Constipation in infants: causes, symptoms and ways to help

Many parents face the challenge of constipation in their infants. Although it is not a topic often discussed at social gatherings, understanding the causes, symptoms and effective ways to help can significantly help young patients and their parents. In this article, we will discuss how to recognize constipation in a baby, what causes it, how long a newborn can go without having a bowel movement, and what steps you can take to help your baby in this situation.

How to recognize constipation in a baby?

Constipation in infants is a problem that can be difficult to recognize, especially for parents who are facing this challenge for the first time. Here are some symptoms that may suggest that your baby is having trouble defecating:

• Difficulty passing stools that lasts for a long time, even several days.
• Straining when trying to defecate, making characteristic sounds, abdominal cramps.
• The stool is hard and dry, not soft and almost pasty-shaped as in a healthy baby.
• Irritation and dissatisfaction in the child when trying to have a bowel movement.
• Excessive flatulence and abdominal pain.

If you notice several of these symptoms in your baby, it may indicate constipation problems.

Causes of constipation in infants

The causes of constipation in infants can be various. Here are some of the most common factors that cause this problem:

• Missing mother’s milk: Babies fed with mother’s milk are less likely to suffer from constipation because mother’s milk is easily digestible and promotes the proper functioning of the digestive system.
• Introducing solid food: Starting solid food can cause changes in your baby’s digestion, which sometimes leads to constipation.
• Lack of fluids: Babies who do not get enough fluids may have problems with bowel movements. Hydration is crucial for proper intestinal function.
• Too little exercise: Babies who spend too much time lying down or sitting may be more prone to constipation. Movement promotes the proper movement of food through the intestines.

How long can a newborn go without pooping?

This question often worries new parents. Babies are different from each other and there is great variability in the frequency of bowel movements. However, in general, breastfed babies may have a bowel movement several times a day, while formula-fed babies may do so less frequently, every few days.

If a baby does not poop for several days and has previously had regular bowel movements, this may indicate a problem with constipation. However, it is worth remembering that each child is different, and the lack of a bowel movement is not always a sign of constipation. If in doubt, consult your pediatrician.

How to help a child with constipation? what helps with constipation in babies?

If your baby has been diagnosed with constipation, there are many ways that can help provide relief for your baby. Here are some effective strategies:

• Abdominal massage: Gentle abdominal massage in a clockwise direction can help relax the intestinal muscles and make it easier to have a bowel movement.
• Regular feeding: If you are breastfeeding, make sure your baby is fed frequently and regularly to avoid long gaps between meals.
• Fluids: Make sure your baby gets enough fluids, especially if he or she is formula-fed.
• Exercise: Stimulate your baby’s movements whenever possible to help with bowel function. You can do this during care by slightly bending and stretching the baby’s legs.
• Consultation with a doctor: If constipation is chronic or very troublesome, it is worth consulting a pediatrician who may recommend appropriate treatment or diagnostics.

Home remedies for constipation in babies

There are many home remedies that can help your baby deal with constipation:

• Hot compress on the belly: Applying a warm compress to the baby’s belly can help relax the intestinal muscles.
• Use of medications: In some cases, your pediatrician may recommend the use of special laxatives appropriate to the infant’s age.
• Diet: Introducing fiber-rich foods such as pureed fruit and vegetables to your baby’s diet can help regulate bowel movements.

Your suggestions

If you have your own experiences or suggestions for dealing with constipation in babies, feel free to share them with other parents. The knowledge and support of the community can prove invaluable in difficult situations.

Recommended articles

If you want to learn more about baby health and care, we recommend you read the following articles:

• How to properly breastfeed a baby?
• Rules for introducing solid food to infants
• Symptoms and treatment of colic in infants

Constipation in infants can be a difficult experience for both the baby and its parents, but the right knowledge and remedies can help significantly. Remember that each child is different, so it is important to adapt the approach to their individual needs. If you have any doubts or concerns, always consult a doctor or pediatrician who can suggest the best solutions for your little one.