Your baby might go a long time between bowel movements at times. It is completely normal for your baby to go for several days without a bowel movement. However, your baby may also have constipation and need some help.
If you think your baby is constipated, the first instinct you’d have would probably be to take them to a pediatrician. However, you should consider trying some home remedies first before you get constipation medicine from a pediatrician for your baby.
Here are a few home remedies you can use as a first-line treatment for your baby’s constipation.
1. Exercise
Moving your baby’s leg can be very helpful in relieving constipation. Just like adults, movement and exercise tend to be effective in stimulating a baby’s bowels.
However, as your baby might not be crawling or walking, you’d be required to help them exercise for relieving constipation. To help your baby, move their legs gently while having them laid on their back. You have to mimic the movement of riding a bicycle. Keep moving their legs for good few minutes. This would help stimulate the bowels and provide constipation relief.
2. A Warm Bath
A warm bath can profoundly help relax your baby’s muscles and stop them from getting strained Moreover, it is also helpful in settling your baby and easing discomfort caused by constipation.
3. Dietary Change
Bringing some changes to your baby’s diet can also be a great way to get rid of constipation. However, the dietary changes usually vary depending on your baby’s diet and age.
If you breastfeed your baby, you can stop eating particular foods, such as dairy products and alcohol. Surely, it will take a series of trials and errors before you can identify certain dietary changes that can be of help. Moreover, it is also possible that the changes you make in your diet won’t have any impact on your baby’s constipation.
Furthermore, if you give formula milk to your baby, you can consider feeding them a different formula or brand. It is suggested to not switch to a dairy-free or gentle formula without talking to a pediatrician first. If the change in formula milk doesn’t make any difference, trying different formulas would be of no use.
As for babies who eat solid foods, parents can introduce fiber-rich foods and increase the baby’s water intake. Essentially, there are many vegetables and fruits that have high fiber content and are very effective in helping with constipation in babies, including:
- Skinless apples
- Whole grains
- Broccoli
- Peaches
- Plums
- Pears
4. Hydration
Infants typically don’t require supplemental liquids because they get the needed hydration from formula milk or breast milk. But if a baby is constipated, a small amount of extra water can be beneficial.
In addition to that, pediatricians also suggest adding a little amount of water or fruit juice to your baby’s diet when they are over 2 months and have constipation. Always make sure the liquids you add to your baby’s diet are boiled and cooled.
