For new parents, handling baby constipation can be a difficult problem to deal with. Many children struggle with this problem as their digestive systems are still in a formative stage. However, children lack the knowledge necessary to handle these issues on their own. You need to inform yourself as to what can be done in order to help them out.
Some essential remedies and advice on how to deal with baby constipation will help you sort out this problem quickly and cleanly. Naturally, you need to have reliable information on this topic in order to prevent your child from being harmed or made unnecessarily uncomfortable.
Let’s look at five effective home remedies that will allow you to easily manage your baby’s constipation.
Increase Fluids
Bumping up the amount of non-dairy fluid that your baby consumes each day will help them to better manage a case of constipation. Constipation is generally caused by inadequate water consumption; therefore, simply adding fluids to their diet in greater quantities may be enough to solve this issue for good.
Boost Fibre
For children and adults alike, consuming enough fibre is essential for avoiding and improving issues with constipation. High-quality fruits and vegetables are fantastic sources of natural dietary fibre. If your baby is starting to eat some solid foods, then feeding them some delicious veggies or fruits is a good way to increase their fibre. However, if they cannot yet handle solid food, then consider finding an infant formula with higher fibre content, if constipation seems to be a persistent issue with your child.
Start Moving
Sometimes constipation can be caused by a lack of physical activity. Even if your baby is not yet walking, it is important they move adequately throughout the day, for many reasons. Make sure to play with your child in order to get their bodies moving in new and dynamic ways. This will help to ensure that their muscles and bones develop properly but will also help to work out some issues with constipation.
Parents can also gently massage the abdominal area of their baby’s belly in order to try to get things moving. However, this needs to be done with care to avoid harming your child or causing them unnecessary discomfort.
Use Laxatives With Extreme Caution
Laxatives are an appropriate solution for adults with constipation, but they should not generally be used for infants. Young bodies may not tolerate the side effects of these medications easily. For this reason, you should try natural remedies first before even considering using a laxative with your young child.
In some cases, and under the orders of a doctor, a laxative can be effective in reducing your child’s symptoms of constipation. However, always ask a medical professional first.
Consult With A Physician
If your child does not seem to improve with the use of any of these remedies, then it is important that you consult a physician with your concerns as soon as possible. Many children have issues with constipation, and this issue is a common one. Your doctor will be able to direct you on the most effective ways of solving and preventing this problem. If necessary, they may also be able to intervene and help you with the issue in their office.
For more serious cases of constipation, tests may be required in order for your doctor to better understand what is going on. Blood tests and X-rays will paint a complete picture as to whether your child’s constipation is normal or is being caused by a more serious medical condition.