How to treat constipation in an infant

Constipation in Infants: Symptoms, Treatment and When to Call a Doctor

Parents often worry about their child’s constipation. But most cases are nothing serious. In fact, many babies don’t even poop regularly until around 3 months old. And it’s normal for some babies to go longer without bowel movement than others. If you notice any signs of constipation in your baby, call Little Roots Pediatrics to see if professional care is needed.

What are some signs of constipation?

Infant constipation isn’t uncommon. In fact, about 30% of infants experience some form of constipation during their first year of life. But most cases resolve without treatment. Signs a baby might have infant colic include:

• Hard or pellet-like stool
• Bowel movements that appear painful, or difficult to pass, accompanied by hard, dried stools
• Frequent bowel movements that seem to occur less frequently than normal, or fewer than three per day

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. A physical exam and possibly x-rays may help determine whether your child needs treatment.

What can i do to treat my baby’s constipation?

Infant massages like bicycling his legs gently and bringing the knees over his belly and chest can help your baby get in a position that facilitates relief.

If your baby is over 6 weeks old, under the instruction of your pediatrician, sometimes small amounts of fruit juice diluted 1:1 ratio with water can help relieve constipation. (prune juice, apple juice, pear juice).

Constipation affects one out of three children under 5 years old, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. In fact, some experts say it’s even worse than that because many parents don’t recognize the symptoms. Constipation can cause painful bowel movements, stomach pain, gas, bloating, diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration, weight loss, and failure to thrive.

The good news is that most cases of constipation go away within a few weeks without treatment. But if your child isn’t responding to home remedies, talk to your doctor. He or she might recommend probiotics, laxatives, fiber supplements, or fluids. Some doctors suggest trying different combinations of food and drinks, such as adding yogurt to milk. You could also try increasing the amount of water your baby gets each day. And remember, always check with your pediatrician before changing any medications.