What is Infant Constipation?
Constipation in infants and constipation in children occurs when their stools become hard and dry, making it very difficult and painful for them to pass out. The reasons for infant constipation and constipation in children are different for the simple reason that their diets are entirely different.
Infant Constipation Remedy
Dilute 1 oz of the juice with 4 oz of water (or formula). Do these up to twice a day until you get a bowel movement and then decrease to every other day until the bowels seem to be functioning again? If your infant rejects the prune juice in his bottle, try diluting white grape, pear, or apple juice instead. In my experience, they are not as fast-acting as good 'ole prune juice, but they are eventually effective.
Ask her doctor about using glycerin suppositories or a water-based lubricant to help smooth the way. Do not use enemas, stimulant laxatives or mineral oil.
Another thing you can do to help battle constipation is to make sure baby is receiving enough liquids and movement. Move baby's legs by doing the "bicycle" and if baby is crawling, allow plenty of crawling and moving time. Increase "watery" fruits and veggies such as pears, peaches and prunes as well. Offering baby more water and fruit juices may help baby's constipation as well. These two liquids may be introduced to baby around 6-8months old however; these are NOT a vital and necessary part of an infant’s diet.
New Born Babies or Infants: Stimulates the sphinctors (muscles) in the rectum of the baby by inserting the tip of a thermometer into the babies’ rectum and slide it back and forth. It really works, but do it very carefully.
Children: More green vegetables, milk, raisins and fruits like papaya, orange, grapes and figs in the diet.
Do not allow children to watch TV or play indoor games, encourage them to play outdoors.
Used equal parts of fennel seed (Foeniculum officinale) and licorice root (Glycyrrhiza spp. Use cut and sifted, or c/s).
Prune juice should be given in addition to regular breast or formula feeding, not as a substitute. Though it may not seem palatable, there is no need to sweeten the juice with sugar, and you should not do so. Most babies will suck as a natural reflex and ingest some of the juice. This is one of the best Infant Constipation Remedy.
If your baby is older than 4 months and eating some solid foods, make sure to give her foods high in fiber such as prunes, plums, pears, peaches, peas, beans and apricots. These can be mixed in with a bit of cereal (not rice cereal, it will further constipate her), or eaten alone.
The easiest thing to check after diagnosing constipation in your infant is the formula you are feeding him. Did you recently switch formulas? If so, switch back (not all milk-based formulas are the same).
If your baby refuses prune juice, is less than six weeks of age, or seems to be unresponsive to the juice, sometimes obtaining a rectal temperature will stimulate a baby’s bowels. If you are unfamiliar with obtaining a rectal temperature, you should not try it until your baby’s doctor or nurse has shown you how. Also, if your baby has a higher than normal temperature, you should consult your doctor. You can also try a glycerin suppository for stimulation and softening, but check with the pharmacist about specific brands and use. Never use a laxative on a baby.
