In the previous article, we explained that there are some signs that your baby may get constipated so that you will not miss them even if they can’t communicate with you yet. And if you see those signs, you may think about what to do next to improve their constipation.
So, in this article, we will introduce how to improve constipation for your baby.
How Can You Improve Your Baby’s Constipation?
When constipation is suspected, and there is no significant change in physical condition or appetite, try home remedies first.
Here are some easy ways to relieve constipation.
Decide when to eat and sleep
If possible, feed your child milk and baby food at a fixed time, and try to maintain a good rhythm. In addition, if you decide when to take your baby to bed at night, you can expect to regulate the function of the autonomic nervous system. The autonomic nervous system controls the rhythm of defecation, and by regulating it, constipation can be relieved.
Belly massage
If constipation is caused by a lack of exercise, massage is effective. Gently rub your baby’s belly around the navel as if you are writing the circle. Another recommended exercise is to hold both of your baby’s legs and slowly move them alternately as if they were pedaling a bicycle.
Stimulate the anus with Q – tips
This is a method of stimulating the buttocks to encourage defecation. First, apply baby oil or Vaseline to a q-tips and insert it about 1cm from the anus. Then, slowly turn the cotton swab for about 10 seconds. Be careful not to stimulate it too strongly.
Drinking water
When babies start eating weaning food, they tend to lack water due to the decrease in breast milk or formula. Make sure to drink plain hot water or tea to make up for the lack of water.
Add foods that improve constipation to weaning food.
For babies who are starting weaning, try to give them food rich in dietary fiber. For example, sweet potato paste and grated apple are good choices for relieving constipation. Yogurt may also help with bowel movements if you give her a little bit of it every day.
You’re worried about your baby’s constipation. Should you take your baby to the hospital?
The pace of defecation in babies is unpredictable, so there is no need to be overly concerned just because your baby has not had a bowel movement for a little while. It is important to check the baby’s condition and decide whether to visit the hospital or not, rather than deciding based on the length of time the baby has not had a bowel movement.
If you are seeing any of the following symptoms, please take them to see a doctor immediately. It could be severe constipation, an abnormality in the shape (or function) of the intestine, or some kind of disease.
- He or she looks tired and has a fever
- Their belly is swollen
- Bleeding during defecation
- Bloody stools
- Repeated vomiting
- Greenish vomiting
- Constipation for more than a week.
Conclusion
We have learned that babies are prone to constipation due to their unsteady defecation frequency. If you don’t see any major problems other than the uneven pace of defecation, try the home remedies introduced here. If the situation doesn’t change, do not leave it untreated. Go to a hospital and ask for laxatives or enemas.
