Baby constipation remedies begin by knowing the root cause of the problem. Constipation among babies is caused by many different reasons. Babies who are fed exclusively with their mother’s milk are less prone to constipation. Milk coming from mothers are natural laxatives and are 100% digested and absorbed. Formulated milk on the other hand tends to leave more residues inside the gastrointestinal path giving it a harder and slower time to be processed. The introduction of solid food is one of the main reasons why infants experience constipation.
There are many things that can be done regarding baby constipation remedies. Parent’s can start off by changing the baby’s eating habits and/or introduce some physical exercise. Here are some helpful tips that you could follow:
- Tummy massage – placing your hands at the baby’s navel, massage baby’s stomach outwards in a circular motion.
- Warm bath – some medical experts suggest giving the baby a warm bath to give him/her a relaxing sensation. While drying the baby try giving a tummy massage to enhance stimulation and “get things moving” again.
- Bicycle legs – place the baby on his back and hold his legs on a half bent position. Start moving the baby’s legs as if he was riding a bicycle. This exercise is not only helpful for baby constipation remedies but for babies who are gassy as well.
Babies who are younger than 4 months may be given diluted fruit juice such as grape, prune or apple-prune twice a day. Ask a pediatrician first for the appropriate food intake for your child’s age.
Juice and foods high in fiber are good for infants who have constipation. It should be given only in moderation because they are not nutritious such as formula or breast milk. Avoid also using the BRAT (bananas, rice, apple sauce, and toast) diet. Cut down on these foods to lessen and the occurrence of constipation.
Suggested foods for infants 4 months and older:
- apricots
- prunes
- peaches
- plums
- pears
- peas
- spinach
Constipation among new born babies is the least problem that a parent would want to think about. Parents who are searching for answers on baby constipation remedies ought to know that proper diet and nutrition is the key.