Constipation can occur at any stage of a child’s life from formula feeds to starting solids. Babies who are exclusively breastfed are never constipated. Newborns will usually have a soiled nappy at every change. Some breastfed babies have been known to go 10 days without a bowel movement. Breastfed babies often become constipated when they begin solids.
Bottle fed babies should have their bowels open at least once a day.
How do I know my child is constipated?
A normal bowl motion can range from being loose (not watery), crudely, pasty or softy formed the consistency of tooth paste.
If baby strains when trying to pass a stool even though it may look soft, if it is of the consistency of plasticine or modeling clay, he is constipated. Extreme constipation is when the stool is hard, dry or looks like rabbit droppings.
Constipation often occurs when a foreign substance is included into a child’s diet or when they are needing more fluids. Some milk formula is more prone to constipate babies than others. These are often the ‘Gold’formulas.
How can I help my child’s constipation?
Babies on formula only:
Firstly introduce 20-30 mls of cooled boiled water after a feed or just before bed. Never add extra water to the formula.
Gently massage baby’s tummy clockwise before a feed and raise his legs up pressing them gently into his tummy then using similar pressure with alternative legs as in bicycle riding.
Nappy free tummy time.
If this doesn't help after a few days you may like to try a different formula while keeping up the extra fluids and exercises.
If baby is over two months old try diluted prune juice between feeds.
Babies on solids:
You may find that introducing cereal has constipated your baby. Eliminate cereal till bowels return to normal and include roughage such as fruit, fibrous vegetables, prune pulp. Increase his water intake. If baby doesn’t like water try diluted fruit juice 1/3 juice 2/3 water.
Toddlers with constipation:
Increase roughage and fluid intake and decrease carbohydrates and milk.
Tips: High fiber fruit and vegetables as between meal snack foods as well as water between feeds will help the body retain water and therefore reduce problems with constipation. (cooled boiled water for babies under one year old)
Remember: If constipation persist speak to your doctor. (also take a look at our Shopping Guide suggestions)
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