If your baby is breastfed, you can try adjusting your diet. Bottle-fed babies may benefit from a different type of formula, at least until the constipation clears. Sensitivity to certain ingredients can cause constipation. Some solid foods can cause constipation, but others can also improve it. If you recently started feeding your baby solid foods, try adding a few high-fiber foods , such as:. Instead of refined cereal or puffed rice, offer cooked grains, such as barley, oats, or quinoa.
Whole-grain breads, crackers, and bran cereals also add a lot of bulk to stool, which may help clear the constipation. If your baby is over six months and has not made the transition to solid foods yet, try some of the foods listed above in their pureed form. Some are better than others at helping stimulate a bowel movement. Proper hydration is essential for regular bowel movements. Water and milk are great for keeping your baby hydrated.
Talk to your doctor before giving your baby under 6 months anything besides breast milk or formula. Movement speeds up digestion, which can help move things through the body more quickly.
Gentle stomach and lower-abdomen massages may stimulate the bowels to pass a bowel movement. Do several massages throughout the day, until your child has a bowel movement. Many of these techniques you can do at home, but if you have not used them before, you should consult your doctor.
They will want to offer you specific instructions. If your baby previously has had signs of an anal tear bright red blood in the stool after passing a hard stool, a glycerin suppository may occasionally be helpful for easing a bowel movement out of the body.
These suppositories can be purchased over the counter and used at home. Follow the instructions on the package if your child is over 2 years old or ask your doctor before using if your child is under 2 years old. Over-the-counter laxatives for babies over 6 months may be helpful when other techniques do not work. Talk to your doctor before giving any laxative to a baby under 1 year old. Your doctor will also be able to help you spot other signs and symptoms such as fever that could be an indication of a larger problem that may require medical treatment.
Motherhood is wonderful. But it can also be hard and lonely — and sometimes really scary. Ruben Ruboca walks parents through a feeding schedule for their 6-month-old who is ready for solid foods. Strawberries are a delicious and nutritious snack.
Unless you suspect an allergy, they are perfectly fine to feed to your baby. First solid foods offer a great opportunity to get your baby used to a variety of flavors. Jay L. Hoecker, M. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health. Error Email field is required.
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This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Request Appointment. Remember that laxative treatment may make your child's overflow soiling worse before it gets better. Once your child's constipation has been dealt with, it's important to stop it coming back.
A GP may advise that your child keeps taking laxatives for a while to make sure their poo stays soft enough to push out regularly. Getting constipated and soiling their clothes is not something your child is doing on purpose, so there's no reason to get cross with them. You may both find the situation stressful, but staying calm and relaxed is the best attitude to help your child deal with the problem.
Read about soiling children pooing their pants. If you'd like advice about taking the stress out of going to the toilet for your child, speak to a health visitor. Page last reviewed: 14 February Next review due: 14 February Constipation in children. Symptoms of constipation in children Your child may be constipated if: they have not done a poo at least 3 times in the last week their poo is large and hard their poo looks like "rabbit droppings" or little pellets they are straining or in pain when they poo they have some bleeding during or after having a poo, because their poo is large and hard they have a poor appetite or stomach pain that improves after they poo If your child is over 1 year old, soiled pants can be another sign of constipation, as runny poo diarrhoea may leak out around the hard, constipated poo.
Causes of constipation in children Constipation in children has many possible causes. Sometimes there's no obvious reason. Some of the possible causes include: not eating enough high-fibre foods like fruit and veg not drinking enough fluids feeling pressured or being regularly interrupted while potty or toilet training feeling worried or anxious about something — such as moving house, the arrival of a new baby, or starting nursery or school If your child is constipated they may find it painful to poo, which may mean they do not want to try to poo.
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