Location: Home
ยป
Baby Information
10/24/2008 - by Anne Marie Nielson
Baby
Constipation
It's amazing how quickly new parents become absorbed with
keeping track of how often their little one pees and poos.
While there is no "normal" number to aim for, it is a good idea
for you to be familiar with your baby's routine. Some babies
seem to fill a diaper every time you change them, while others
can spend a few days with wet diapers only, and then spend a
day emptying their bowels before repeating the pattern.
Babies do get constipated sometimes, and knowing the signs will
help you be able to give your baby relief as soon as possible.
The most obvious sign is even fewer bowel movements than is
normal for your child. Watch them to see if they are acting
uncomfortable. Alternatively, liquid stools can also be a sign
of constipation, as the liquid slips right past any blockage
that exists.
Babies get constipated from many things. If your baby eats
formula, it has been known to cause constipation sometimes.
Exclusively breastfed babies are rarely constipated. Formula,
however, can leave proteins and other bits in the bowel, which
then cause a stool that becomes dry and hard. If the brand of
formula you use is causing your baby to become constipated, you
may want to switch to a different brand.
Introducing solid food can sometimes cause a mild case of
constipation. Rice cereal, one of the earliest foods that are
introduced, can bind the stool sometimes. If the baby isn't
getting enough fluids, this can cause dehydration and compound
the problem. Some babies also develop constipation from an
illness or medical condition such as hypothyroidism, metabolic
disorders or other problem. If constipation remains a problem,
see your doctor for evaluation.
To help your baby get through constipation, give him some
exercise. If your baby is too young to crawl, lay him on his
back and move his legs back and forth in a circular pattern,
like riding a bicycle. Massaging baby's belly can help as well.
Place your fingers below baby's navel and press gently but
firmly until you feel a mass. Gentle, constant pressure can
help. Try to maintain it for about three minutes.
If you're feeding rice cereal, switch baby to oats or barley.
They contain more fiber. Another alternative would be to add
pureed vegetables or fruit to bay's cereal when they are ready
for solid foods. Foods that can cause constipation include
rice, bananas, and carrots. Fruit juice or pureed fruit can
help loosen the stool.
In severe cases, you may be told to use glycerin suppositories.
Inserting them into the rectum helps loosen the sphincter
muscle a tiny bit, and the glycerin melts and lubricates the
stool so it can come out. Other suggestions you can try include
lactulose, which is a sugar that cannot be absorbed by the
body. It will help water to combine with the dry stool for easy
passage. Consult your doctor about the proper dose. Some people
also use Karo corn syrup to achieve the same
effect.
At From Pregnancy To Baby, we try
to provide you with all of the latest information about going
through your pregnancy from your first trimester to the first
years of your new babies life. We also provide the highest
quality books and products to help you through that time.
Source: http://www.frompregnancytobaby.com/Baby-Constipation.html
| 
