Home Remedies for Infant Constipation

Constipation in infants is a common problem. However, it is important to identify the nature of the problem. Some children may not have bowel movements everyday and this is perfectly normal. As long as children do not experience difficulties during bowel movements it is considered normal. Most infants afflicted with constipation suffer from dietary allergies. The digestive tract normally functions better when it is supplied with a high fiber diet that consists of fresh vegetables and fruits, lots of beans and whole grains. Children may also suffer from constipation after being toilet trained on account of the changes they are undergoing physically. Children may have a lot of difficulty in getting used to toilet training and this may impact their bowel movements. Constipation in this case may manifest as a physical resistance to a training process. There are however, several ways to treat constipation in infants. One of the simplest home remedies for infant constipation is to give them glycerin suppositories. These suppositories help grease and stimulate the rectum to make bowel movements easier. Use suppositories sparingly as your child may develop a dependence on them.

It is however, important to note that constipation in infants may warrant medical intervention in serious cases. If your child has not had bowel movements in over three days then you should take him/her to the doctor for a routine check. Your child’s constipation could be a sign of a blockage in the intestine. If you have observed that your child has a distended belly and is passing blood along with stool, then you should consult a doctor immediately. If your child appears to be withholding his bowel movements or resisting them, or has accidental bowel movements when he is not sitting on the pot, it may be a sign of more serious problems and you should contact you doctor immediately.

A thermometer may help stimulate the rectum and relieve symptoms of constipation in infants. You can insert an approved rectal thermometer, lubricated appropriately, about an inch and a half into your infant’s rectum. This may help induce bowel movements and relieve constipation. You can try to feed you infant a sweet formula to help induce bowel movements. Prepare a sweet formula at home using a teaspoon of Karo syrup and eight ounces of formula. This formula will help draw water into the bowel and ensures the easy passage of stools. Allow your child to snack in between meals on some high fiber foods like celery and carrots to help induce bowel movements.