Know about treating constipation in babies,
treatment of constipated baby and tips to cure constipation in a
child.
Treating Constipation in Babies
Babies can suffer from constipation at any point of
time in their infancy and childhood. Most of the times, it affects them
when they become dehydrated or are switched from breast milk to formula
or whole milk. Parenthood comes with its share of challenges and
treating a constipated child is amongst the most unpleasant ones. There
are several precautionary measures that you can take to help your baby
avoid the discomfort of constipation. In case he/she still gets affected
by it, then you need to treat it at the earliest. The treatment listed
below will help you in preventing constipation in a baby as well curing
your constipated baby.
Tips To Cure Constipation In Child
- Feed your baby plenty of fruits and vegetables, in addition to
breast milk, formula, or whole milk.
- Gradually increase the amount of fluids in your child's diet.
Make sure that he/she drinks plenty of water. Offer him/her diluted
juice or plain water several times a day. Increasing the amount of
fluids your child consumes can help prevent as well as ease the
problem of constipation.
- Giving prune juice to your child, every morning, can help keep
stools soft. You can also dilute the prune juice, if you want. In
case of any problem, try using apple juice as a substitute. Giving
bran cereal is also an option. However, this remedy is suitable for
older children and not infants.
- Avoid giving those foods to your child that produce harder bowel
movements, such as bananas, rice, white bread products and processed
foods. Give him/her extra servings of other fruits and vegetables
instead.
- There are several types of laxatives and stool softeners
available in the market, made especially for a baby. A powder form
of laxative can be mixed into your baby's milk and given to him/her.
However, consult your physician before giving any laxative to your
child.
- To establish a regular bowel habit in your child, make him/her
sit on the toilet seat at about the same time every day, preferably
after meals, for about 10 minutes.
- Always feed your baby a diet rich in fiber and fluids, in order
to keep his/her stools soft and moving.
- Praise your child when he/she has a bowel movement or sits on the
toilet at the planned time. However, do not reward him/her with food
items such as candies and chocolates.
- You can make your child comfortable and still on the toilet seat,
by ensuring that her feet are placed firmly on the floor or a
footstool while sitting. You can also read a story book to him/her
or let him/her listen to the radio while he/she is sitting on the
toilet seat.
If your child has chronic constipation and he/she is
not getting any better even after following the tips given above, then
it is better to consult your pediatrician, to make sure that it is not
indicative of any serious problem.
