How to help a constipated baby nhs?
Constipation in infants can be a worrisome experience for both parents and the baby. Fortunately, there are many ways you can help ease constipation for your little one. In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best methods that the National Health Service recommends using natural language and even funny tones of voice – after all, laughter is the best medicine!
Understanding Constipation in Babies
Before we jump into remedies, it’s essential to know what constitutes constipation in babies. Many expectant mothers painstakingly diarize their offspring from nausea to labour pains; however, few discuss what follows: bowel movements.
Constipated babies may struggle or have difficulty producing stools less often than usual or pass hard poos with straining accompanied by grunting noises (yes, they don’t always come out silently) . Infants younger than four months may defecate more frequently every day so that up to twelve motions are average infant poop rates daily (that’s overactive!) .
Babies’ guts expand as they intake food; thus larger stools imply waste has accumulated and needs release through frequent diaper changes (now you see how important learning nappies should be during antenatal classes). Sometimes foods like carrots or bananas can cause constipation as well since these formulations contain binding fibres that delay stool coming out quickly enough.
What Causes Infant Constipation?
Various factors lead infants into experiencing infrequent streaming of faecal matter through their alimentary tract system ranging from underfeeding/overfeeding animals–to name but a few culprits (I guess newbies would blame these on diapers’ inefficiency) . Here are some factors likely responsible:
Insufficient Water Intake
Most times not allowing Flabébé enough water overtime results in its faecal matters drying up increasing chances of blockage if left unattended continuously.
Formula Milk
Formulae by nature don’t have the same compliment of nutrition present in human milk. They can cause harder, firmer stools that are more challenging to pass.
Feeding Errors
Some nursing mothers may wrongly believe it’s OK for an infant to skip meals or only let infants eat breastmilk alone without supplementing with pureed veggies (all these inventions!) . However, the body still needs varied and nutritious food sources until they can source sustenance from more comprehensive approaches.
Methods of Remedies
No parent wants their baby in pain or discomfort – which is why it’s important to know how to ease constipation when you spot signs of discomfort. Here are some methods recommended by medical professionals:
Tummy Massage
Using your hands gently massage your little one’s stomach region which on occasion may help release gases stuck hindering waste material expulsion.
Exercise
Infants love exercises! A bit of leg action like pushing and bending them back-or-forth could assist bowel movements (yep start going gym again parents) .
Liquid Intake Increase
If experiencing constipation perhaps increase hydration through adding a few ounces more than typical liquid intake which sometimes work as lubrication upon stored faecal matters loosening them up enough for disposal.
Dietary Changes
If using formula feeds try blending in some vegetable oils such as sunflower oil–which acts as smooth agents inducing smoother bowel movement productions. Buttermilk (Yoghurt) has also been suggested to produce desirable results since its probiotics components colonize babies’ systems helping break down solidified matter facilitating poo coming out regularly (I mean who wouldn’t want regular poos with bacterial colonization?)
Outlook
Constipation should not be ignored because excessive amounts of compacted stool can eventually prove harmful if left unchecked so always monitor immobile Faeries’ poop rates ensuring timely checks ensue interventions once discovered. Hopefully applying some of these methods will help your little one move more comfortably in the future. Remember always seek professional pediatric assistance when experiencing prolonged constipation episodes or difficulty trying to relieve it.