Home Remedies for Baby Constipation

If you notice that your baby is not able to poop properly or has difficulty in pooping, then chances are that your baby might be suffering from constipation. Constipation may be the result of many reasons, such as a change in food habits, formula milk, or a passing illness. The good news is that constipation in babies is easily treatable with effective baby constipation home remedies. If you also want to learn about some home remedies to relieve your little one from constipation, these tried and tested home remedies may help share your load.

Video: 8 Effective Home Remedies for Constipation in Babies

Signs of Constipation in Babies

Here are some signs and symptoms of constipation in babies:

1. Uncomfortable while passing the stools
2. Hard and dry stools
3. Being fussy and spitting up more often
4. Pain during bowel movement
5. Belly Pain and Bloating
6. Blood in the stool

12 Best Natural Remedies for Constipation in Babies

Seeing your baby in pain and discomfort can be very daunting. Following are some natural remedies for constipation in babies that may prove to be fruitful:

1. Apple Juice

Just like adults, the absence of fibre may cause constipation in babies too. The presence of pectin- a water-soluble fibre in apples is very beneficial in treating constipation. You may juice an apple along with its skin and give it your baby to drink in a feeding bottle or sipper. A bottle of juice a day may help your baby to pass stool with ease.

2. Prune Juice

Prune juice is quite effective is battling with constipation in babies. Prunes are natural laxatives. Thus prune juice works wonders to ease bowel movements in babies. It may take four to five hours for the prune juice to induce a bowel movement.

3. Brown Sugar

If your baby is above one year of age, then brown sugar solution can do wonders in treating constipation. You may mix half teaspoon sugar and half an ounce of water and give this solution to your baby twice a day. It is recommended that you use palm sugar or brown sugar and not the white one.

4. Organic Coconut Oil

Organic coconut oil works really well in case your baby is suffering from infrequent bowel movements or has difficulty in passing the stool. You may add two to three millilitres of coconut oil in your baby’s food if your baby is more than six months of age. If your baby is less than six months, then you may apply coconut oil around your baby’s anus to ease the stools.

5. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are extremely beneficial in combating constipation in babies who are above 6 months of age. You may give tomato juice to your baby for smooth bowels. Boil one small tomato with one cup of water. Cool and strain the mixture. Give three to four spoons of this juice to your baby on a daily basis to avoid constipation.

6. Fennel Seeds

Fennel seeds are known for their many health benefits, and these seeds are very effective in treating digestive issues. You may boil a teaspoon of fennel seeds in a cup of water. Cool and strain the decoction and give this to your baby three to four times a day. If your baby is less than 6 months, the mother may include fennel seeds twice a day.

7. Papaya

Papaya is a rich source of fibre and is thus very effective in treating constipation. For babies who are over six months, papaya is a great remedy to battle constipation. Papaya pulp, chunks or smoothies can be given to the baby to regulate bowel movements.

8. Pears

Pear juice is one of the popular infant constipation remedies. Pears are rich in pectin and dietary fibre. Pears can be grated to extract their juice. It is best to give pear juice in a diluted form to your baby. Therefore, mix two ounces of juice with equal amounts of water and give your baby for aiding smooth bowel movements. Pears may be given to a baby after four months of age.

9. Fluids

Constipation may occur because of the dearth of adequate liquids or fluids in your baby’s diet. Therefore, if your baby is over 6 months, it is advised that you include ample fluids in your baby’s diet. Soups, fruit juices, milk and water, are some options to pep the fluid intake. Adequate amounts of liquids in your baby’s body may aid smooth bowel movements.

10. Warm Water Bath

A warm water bath is also one of the most effective remedies for newborn constipation. It is an ideal way to soothe and relax the tensed muscles. A warm bath also works well in case of constipation. Fill your baby’s bathtub with warm water and put a few spoons of baking soda. It will help the rectal muscles to open up and aid in bowel movement.

11. Massage

Tummy massages are a great way of inducing bowel movements in babies. It is recommended that you use gentle hand movements in a clockwise direction to stimulate the bowels to move to the rectal region. You may use any good baby oil for massaging.

12. Exercising

Just like adults, it is very important for babies to move around or exercise to have smooth bowel movements. If your baby is in a crawling stage, you may encourage your baby to move around in the house. If your baby is younger, then you may help your baby to exercise by moving the legs in forward-backwards motion, circular motion or pumping motion. This is one of the most effective newborn baby constipation remedies.

FAQs

1. Do Babies Eat Less When They Are Constipated?

Constipation is not a good feeling, either for babies or adults. Pain and discomfort due to bloating and constipation can make babies feed less than usual and lose their appetite.

2. Does Banana Help in Constipation in Babies?

No, bananas are good for helping babies with constipation. In fact, it is usually one of the reasons to cause constipation in babies. Instead of bananas, you can try a different baby cereal, barley, oatmeal, or plums to relieve constipation in your little baby. If you are doubtful, consulting your child’s paediatrician will be beneficial.

3. Is Gripe Water Good for Reducing Constipation?

There is a popular belief that gripe water helps with passing gas in babies and eventually reduces constipation as well. You should consult your doctor before introducing gripe water to your baby as a constipation remedy.

It is recommended to consult a doctor before adopting any home remedies for your baby. If your baby is not feeding properly, losing weight or passing blood in the stool, seek immediate medical help.

Also Read: Foods That Cause and Relieve Constipation in Babies