Want to know how to deal with baby constipation? In this article, we answer commonly asked questions on the subject. Come check them out!
Although baby constipation is common, many parents often have questions about it. How to know if my baby is constipated? How to help him? These and other frequently asked questions will be answered in this article. Be sure to check them out!
How to know if my baby is constipated?
There are some common signs of baby constipation, such as:
- Swollen and hardened belly: the abdomen is bigger and harder than normal;
- Cramps: most common in babies up to 3 months old, constipation can be the cause of frequent cramps;
- Appearance: the poop comes out hard and in small balls, like rabbit ones, with the presence of blood;
- Effort: the baby turns red from straining so much, but the poop does not come out;
- Gas: it is common for the baby to produce a lot of gas.
What are the causes of baby constipation?
There are several causes of baby constipation, from the type of food to diseases. The most common factors are:
- Prematurity: premature babies tend to be more constipated than those born at term, as their digestive system is not yet fully developed;
- Dietary changes: This is the most common reason for constipation in babies, whether it’s because you’ve switched from breast milk to formula or cow’s milk. When a baby has an intolerance to cow’s milk protein, his immune system face it as something to fight.
- Illnesses: When your baby is not feeling well, he may not eat and drink as much as he used to, which make his digestive system out of balance.
- Food introduction: constipation usually happens when you start introducing food to your baby, usually around 4 to 6 months of age. A good solution is to offer fiber-rich foods, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and make sure your baby is well hydrated.
- Some medications: Certain pain medications can cause baby constipation. In that case, talk to a pediatrician.
How often should the baby poop?
There is no standard frequency for your baby to poop, but it is more common for it to always happen after breastfeeding, as breast milk is considered a natural laxative. Bottle-fed babies poop less often, mainly because formula can be harder for them to digest.
Overall, we can consider it to be constipation when the baby remains without pooping for more than 3 days. Another important thing to observe is the texture of the stool, which usually comes out in the form of balls and hardened.
How to relieve constipation?
We’ve put together some special tips that will help you dealing with baby constipation. But if he continues to cry or feel uncomfortable after that, you need to talk to a pediatrician.
- Massage the baby’s tummy: Abdominal massage is very useful in most cases and helps your little one’s digestive process. To apply the technique correctly, place the baby on the bed and rest your hands on his tummy, applying light pressure while making circular movements in a clockwise direction.
- Give a warm water bath: warm baths help to relax the muscles and improve the functioning of the baby’s intestine, acting directly on the peristaltic movements.
- Bend the baby’s legs: another good bowel movement is to bend the baby’s legs, gently moving them towards the stomach. This movement activates intestinal transit, which releases retained gases, greatly relieving cramps.
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Also read our article on nasal irrigation in babies.
