Constipation Relief for Infants

There are a number of things you can do to provide constipation relief for infants. Basic changes to an infant's diet can have major results in constipation relief. Other options such as changing formulas and giving your infant a warm bath may help alleviate any discomfort caused by the constipation and prevent further bowel movement problems.

Function

• An infant's colon works to balance and maintain fluid and water within the body. The colon removes water from stool and causes stool elimination. If the stool remains in the colon for too long, too much water and moisture will be removed, causing dry, hard stool and constipated bowel movements.

Identification

• Infants who are suffering from constipation will have hard, dry, pebble-like stool.

Effects

• Infants who are constipated will usually grunt, groan and strain to pass bowel movements. Constipation can be painful and irritating for infants.

Misconceptions

• Infants who are breastfed do not usually get constipated, because the body easily uses and digests breast milk.

Prevention/Solution

• The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests that parents of infants who are at least 2 months old and suffering from constipation should increase fruit juice such as apple and pear juice intake to at least twice a day and try switching to a soy formula. For babies over 4 months old, constipation relief includes eating high-fiber content food twice a day, including cereals, prunes, peaches, peas, spinach and strained apples and bananas. Try giving your infant a warm bath and massaging their stomach to relieve pain from constipation (see Resources below).

Warning

• Do not administer suppositories or enemas on an infant without consulting your pediatrician. If your infant seems to be in severe pain or if constipation does not go away, consult your pediatrician immediately.