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Babies are such heartwarming additions to the home, with rosy cheeks, round eyes, and those angelic smiles that are sure to melt the hearts of any adult or child.
Sometimes your lovely bundle of joy might readily transform into a red-faced, teary-eyed, screaming infant. Infants may refuse to calm down for a variety of reasons, for instance, if they are overwhelmed by too many stimuli or not enough sleep.
Then there are times where the baby spits up more often, and her belly is hard and bloated, and she red-faced strains while trying to poop. When the baby finally passes the bowel movement, the mess in the diaper is hard and lumpy like a ball of clay. If your baby has these symptoms she is most likely experiencing constipation.
So, if you are wondering what to do next, you’ve come to the right spot. Read on for our top 10 home remedies for relieving infant constipation.
Top 10 Home Remedies For Relieving Baby’s Constipation
1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
Unlike older children, infants obtain all of their nutrients and hydration solely from breast milk and baby formula. While this form of nourishment is adequate for your little ones on most occasions, sometimes they may require additional hydration to alleviate a stubborn case of constipation.
This concept is also similar to the treatment of constipation for adults. So, when you notice the first symptoms of constipation such as infrequent bowel movement or hard stool, don’t panic. Simply include additional hydration by starting with two to four ounces of water after each feeding to give your babies the hydration that they need.
2. Bring in the Fruit Juices.
Here’s another tip on how to help a constipated 2 months old baby and above; introduce fruit juices in their diet. Fruit juices contain sorbitol, a naturally-occurring sweetener that also acts as a laxative. Not only will this property prove beneficial for your baby, but it will also encourage fluid consumption in a fussy baby.
The option of delicious and stimulating fruit juices for your little ones is endless. You can experiment with their favorite flavor and try between grape, pear, apple, cheery, apple, or prune. Start with two to four ounces, twice daily, and observe for relief in your child’s symptoms.
3. Get more Fiber in the Belly.
If you are wondering how to relieve baby constipation fast, know that a rich fiber diet will be your best friend. To help a baby with constipation after starting solid foods, you can introduce high-fiber foods especially fruits and vegetables to ease their passage of stool. Think apricots, peaches, peas, beans, spinach, broccoli, or better yet, their own personal favorites. Blend them, puree them, mash them, mince them-it’s up to you creative moms and dads to help your little kiddos eat them.
4. Maybe It’s Time to Switch the Cereal?
It may not occur to you but substituting cereal with fiber-rich whole-grain cereal or bread is an excellent tip to help a baby with constipation after starting solids. Yes, rice cereal is a pantry favorite for little children’s snacks. But, temporarily or permanently switching their cereal with other forms of cooked cereal, such as oatmeal, barley or other whole grain options can improve the bulk of your baby’s stool and ultimately help them with better digestion.
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5. Formula May Be the Culprit – Switch It.
Formulas have different compositions than breast milk which makes it thicker and may contain molecules that are harder to digest than the latter. As a result, the formula may take longer to digest than breast milk and therefore, directly contributes to constipation.
Not all baby constipation is attributed to formula, however, so you can consult your pediatrician before making unnecessary adjustments to your baby’s sips. In rare cases, your child may have a milk allergy which would warrant a lactose-free formula or hypoallergenic options. That would be a great effort to help relieve constipated babies who drink formula.
6. Time for a Bath.
A warm bath helps a baby with constipation both mentally and physically. Not only does it offer a calming and therapeutic effect to alleviate the discomfort caused by constipation, but it also helps to relax their tensed abdominal and rectal muscles. With luck, maybe this trick would be a tip on how to relieve constipation in babies quickly that works best for you.
7. Get Your Baby Moving.
When adults get constipation, it is a piece of general advice to stay active which can encourage bowel movements. This applies to your baby too! However, unlike adults, they can’t walk, run or jump on the trampoline yet. But, the next best thing is for parents to help their babies exercise.
A popular exercise to alleviate a baby’s constitution is the bicycle legs where you lift their legs and mimic the movement of pedaling a bicycle as your baby is lying on their back. If your baby has started crawling, allow them to move around the house more often so they get active.
8. Massage Time.
Abdominal massage can introduce adequate pressure on your baby’s bellies and promotes digestive movements. To massage a baby’s abdomen, you can start by doing slow, gentle circles with your fingers. Switch up with some taps on their bellies and see if this helps to encourage bowel movement.
See also: Best Baby Monitors for Your Peace of Mind
9. Time to Try Glycerin Suppositories.
If all of the aforementioned home remedies fail to achieve the results that you want, it might be time to visit a local pharmacy or a grocery store to purchase glycerin suppositories. These over-the-counter treatments may help to ease bowel movement and relieve your child’s constipation. Closely follow the instructions on the package if your child is over 2 years old and consult your doctor before using it on children under 2 years old.
10. Consider a Stool Softener or Laxative.
Again, if none of the other techniques work, you may consider using over-the-counter laxatives for babies which is one of the last resorts to home remedies that help constipated 6-month-olds and above. To be safe, consult a doctor before starting any laxative for a baby under 1-year-old.
When to Talk To Your Pediatrician
As a general rule of thumb, you should always consult your pediatrician when you are feeling unsure or concerned. While most cases of baby constipation are mild and can be easily resolved by home remedies, watch out for red flags which can signal serious medical conditions. If your baby passes blood in the stool, refuses to feed, develops severe abdominal distension, or does not seem like themselves, don’t hesitate to call your doctor right away.
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