How To Relieve Constipation In Children

Constipation is common in the first few months of a child’s life. This problem is not only bothersome for the little one, but it can also get worse if you do not do something to relieve constipation in children.

If your baby has released a normal amount of stool and still shows signs of discomfort, they may be constipated. Your child may cry constantly or behave as if they are making an effort to get rid of feces.

Help them alleviate this problem. When feces remain in the colon, they become dry and hard. This can cause pain with possible bowel movements.

Colic can also occur if the child is filled with gas. Colic can be a chronic problem.

How to relieve constipation in children

This problem is directly related to the baby’s diet. It occurs especially in the first months of their life as  their body is not mature enough to defecate normally. 

At the same time, it is possible that breastfeeding does not work well for them. Take precautions  to ensure that your baby is breastfeeding properly and getting adequate milk.

If you have bottle-fed formula, make sure the formula does not interfere with their digestion. When you feed on solid foods, you are offering food that does not cause constipation in children.

It is a good idea to consult a specialist if you notice that your child has not defecated for two days. Also if their stools are very dry and hard.

But at home, we can use a few remedies to relieve constipation and the discomfort it causes.

• Pediatricians suggest adding a little more water to the formula if you bottle-feed.

• For some mothers,  massaging the baby’s abdomen and back,  as well as bending their knees, has helped with relief.

• We can also try  giving them some lukewarm water,  orange juice or prunes.
• If the problem persists, the pediatrician may suggest  changing their formula. Sometimes the baby cannot digest milk proteins, where  soy-based or other forms of formula can be helpful.
• Hot baths  can be helpful.
• Another option is to  use glycerin suppositories  if otherwise does not work. However, this should not be a regular practice.
• If the child is already eating solid foods, then  make it a habit to give them foods high in fiber. Foods like rice and carrots increase the possibility of constipation in children.

• Avoid giving laxatives without a doctor’s prescription. However, you can ask your  pediatrician to prescribe a stool softener.

Most likely, some of these simple solutions will help your baby get better. When they are four months old, they  will be much less likely to get this problem.

Keep an eye out for if the problem is chronic

After their body adapts and when the food starts to be processed properly, they will experience less and less constipation.

However, if this is a chronic problem,  it is best to visit the pediatrician. It can be worse than regular constipation if your child has other symptoms such as:

• A baby less than four months old who has not defecated for 24 hours.
• Blood in the stool.
• Lack of appetite.
• Little or no improvement after treatment.