Being a parent is a rollercoaster of emotions, especially when you don’t have all the answers. (And let’s face it, who does?) Regardless of whether you’re a first time parent or several kids in, constipation can be an alarming prospect to deal with in young children. After all, babies can’t describe what’s wrong or where it hurts, so you may have to do a little bit of detective work.
Today we’re describing what symptoms to watch out to know if your baby is struggling with constipation, and when it’s necessary to call your pediatrician.
Does Your Baby Have Constipation Symptoms?
Constipation symptoms in newborns, babies, and toddlers is pretty similar to us as adults. Your child may experience painful bowel contractions, causing them to arch their backs, kick their legs, and make excessive noise while producing a bowel movement. If your baby is able to pass the stool, it will be hard or lumpy. Most often, babies will simply not have a bowel movement for several days and become indescribably fussy after eating. (That’s when it’s time to arm yourself with your best baby distractions, and some of the remedies we’ll outline below!)
Is Baby Constipation Normal?
We’ll let you in on a little secret: many times when parents think they’re baby must be suffering constipation, they’re not actually constipated at all.
So what’s going on here?
What many don’t realize is that it’s actually extremely common for babies to go a few days without passing stool. This is especially true for babies that are exclusively fed breast milk. This is because breast milk is highly saturated with digestible fats and proteins, meaning your baby may simply have less to get out of their system (literally). You know your baby best however— if it’s been a few days since their last bowel movement, keep an eye for signs that they’re uncomfortable or even in pain. Otherwise, a few days without poop is completely normal (and probably a blessing on your part).
It is important to note, however, that baby digestive systems are extremely underdeveloped in their first few months, and so sometimes they can be more sensitive, causing tummy aches or actual constipation.
For example, formula, though tailored as well as possible to infant tummies, can be more difficult for babies to digest than breast milk. Furthermore, some babies might react more to components of their mothers’ diet through breast milk. Therefore, sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint the exact cause of your baby’s tummy troubles, but it helps to know that it won’t last forever; pretty soon you’ll be cleaning stinky diapers once more.
The bottom line: if you think your baby has a lumpy stomach or a fever, you should contact your pediatrician in regards to a potential, though rare, bowel obstruction.
Baby Constipation Remedies
Constipation is, quite obviously, uncomfortable for babies just as it is for us. If you’re looking for ways to provide constipation relief to your young child, you can consult your pediatrician and try the following remedies.
Movement
For babies who aren’t yet mobile, a little bit of movement can be all it takes to get things going. Lie your baby on his or her back and gently hold up the ankles. Bring the legs forward towards you and then press them gently up towards the baby’s tummy; you can alternate legs or do them both at once. It helps to imagine your baby is riding a bicycle for this exercise.
You can also place your baby in a squatting position, holding them fully supported over a soft surface; this is a natural position that straightens the bowel passageway and can help stool move along more easily.
Fresh Fruit Juice or Water
Sometimes your baby might just need a little extra hydration; remember to never give infants under 4 months water or juice as it can be a major shock to their system. Most pediatricians now recommend that water and juice not be given until 6 months of age; make sure you discuss this with your child’s doctor before using this remedy. If you decide to give your child juice, blend up some fresh fruit with water and strain out the pulp— excess fiber will only bulk up your child’s stool more.
Warm Bath
While this may not physically facilitate the passage of stool, a warm bath can help alleviate some of the discomfort associated with constipation. Often, stress and tension can hinder your baby from having a bowel movement. A bath just might be calming and relaxing enough to encourage your baby to pass stool, so be prepared!
When Should You Be Concerned?
If your home attempts to help your baby don’t prevail, get in touch with your child’s pediatrician. Also remember that signs of intolerable pain, blood in the stool, fever, or abdominal distension should never be ignored. If you have questions or concerns about your baby’s colorectal health, get in touch with one of our specialists.