If you notice that your baby is not able to poop properly or has difficulty in pooping, then your baby may 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. You may effectively deal with your baby’s constipation with some tried and tested home remedies.
Signs of Constipation in Babies
- Uncomfortable while passing the stools
- Hard and dry stools
- Being fussy and spitting up more often
- Pain during bowel movement
- Belly Pain and Bloating
- 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 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 the bowel movements.
8. Pears
Pears are rich in pectin and dietary fibre. Pears can be grated to extract its 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 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 the 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.
It is recommended to consult a doctor before adopting any home remedies to your baby. If your baby is not feeding properly, losing weight or passes blood in the stool, seek immediate medical help.
