Constipation in babies is defined as a condition in which there is difficulty in passing stool, resulting in hard, dry feces.
What Causes Constipation In Babies?
There are a few possible causes.
- Breastfed babies are used to only breast milk which is very easy to digest. When baby starts solid food suddenly, the digestive system takes time to adjust. It usually gets better in a few days.
- Lack of proper fluid and fiber in the diet.
- Vegetables or fruits rich in iron might cause constipation in babies.
What Are The Symptoms Of Constipation In Babies?
- Infrequent bowel movements
- Hard stools
- Irritability
- Excessive gas
- Tummy ache
What Should Be Done For Constipation In Babies ?
- Give them luke warm water at regular intervals. This will help relieve their constipation.
- Water boiled with cumin seeds or Ajwain seeds is a good remedy for relieving gas and constipation in babies.
- Soak 10-12 washed raisins in a half cup hot water and let them soak for 4-5 hours. Once soaked, blend and strain so only the liquid remains. Be sure to remove the pith. You can give this to your baby with a spoon.
- Fruits are natural laxatives and according to their age, you can make a puree or give pieces of fruit. Papayas, bananas and prunes soaked overnight in water are good soft fruits tot try.
- Give baby whole grain foods and fiber rich foods. Avoid white bread and other refined foods.
- Sitting your baby in luke warm water can give the action of a sitz bath. This may help relieve constipation.
It is common knowledge that active people have better digestion and suffer less from constipation. This holds true for babies too. Make sure infants get tummy time. A simple bicycling exercise for older babies might help too.
Reclined Bicycling Exercise
Place the baby on their back and rotate both legs in a circular motion. Alternate bending and rotating their legs in a bicycling motion. This exercise also helps relieve gas.
Oil massage in a circular pattern on the stomach can help relieve constipation.
Constipation in babies is usually a temporary condition which gets better within a few days with the introduction of water and fiber. If the constipation continues for more than 3-4 days or if it happens regularly, you should mention it to your baby’s doctor.
About the Author
Arya Krishna is an Ayurvedic Practitioner, educator, and speaker. She completed her Bachelors in Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) from Amrita School of Ayurveda, Kerala, India. She is registered as an Ayurveda doctor (Reg No: 14664) under the Indian Medical Council. She received a Fellowship in Orthopedic Rehabilitation from Apollo group of Institutions, Hyderabad. An editor with the International Ayurvedic Medical Journal, she previously served as the associate editor of the American Ayurvedic Journal of Health. Before moving to the US in 2015, she was Resident Medical Officer (Ayurveda) in AyurVAID hospital, Bangalore and has knowledge and experience in precision and evidence-based Ayurveda. She was an Ayurveda Domain expert with Health Connect 24 – a unique platform to bring together Ayurveda, Yoga and swadeshi. She is efficient in performing all Panchakarma procedures (purification therapies) and has knowledge of Marma Therapy. Other areas of expertise include Ayurveda diet and lifestyle, women’s health, and rasayana (rejuvenation). She works for the promotion and propagation of Ayurveda by offering lectures, webinars and contributing to various journals. She is a resource person for the Council of Ayurveda Research (CAR) and is an Ayurvedic blogger with Mother Earth Living. Currently, she is residing in Danville, Pennsylvania and is listed as a BAMS doctor with AAPNA (Association of Ayurveda Practitioners of North America). She is an Ayurveda Consultant and Educational coordinator with Be Mind Body Skin, New Jersey and Subject Matter Expert at At Home with Ayurveda, UK.
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