Infant Constipation
is when the stools become firmer and harder and your
baby may be uncomfortable or in pain when he needs to
empty his bowels or the bowels are not being emptied
as often as normal.
Up to the age of 6 months, the frequency of bowel
movements varies a great deal, which effects a great
deal whether your baby is constipated. Some will have
a bowel movement several times a day while others
as little as once a week. Stools of breast-fed babies
are usually yellow in appearance (and frequent) while
those of formula-fed babies are often thicker and
greenish. Breast-fed babies are less likely to suffer
from infant constipation because breast milk is more
easily digestible. Babies’ large intestine has
the right bacteria to -break down some of the harder-to-process
proteins in the milk, making the stools softer and
easier to pass. Breast-fed babies also have higher
levels of the hormone motiline and this hormone stimulates
bowel movement and reduces infant constipation. A
young baby will strain from time to time to move the
stool along through the intestines. If you see this
happening, you can pick your baby up to get gravity
to help him in his efforts or try holding the knees
against the chest to help him squat – which
is the natural bowel movement position.
After the age of 6 months and once your baby starts
eating solid food, the frequency of bowel movements
and the consistency and appearance of his stools will
depend on the food he eats. Your baby’s stools
will begin to look a bit more like ordinary stools
in both consistency and smell. The pattern in bowel
movements will also change to anything from several
times a day to once every 2 to 3 days. At this point,
some babies may become slightly constipated because
their intestines have to get used to the composition
of the new food. You need to be aware at this point
that constipation could be caused by dehydration.
Is your baby still taking in plenty of liquids?
When a baby is constipated, the stool in the intestines
has backed up more than it should. The longer this
stool sits in the colon, the more water is absorbed
back into the body. It can be the start of a vicious
circle. This is because it will hurt your baby to
pass the large hard stools that have gathered in the
intestine. Cracks around the anus may appear; these
may start to bleed and cause more pain. To avoid such
pain, your baby may subconsciously start holding back
stools.
How to help treat constipation:
A warm bath can make your baby relax so the stools
are passed more easily. Then……..
Massage your baby’s tummy. With some oil on
your fingers, start at the tummy button and then massage
outwards in circles in a clockwise direction.
Move your baby’s legs in a quick cycling motion
while he is lying on his back.
Give your baby extra fluids with bottles of cooled,
boiled water.
Once your baby is older, you can start introducing
more cereal (oats) and fruit or vegetable purees into
their diet. These are rich in fiber and will help
prevent baby constipation.
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