Answers to your questions regardingconstipationand tummy tightness in infants
The content and type of materials in an infant’s diaper continuously change, but if your baby’s tummy has not worked or has worked very tightly for a while, this may indicate constipation. In this section fromSelMagzwe will discuss the causes and home remedies for constipation in infants.
How does constipation in infants occur and what are its symptoms?
Constipation is characterized by hard or delayed bowel movements for at least two weeks. Although the symptoms of constipation in infants differ from those in adults, we will mention the signs of constipation in infants here:
1. Not passing stool for several days
2. The child strains for about 10 minutes daily, turning red, which indicates an effort to push.
3. The stool is very hard and pellet-like.
4. The tummy swells slightly, and it’s not easy to touch.
5. Severe constipation can also lead to symptoms like fecal incontinence, where small amounts of liquid appear with the stool in the diaper or underwear.
6. Crying during bowel movements indicates pain.
When should we see a doctor?
– When noticingblood in the stoolor dark red indicating clotted blood.
– Constant gas when trying to pass stool.
– Redness and inflammation at the child’s anus.
– Fever and vomiting in the child, not eating,losing weight, appearing weak and unhealthy.
If a child suffers from chronic constipation, they will definitely show signs of difficulty in passing stools. Since the frequency of bowel movements in infants varies, diagnosing constipation can be a bit challenging. However, if you pay attention to these instances in your child, you can help with diagnosis.
What is the normal frequency of bowel movements in infants?
– Infants from 0 to 6 months (breastfed): Usually once after each feeding, at least twice a day, and sometimes only once every five to six days.
Signs of constipation in these infants: hard, pellet-like stool.
– Infants aged 6 to 12 months: At least once a day or once every two days.
Signs of constipation in these infants: stool less than twice a week.
In the previous article on constipation in infants under one year published by SelMagz, it was mentioned that constipation in the first month of birth indicates that the infant is not getting enough milk, and sometimes infants may consume a lot of milk but have little output, which could imply their bodies are absorbing it highly.
What causes constipation in children? What is the reason?
A child may experience constipation for the following reasons:
1. Change in formula: If there is a sudden change in the type of milk the child receives, it may lead to constipation as digestion becomes disrupted.
2. Inadequate diet: If the infant does not consume enough milk, their stool may be hard and infrequent.
3. Dehydration: Lack of water in the body decreases the ability to pass stool.
4. Fiber deficiency: Lack of fiber in solid foods can cause the baby’s stool to harden.
5. Gastrointestinal infection: Constipation might indicate a gastrointestinal infection causing the stool to harden andblood clottingin the infant.
6. Serious chronic disease: Constipation can also indicate a serious chronic disease in the infant, with conditions like cystic fibrosis,diabetesandhyperthyroidismbeing some of them.
How is constipation in infants diagnosed?
A doctor can diagnose constipation in infants by performing the following steps:
1. Understanding the infant’s bowel patterns: The caregiver relies on information provided by parents and asks questions about dietary patterns, solid stool output, and symptoms.
2. Physical examination: Checking the child’s anus and tummy for any abnormalities.
3. Abdominal X-ray.
How is constipation in infants treated?
1. Dietary changes: If your child is over 6 months old, the doctor may suggest incorporating foods high in fiber and sufficient water into their diet.
2. Use of glycerin suppositories: A glycerinsuppositoryis a capsule placed in the child’s rectum that dissolves in the body and facilitates stool passage.
What are home remedies for infant constipation?
– Increasing breastfeeding frequency: If the cause of the child’s constipation is not getting enough milk, increasing breastfeeding can help treat it.
– Trying a new formula: If the child is on formula, changing the brand could be beneficial because trying different types shows the child’s adaptability to one kind of milk.infant formulacan show the child’s adaptability to one type of milk.
– Offering fruit juice: If your infant is over 6 months, you can give them 118 milliliters of fruit juice (only the type recommended by the specialist) to improve their constipation. Juices likepearand prunes are very effective.
– Using oats: Instead of rice cereal, use oatmeal cereals, which are high in fiber and help facilitate stool passage in infants.
– Consuming high-fiber fruits and vegetables: If the child becomes constipated again after just one bowel movement, it indicates that they are not getting enough fiber. High-fiber fruits and vegetables significantly reduce constipation.
Suitable vegetables for relieving constipation: Roots of vegetables likebeetroot,carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, legumes,beansand spinach.
Fruits: Raspberries,strawberries,apples with skin, mango, sapodilla,oranges, peaches, kiwi, pears, and avocados.Dried fruits: Dates, figs, pears, and raisins.
Sports and
massage therapies:1. Clockwise tummy massage: Lay the child on their stomach and hold your hand over their navel for 30 seconds, which warms the child’s muscles; massage their belly clockwise. Use three of your fingers with some space between them and pay attention to the child’s face and body language; if you notice they resist or are uncomfortable with the massage, stop.2. Bicycle leg movements: Lay the child on their back and gently lift their legs, cycling them. Repeat this move for 30 seconds and then again after a 5-second pause.
3. Crawling: If your child is old enough to crawl on the floor, encourage them to do so. Crawling is one of the best activities for infants to improve their belly condition.
Causes of tummy tightness in infants
Treatment for tummy tightness in infants
