Baby Constipation

So why do babies get constipated?

First, you must understand if your infant is indeed constipated and how to detect infant constipation. Usually the main constipation cause is switching from breast milk to formula. Breast-fed babies do not usually get constipated because breast milk is such a low residue diet. Most of the milk is absorbed by the baby and used. The stools consist of a small amount of unabsorbed protein curds and a large amount of bowel secretions, chiefly mucus.

Formula- fed babies, on the other hand, can get constipated as infant formulas are not nearly as well digested as breast milk, and leave quite a bit more residue in the colon. The young infant's colon is simply not designed for all the residue and stool bulk. The residue builds up, is dried too much, and becomes hard, pebbly stool. It is naturally difficult and uncomfortable for the baby to pass.

Most parents will take an expression of grunting and straining to be a symptom of constipation, which may not be the case. Breast fed infants do tend to save up after the first few months and poop less often, which might worry some of you. Most research I've conducted states that most of the time that parents are worried that their baby is constipated, it is because they haven't seen a poop every day from their babies, and, in fact, the baby is not really constipated, just doesn't need to go everyday. Remember that stool can stay in the colon for a very, very long time and not hurt your child.

In most cases, infant constipation can be cured with a simple alteration to your baby's diet.

Infant constipation treatment can vary by age, but here are some tips for babies of all sizes:

- Massage your baby's tummy

Put some oil or cream on your fingers and begin massagnig your baby's belly button. Work your way outwards in circles in a clockwise direction. Warning- do not continue if your baby doesn't enjoy the exercise. Baby should be relaxed and calm.

- Moving/turning your baby's legs in a cycling motion

While placed on his/her back, this exercise can be a good way to loosen the stool. This will make the stomach muscles move and put gentle pressure on the intestines to make them move.

- A warm bath

A warm bath can make your baby relax so the stools are passed more easily. Once your baby has relaxed in the bath, you can also massage their stomach (see above).

Apply apply some cream or petroleum jelly (Vaseline) around the outside of the anus when you wash your baby's bottom. Warning- don ot use a thermometer, or anything else for that matter, inside your baby's anus to stimulate movement - this can ause damage.

Check you are making formula correctly

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