When to Worry About Your Baby’s Constipation

As a parent, your number one job is your child’s healthwellbeingUnfortunately, many new parents can feel like they are failing almost every day, but it is vital to remember two things: every new mom or dad feels that way,your child is likely fine, despite your overwhelming fears.

A common problem new babies face is developing a bowel movement scheduleBecause of the inconsistency of their movements, parents can become concerned about constipation or worseWhile a lack of appropriate nerves or structural problems can lead to constipation, cases are exceedingly rareMost constipation cases — if they really are constipation — will work themselves out, but you can help move the process along with products like wellements constipation support

The primary objective is to know when your baby is dealing with constipationif they need to go to the doctorThe remainder of this blog will address these issues in detailprovide a few home solutions for minor bathroom problems.

Table of Contents

Acknowledging the Signs of Constipation in Babies

You must understand that your infant might not always go according to a preset or understood scheduleNewbornsinfants less than one need time to develop their bowel movement scheduleHowever, there are several signs that your baby is experiencing constipationmay benefit from Wellements probiotic drops:

Swollen abdomengas
Infrequent stools
Difficulty passing stools
Liquid stool similar to diarrhea
Painful cramps
Straining more than usual
Small, hard pebble-like stools
Soft, mushy stools
Large, wide stools

Home Remedies to HelpSome to Avoid

Besides asking questions like does gripe water help constipation, many new parents want to know about ways to treat their babys’ condition at homeThankfully, as most infant constipation cases are mild, there are at least three options for home care.

First, for babies eating strained foods, parents can give them fruitsvegetablesFiber can help softenadd weight to stools, helping your baby pass them.

Second, for babies not yet eating jar foods, parents can try providing fruit juicesYou do not want to give too much because that can cause stools to become too looseInstead, give your infant two to four ounces per day of apple, prune, cherry, or pear juice.

Finally, if you feed your baby rice cerealnotice constipation signs, consider switching to oatmeal or barley cerealSome children do not digest rice cereal well.

Regardless of the method you use, never give your baby laxatives, suppositories, or enemas without first consulting your pediatricianThese treatments are only required in rare circumstancescould be potentially harmful if not used correctly.

Knowing When to Go to the Doctor

While most cases of infant constipation will resolve on their own, sometimes further medical treatment is necessaryIf you notice blood in your baby’s stool, or if the constipation does not improve, leading to abdominal painirritability, take your child to the doctor.

Keeping your baby healthyhappy is the ultimate goalUnfortunately, it also comes with worryincredible anxietyJust remember that infant constipation typically resolves itselfthat the likelihood of it being anything more severe is rare.