Does your baby suffer from constipation? That can be very stressful. Both for your little one and for you. In this blog you can read what constipation is, how you can recognize it, what you can do to help your baby and how you can prevent constipation. Care to read on?
What exactly is constipation?
Constipation means that there is a blockage in the intestines. This means that your baby will pass stool less than three times a week and the stool is often hard and dry because it stays in the colon for too long. This may cause your baby’s poop to consist of small, loose droppings. It is quite normal for a breastfed baby to have no stool for a few days to even a week. Breast milk is easy to digest and has just the right balance of nutrients. If your baby does not pass stool every day, this not meant that he or she is suffering from constipation. A baby who is bottle-fed is slightly more likely to become constipated because baby formula is slightly less easily digestible.
What is the difference between obstipation and constipation?
You may hear different terms come up. But let’s keep it simple: obstipation and constipation both mean the same thing, namely “sluggish bowels.” The only difference is that one term is more popular in one region than the other.
How do I offer my baby constipation relief?
Does your little one seem to be suffering from constipation? So, you want to offer relief. That’s logical! There are a few things you can do to alleviate your baby’s discomfort.
- Abdominal massage: Massage your baby’s abdomen gently with your hand, in a circular motion (clockwise). Do this several times per day.
- Cycling movements: Move your baby’s legs as if cycling. This helps the intestines to become active again.
- Seek advice: Do you think medication is needed, such as a laxative? Then always contact your family doctor or a childcare clinic.
Tip: Maintain a baby diary to keep a close eye on your baby’s bowel movements. “The Wonder Weeks” app is perfect for this purpose.
What can you do to prevent constipation?
Every person’s bowel movements are unique, both in babies and in adults. Preventing constipation is unfortunately not always possible. The most important thing is to pay close attention to your baby: Does your baby appear to be in pain when passing stool? Then you can try to provide relief. It’s normal for a diaper to fill up, but with visible discomfort, it’s important to help your little one.
When do I go to the doctor with my baby's constipation complaints?
Although constipation often goes away on its own, there are times when you should contact a doctor. For example, if your baby:
- suffers from abdominal pain or vomiting
- has pain when pass stool
- has blood leaking from the anus
- has a fever, loses weight or is no longer hungry.
In case of doubt, always contact your family doctor. Keeping a baby diary with notes about the complaints is really useful in this regard.
