Learn ways to recognize, treat, and prevent constipation in infants , and when to seek a doctor's opinion.
Parenting a baby sometimes seems like a job that revolves around poop. Put food in, change diaper, repeat. Parents soon learn that the color and consistency of what goes into the diaper is one of the best barometers for measuring the health of their baby. Perhaps that's why, when the baby goes a day or two without having a bowel movement, parents worry. Time is usually the best remedy--most babies will have their parents changing dirty diapers again quickly. Babies do, however, occasionally become constipated. Happily, infant constipation is both easy to avoid and easy to treat.
Recognizing Constipation
Even babies who have regular, predictable bowel movements will have times when, without reason, they skip one or more. It is not uncommon for some babies to have several bowel movements in one day, then to have none for several days. If your baby has not had a bowel movement for a day or so, or even up to a week, try not to worry. Enjoy your break from diaper-duty.
Although it is common for babies to have spans of several days between bowel movements, constipation is also common. Constipated babies have hard, dry stools that are difficult and painful for them to pass. They may begin a bowel movement but stop before finishing, because they hurt. While babies normally grunt when having a bowel movement, crying as if in pain is not normal and is a sign of constipation.
Treating Constipation
Advice on treating constipation in infants is often conflicting. Some sources say fruits, including pears, peaches, and apricots, will help soften a baby's stools; other sources say to avoid these very same foods. Likewise, some sources say that apple juice will help soften a baby's stools, while others say that apple juice can exacerbate constipation. Use your baby as a guide. If the constipation began during the week that you added peaches to your baby's diet, then peaches probably won't help. However, if apple juice usually makes your baby's stools loose, then it makes sense to give apple juice when he or she seems constipated.
Increasing your baby's intake of fluids, especially breast milk or water, will usually alleviate constipation. Juice may help, although the sugar content in juice is high enough that it should be used sparingly. A teaspoon of light corn syrup in water may also help, and a warm, playful bath a couple of times per day may help relax the baby. Infant massage is also a good way to both relax the baby and stimulate the digestive system. Unless you have your pediatrician's blessing, do not give laxatives to a baby, and never place anything (including a suppository) in the baby's rectum.
Most of the time, a few simple dietary changes, coupled with patience, will bring your baby's bout with constipation quickly to and end. There are times, though, when you should consult a doctor. If you notice more than a trace of blood in the stool, if your baby's stools are painful to pass for more than two days, or if your baby does not have a bowel movement after three days of dietary changes, you should call your pediatrician. If your baby develops severe pain, or if pain lasts more than two hours, you should take your baby to the doctor immediately.
Preventing Constipation
A healthy diet with plenty of fiber and fluids is the best way to prevent constipation. Breast milk contains ingredients that naturally prevent constipation, and babies who are exclusively breastfeeding rarely become constipated. When introducing solids to your baby, whether breast- or formula-fed, remember to introduce only one new food at a time to see how your baby reacts. New foods sometimes cause constipation, and need to be put back on the shelf for another month or two. When feeding cereal, choose cereals with whole grains, like brown rice cereal or oatmeal cereal. Whole grains contain fiber, which promotes digestive health. Once your baby is eating solid foods regularly, be sure to offer water frequently, either from a bottle or a cup. Following these simple dietary guidelines will help your baby do his job of keeping his parents on their toes--and changing his dirty diapers.
